Exonians React to “Hell Weeks”

By JAYDEN OH, JANIBEK SUBKHANBERDIN, HENRY WISE, and ANDREW YANG

A core time period at Exeter is the two week stretch between the end of Thanksgiving break and the start of Christmas break. For a plethora of reasons, Exonians have come to label that interval as “Hell Weeks.” However, Exeter’s opinion on the topic isn’t so consistent, with the description coming under question and rejection from many students. 

For many lowerclassmen, the buildup to Hell Weeks is marred by stories of struggle. Lower Alex Ren commented on his first impression of Hell Weeks from last year, “I was told it was pretty tough by some of the upperclassmen in my dorm last year.”

Ren’s sentiment was reflected by many other students on campus. For one, lower Logan Liu added, “I had heard a lot about how bad Hell Weeks were.”

Lower Sophia Xue added, “When prep fall was ending and there was no more pass-fail, I heard people in my grade and upperclassmen talk about Hell Weeks. It made me really nervous.”

Those stories, however, have often contrasted the true experiences of many Exonians. For some, Hell Weeks have actually been easier than regular school time.  

“They’ve been going great. I’ve had a lot of free time so far, and I’d rather call them ‘Heaven Weeks’ instead of ‘Hell’ because I feel like they haven’t been that bad,” commented prep Richard Byun. “I’ve been able to get a lot of my work done with minimal exams while maintaining my extracurriculars and things of that nature.” 

Ren added, “I don’t see any difference from a normal two weeks. I don’t think it deserves the title.” 

Xue echoed that sentiment: “I think Hell Weeks are a bit overhyped because I feel like the workload is the same as any other two weeks, but it’s the mindset that students put themselves in that makes these weeks more difficult.”

“I didn’t realize it existed until the end of Hell Weeks last year, so I didn’t feel anything,” shared lower Minghan Zou.

However, other students reflected the opposite opinion, declaring that Hell Weeks deserves its title. Upper Asha Masoudi elaborated on an important point that had been raised previously: that the period intensifies over the course of one’s time at Exeter. “Prep year, it wasn’t so bad, but lower year it was a little bit more [challenging].” She continued, explaining that the more challenging courses that come with upper year have led to 2024 proving particularly difficult.

Liu offered a similar opinion, reflecting on the changes in his experience from prep to lower year: “Last year, I thought Hell Weeks were a lot easier, but Hell Weeks have been a lot more difficult this year. I actually have five major assessments this week.”

Zou added, “I have a major essay due this Friday, so I’m kind of stressed over that. I have a couple other major assessments as well.”

Masoudi described her upper Hell Weeks experience as such: “For me, what’s made it hell this year is the fact that the day before break, I have a biology test and a history paper due.” She continued, “I just feel really overworked. I feel like my teachers have been assigning a lot of homework and while it is  doable, it’s not doable without sacrificing a lot of my social time and sleep time. So it’s hard to get it done and not fall asleep in class.”

In addition to the heavy workload, students also described how early December sunsets make these two weeks particularly challenging. Xue described the effect that they’ve had on her, “With sunsets at four, I get really tired and sleepy, and I just want to go to bed. But I still have to do my work, so I have to fight through that.”

Another factor raised by students in what makes the time period so hellish is its timing. Zou explained, “I’m pressured to do well because if I don’t, I’ll have to live with it during the break.” 

However, the reward of Christmas break also serves as a sort of “light at the end of the tunnel” for students. “Next week I have a few tests, quizzes, and writing, but after that I’m just excited to go on break,” Xue said.

Prep Lucas Sanson echoed that excitement, saying, “There’s the anticipation for break and you’re excited to leave, and that’s hard.”

Whether or not you believe Hell Weeks live up to the name, what is most important is to take care of yourselves and others during a time period that, for many, is rife with burnout and stress. In particular, as the time period coincides with the dates for certain college decisions, being mindful of the added pressure on seniors is key. 

Masoudi offered an inspiring message for all who have been going through it over the past couple of weeks. “Hell Weeks are hell, but take care of yourself.”