Puppies, ice cream, and free stuff are proven stress relief strategies at the College of Charleston. Spring semester final exams start on April 26, 2014, which means Cougar Countdown, the College’s stress-relief campaign, kicks off on April 25.

Cougar Countdown, fall 2012

Cougar Countdown, fall 2012

This semester’s kick-off event is Chill on the Green, an ice cream party for 500 (and it’s free, of course). It is happening from 6 until 9 p.m. on Rivers Green.

RELATED: View the full Cougar Countdown schedule.

Students are also invited to Pizza with the Prez! on Sunday, April 27 at 10 p.m. Students will join President George Benson for free pizza on Rivers Green, under brand new lighting that makes the space more accessible in the evening.

One of the most popular events is Pets for Less Stress, which brings puppies and dogs to Rivers Green for students to play with. The event returns for the third time on April 29 from noon until 3 p.m.

This semester, the Charleston community is getting involved, with locally-owned Persimmon Café offering a snack break for students on April 28 at 1 p.m., also on Rivers Green.