Get Reading Week ready with these supports and resources

Reading Week is the perfect time to regroup and recharge after a busy start to the new semester. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed and isolated during this time, whether it’s because of school, life or anything in between. We’re here to help. Check out these resources available to help you with your schoolwork and well-being.

Make the Most of Your Week

We don't know about you, but it feels like the term is flying by fast. Before we jump into how to effectively study and read during reading week, we hope you have plenty of time to relax and reflect on your first few weeks of the term this break. Here are some tips for making the most of your reading week. 

Rest, Relax and Rejuvenate

Binge-watching some tv, hanging out with family and friends, and catching up on sleep are a must. Take advantage of this time to rest up and prepare to crush the rest of the term. But don't forget to do some reading.

Reflect on Your Progress

What courses are you enjoying and what courses need extra work? What study strategies are working for you and how can you improve? What are your goals for the rest of the term? 

Get Organized! 

Review your course outlines and map out everything you want to accomplish by the end of the week. Set some daily goals and be sure to hold yourself accountable. 

Create a Schedule

And stick to it! Be sure to make the most of the extra hours you gain from not having classes to catch up, get ahead and enjoy some downtime. 

Know Your Supports

Plan out how and when you'd like to connect with math and stats, study skills and/or writing support after the break by booking appointments and/or registering for workshops. 

Study Tips

Check out the Golden Guide to a Successful Semester article for tips on optimizing your study time by:

• Setting up your space
• Avoiding distractions and procrastination
• Sticking to a routine
• Focusing your time (using the Pomodoro Technique, for instance)
• Balancing productivity and self care

On-Campus Study Spaces

Study spaces are available to support your needs.

Supports and Resources

Student Success Services

Connect with Student Success services to find help in the following areas: study skills, writing support, and math and course support. One-on-one appointments, drop-in support and workshops are available. Register on the Student Success Portal.

Study Skills

Undergraduate students can connect with professional staff and trained peer mentors to help improve their study skills, including note-taking and content review strategies. Check out these printable resources and videos.

Writing Support

Writing Services supports undergraduate and graduate students in improving their writing skills.

Math and Stats Support

The Mathematics and Course Support team is available to support undergraduate students needing support in courses with a quantitative component, from formulas and statistics to computer coding and algebra. 

ASPIRE for Graduate Students

ASPIRE offers skills training and professionalization for graduate students. The training includes lectures, workshops, group work and one-on-one consultations to help support your professional development throughout your time at Laurier, focusing on the five pillars: career, teaching, professional, research and wellness.

Career Centre Workshops

The Career Centre offers a range of workshops on topics such as career planning, job search preparation, further education and more, along with career panels and networking events throughout the year. Visit the Career Centre’s calendar on Navigator for current offerings.

Health and Wellness Supports

Laurier’s Student Wellness Centres

The Student Wellness Centres are offering in-person and phone appointments. Please call your campus wellness centre to make an appointment with a physician, nurse, mental health nurse or counsellor.

Wellness Workshops

Coping with anxiety, food and your mood, resiliency and self-compassion are just some of the topics covered in these Wellness Education workshops. Check out the full schedule of topics covered this month and beyond. 

Athletics and Recreation

Physical activity is so good for your mindset. Try an exercise class, book a workout time at the Athletic Complex or the Laurier-Brantford YMCA, or get outside in safe and physically distanced ways. Waterloo Region and Brant County are filled with beautiful parks and trails that you can explore.