Set up a quick art area for students to unleash their creative juices without using their brains. Art is good for relaxation and entertainment. Offer splatter paints, finger paints, magic markers and lots of paper. Allow students to complete small works of art in between study groups and trips to the coffee shop.
Set up 10-minute sports games. Allow students to release their nervous energy after sitting for hours in front of computers and books. Quick dodge ball games can do wonders for stressed students, as can games of Frisbee or laser tag.
Provide a breakfast buffet complete with caffeine-fueled coffee throughout finals week. Breakfast does not even have to take place at the breakfast hour, but can be available in the middle of the night in dormitories. Play music or have a TV nearby so students can relax, chat or catch a few minutes of a comedy. Keep tables and desks away from the breakfast buffet to prevent students from studying when they should be taking a break.
Set up a library dance party. Although a majority of students will want to huddle down in their cubicles and study for hours on end, everyone needs to stretch their legs and get their blood flowing. For five minutes every few hours, have music play and encourage students to get up and dance. Do a conga line or country line dancing to encourage student participation. Make sure students understand that the remainder of the time should be spent quietly.
Create a place for laughter and fun. Set up a stage somewhere on campus with a microphone and karaoke machine. Invite students to sing their favorite tune, tell jokes on the microphone, or perform magic tricks. As students walk from one study group to the next, they can get a boost of adrenaline by performing or watching fellow students perform.