Get Reading Week ready with these supports and resources

The fall term reading week is the perfect time to catch your breath, relax and regroup ahead of midterms. If you’ve been feeling stressed about school or life in general (you're not alone!), check out some of the many supports and resources available to help with your studies and your well-being.

Reading Week One Hour at a Time

Study using a 60-minute cycle called the Power Hour. Watch the Power Hour video on YouTube to learn more.

1. Set a Goal

Take one or two minutes to decide what you want to accomplish during one hour of studying.

2. Study with Focus

For 30 to 40 minutes. Eliminate distractions to properly engage with the material you are reviewing.

3. Take a Break

For five to 10 minutes. Call a friend, check your texts, or go for a walk.

4. Review

Review what you just studied for five to 10 minutes.

Academic Supports

Golden Guide to Remote Learning

It’s never too late to get organized and plan for success in a virtual learning environment. Check out this to-the-point strategy article to get yourself on right foot for the rest of the term.

Academic Skills Resources and Online Workshops

Resource topics include managing time, procrastination, and avoiding Zoom fatigue. Writing and mathematics workshops are also available. A complete schedule of fall workshops is posted in the Student Success Portal.

Virtual Appointments with Laurier’s Learning Consultants

Professional staff and trained peer mentors can help you improve your study skills. Several appointments are available throughout reading week. To book an online appointment, visit the Student Success Student Portal.

Six Strategies for Effective Learning Video Series

Visit the Academic Skills Resources page and scroll down to the Effective Study Skills section for links to videos outlining six ways to learn effectively. Topics covered include elaboration, concrete examples, retrieval practice, dual coding, spaced practice, and interleaving.

Health and Wellness Supports

Laurier’s Student Wellness Centres

The Student Wellness Centres on each campus are open and conducting appointments virtually. Please call your campus wellness centre to make an appointment with a physician, nurse, mental health nurse, or counsellor.

Remote Wellness Workshops

Coping with stress, food and your mood, resiliency and self-compassion are just some of the topics covered in these online workshops. Check out the full schedule of topics covered throughout October, November and December.

Virtual Peer Support Program

Drop in online and talk student-life concerns with a trained Laurier Peer Supporter. There are specific times available for undergraduate students and graduate students. Topics throughout October include midterm madness, graduate student imposter syndrome, stress, and support for LGTBQ2IA+ students, among others.

Athletics and Recreation

Physical activity is so good for your mindset. Try a virtual 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 safely.

Stay Safe This Thanksgiving and Reading Week

Laurier will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Monday, Oct. 11.

Many students have plans to head home for Thanksgiving and Reading Week and are looking forward to a well-deserved break. A reminder to please celebrate safely and adhere to public health guidance. Information about how you can help stop the spread of COVID-19 is available on the provincial government’s COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Ontario web page.