During finals week, quiet hours are after 10 p.m., but there is one notable exception — at exactly midnight, students fling their residence hall windows open or gather outside to release the pent-up stress of finals week in a campus-wide scream. 

For this semester’s midnight scream, JaTasia Powers, a journalism senior, returned to campus to capture the midnight scream tradition and to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of MSU’s loudest and most cherished traditions. 

For some, the screams may disrupt their precious eight hours of sleep — or four, if it’s finals week — but for others, it’s a much-needed break during those late-night study sessions. For those who don’t know about the tradition, the blood-curdling screams echoing from next door might be startling, even concerning. But don't worry, It's just the beloved tradition of the midnight scream. 

For more than three decades, Michigan State University students have embraced this tradition, letting out their frustrations, anxiety and exhaustion with one whole minute of collective yells echoing all across campus. 

I’ve participated in the midnight scream since my freshman year, and now as a senior graduating in May, I find myself reflecting on those memorable moments. It's amazing how something as simple as a scream can bring such unexpected relief and a sense of solidarity with my fellow Spartans. 

How to participate in the midnight scream

Here's how it works. You have to be on campus, find your favorite or most memorable spot. I suggest being situated by 11:55 p.m. because once the clock strikes midnight, it's time to let loose. 

You have one full minute to make as much noise as you want. Scream, yell or do whatever helps you release all that tension. 

And then at 12:01 a.m., it's back to business. You can return to whatever you were doing — studying, relaxing, or, if you're anything like me, heading straight to bed to ensure I get my eight hours. 

Different ways Spartans participate

As this is my second year living off-campus, I have not participated in the midnight scream in a while. But driving to campus to record the scream this week, I noticed things I’d never paid attention to when I used to scream from my residence hall window. 

For one, I realized that I wasn't the only one making my way to campus for the scream. I noticed some other students parking their cars and heading out right before midnight to participate.

I also noticed all the different ways students experience the midnight scream. 

Some stood outside with friends, laughing, and waiting for the clock to strike midnight so they would scream together. Others opened their windows or stepped into the stairwells, careful not to wake sleeping roommates. 

Inside Brody Square, some students weren't even watching the clock until they heard the first scream. Then, like clockwork, they rushed outside to join their fellow Spartans. 

A walk down memory lane 

Watching all of this reminded me of how different finals felt for me as a freshman. Back then, I was just figuring out how to navigate my finals week, fumbling through late-night study sessions and 11:59 deadlines. 

The first time I participated in the midnight scream I had just discovered I mixed up some dates, and I realized I had a huge final paper due the next day. I honestly didn’t think I would find myself participating in the scream, but that night it was just what I needed. I screamed every night that week, but I particularly remember the last night. I couldn't stop thinking about how far graduation felt, it seemed like an eternity away. 

Walking around Brody this week, the place I called my home for two years, I couldn't help but chuckle at my freshman self. Those four years flew by faster than I ever imagined. Now, instead of screaming out of worry about how far graduation feels. I scream in disbelief at how close it is. 

More than a tradition

The midnight scream is more than just a finals tradition, it's a shared moment of connection and release, a collective reminder that no Spartan is alone in the chaos of finals week. 

I find myself cherishing these traditions even more, knowing they’ve been a constant throughout my journey at MSU. The midnight scream has seen me through late-night cramming, moments of doubt and unexpected joy. 

When I scream this year, it won't be just about finals, it will be a celebration of everything these years have meant to me and a way to hold on to the final moments I have left. Soon, I save one last scream, knowing it's part of the bittersweet goodbye to a chapter I'll never forget. 

So, to every Spartan gearing up for finals: take a break and scream your heart out. You’ll feel better, trust me, and who knows, those midnight yells might just become some of your cherished college memories.