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Student studying.
Reading week is fast-approaching from Oct. 9 until Oct. 16, here are a few tips and tricks that may benefit you. This advice comes to you from Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford academic advising, Wellness Education as well as a fourth-year who has been through a few reading weeks themselves.
Reading week is not always as it seems in the movies. It is here and then it is gone, and all those super cool and relaxing plans that you have all ready to go are gone. You may be left thinking, “Where did that week go?”
The academic perspective first, it is called reading week after all. Some of this week can be dedicated to schoolwork.
“Use this time to catch up on required readings for your courses. If you’ve fallen behind on your textbooks or assigned readings, reading week is a great time to get back on track,” said Samantha Pafford, the administrative assistant at academic advising.
That is just the beginning of the advice academic advising has provided. They also recommend that students work on assignments, as there is a good chance some due dates are coming up. Other suggestions are as simple as organizing your schedule, work on a to-do list or study and review your notes, especially if your classes have midterms.
Reading week from another perspective is a week of wellness, no classes. There are many activities that students can plan to do during their break that will not just allow for time away from classes, but to actually decompress and relax.
Claire Howarth from Wellness Education suggests that “students consider their breaks intentionally.”
“What is helpful and supportive of wellness can be unique to each individual, what works for one person may not work for another person,” she said.
There is a wide range of activities you can complete during reading week that can range from going for a hike to reflecting on how far you have come and where you still have to grow. Some other examples of what you can do during your reading week are intentional self-care, going outside, a little exercise and connecting with the people you miss.
Fourth-year social work student Eugenia Garcia-Pena has some advice based on her own reading week experiences.
“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” she said. “You may not accomplish all of your goals that you want to have done. Be self-compassionate. The time will fly make sure you try and use the time to rest if you need it,” said Garcia-Pena. “Stay hydrated during reading week and eat properly because it is like your one time to eat healthy and stay hydrated during school.”
This article was originally published in print Volume 23, Issue 2 on Thursday, Oct. 5.
