Stressed students at this US university get a 'cry closet'
Plush stuffed animals are provided too. Source: Anastasia Dulgier on Unsplash

Have you ever felt stressed preparing for exams? Think that letting the emotions flow out of you will do a lot of good?

If you happen to be a student at the University of Utah, you’re in luck.

The public university’s library has installed a “Cry Closet” for “stressed out students,” according to a statement on the closet’s door, USA Today reported.

“The space is meant to provide a place for students studying for finals to take a short 10-minute break.”

https://twitter.com/aJackieLarsen/status/988820882717003776

The woodshop project is by senior Nemo Miller, in collaboration with Tony Miller and David Meyer.

Installed on Sunday, it has a black interior and contains plush stuffed animals. To use the closet, students must abide by the rules: Knock before entering; Admitting only one person at any one time; Limit use to 10 minutes; Turning the lights off before leaving.

“One aspect of humanity that I am currently exploring is connections and missed connections through communication,” Nemo said in a statement.

“It’s been interesting to watch the response to this piece about human emotions, and I’m proud to see the power of art in action.”

According to the school’s website, several support services are provided for different students’ needs, ranging from help for disabled students to providing childcare support for students with families.

For international students, the Center for Ethnic Student Affairs (CESA) provides campus orientation, regular interactions with faculty and staff of color, mentorship and academic advising to make CESA an inclusive and safe space for everyone.

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