Above: Students play putt-putt in the Cistern Yard during Cougar Countdown in April 2021.


Final exams are synonymous with long, exhausting nights of studying on most college campuses. But at the College of Charleston students have plenty of opportunities to chill out, relax and re-center themselves during final exams – even when they are burning the midnight oil. In fact, with Cougar Countdown, the College crams so many restorative, stress-reducing activities into the end of the semester, cramming for finals never felt so good!

finals fun park december 2021

That’s because, at the College, Cougar Countdown, which kicks off Dec. 6, 2021, supports students’ minds, bodies and spirits during the last days of each semester and final exams through a variety of activities that help them both prepare for exams and get some much-needed relaxation. Final exams for the fall 2021 semester take place Dec. 8-13.

Organized by partner offices in the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Cougar Countdown provides tips and suggestions on its webpage about planning for exams, studying and managing stress as well as supplying a list of study locations for students to get the peace and quiet they need.

pop-up pop-tart cougar countdownAnd Cougar Countdown offers students a mixture of academic, physical and emotional support programs from offices and departments across campus.

Running Dec. 6–11, this year’s Cougar Countdown includes everything from guided meditation and therapy dogs to cornhole and putt-putt under the Cistern Yard oaks to a giant jigsaw puzzle, holiday craft making and pop-tart pop-up. Students must register for some activities, including:

Below is the full schedule of events:

Cougar Countdown Calendar December 2021