Dec. 6 marks the start of exam season. We’ve got your back with study tips, resources and activities to help you take a break and take a breath. Let’s do this! 

Stress busters for study success 

Studying is important, but so is balance and taking a break when you need it. See the full list of Stress Buster events on GryphLife.ca! 

Online: 

• U of G’s Exam Stress Busters Activity Book
  Check out this useful activity book for exam prep advice, relaxation tips, puzzles and colouring pages.
   
• E-Sport Tourneys
  Blow off some steam with these free e-sport tournaments from the Department of Athletics 

• • Super Smash Bros. (Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.) 
  • Mario Kart (Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.) 

• Follow these accounts! 

• • U of G – @uofguelph
    Stress busting tips and info on activities 
  • Student Wellness – @wellness_uofg
    Easy-to-make recipes – send in a picture of what you made and you could win! 
  • Library – @uglibrary
    Study tips and resources 
  • Alumni Affairs and Development – @uofgalumni
    Advice from grads who have been in your shoes! 

In-person: 

• Warming the Soul (Tuesdays and Thursdays – times vary – JT Powell Building boardroom)
  Take part in a brief guided mediation, warm up with free tea and hot chocolate, and use conversation themes like recipes, pets and movies to chat with other students who want to connect. 
• Residence Stress Busters
  Check your building’s Microsoft Teams channel for info on planned events! Stress busters run from 9 to 10 p.m. nightly.
• Birdwatching Tour in the Arboretum (Dec. 16 – noon to 1 p.m. – Arboretum)
  Studies have shown that birds and nature make people happier! Take a break from studying to enjoy the outdoors and discover local wildlife. Binoculars will be provided. To register, email ylin16@uoguelph.ca.

Academic resources to help you prep 

Get quick access to academic resources to help you finish the semester strong. The Undergraduate Academic Information Centre has a list of online resources to help students with their academic success, including tutoring and supported learning groups. Or speak to someone through live chat for help finding information and resources. 

No matter what type of exam you’re prepping for, the library has strategies to help! Choose from tips for: 

• Multiple-choice exams 
• Essay exams 
• Problem-solving exams 
• Short-answer exams 

They also have great advice on how to study effectively and more tips on getting ready for exams. 

Get familiar with the technology 

Before your exams start, if your instructors are using Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor, make sure you’re familiar with the system and its requirements. Your course outline will indicate if your exam will be delivered through Respondus. Take the sample test your instructor provides so you can try out the technology. 

Missed a final exam or assignment? 

If you miss a final exam (or other final assessment, such as a final paper), review the Academic Consideration policy and contact your Program Counselling Office to request a deferred privilege through the Academic Consideration Policy. Your program counsellor can help determine what supporting documentation may be required.  

Need to talk? 

When things get stressful or overwhelming, it helps having someone to talk to. Check out these free mental health resources for students. 

• Counselling Services: Individual and group counselling for students
  Urgent drop-in sessions by phone Monday to Friday – 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
  Call 519-824-4120, Ext. 53244, to set up a session. 
• Student Wellness Navigators: Service for students who are accessing Counselling Services for the first time or who have concerns about their mental health and don’t know where to go next
  Online or phone sessions available Monday to Friday – 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
  Call 519-824-4120, Ext. 52131, to book an appointment. 
• Student Support Network: Confidential peer-to-peer support
  Virtual drop-in sessions Monday to Friday – noon to 10 p.m.
  https://wellness.uoguelph.ca/ssn
• Here 24/7: Local mental health and crisis phone line
  Available 24/7
  1-844-437-3247 
• Crisis Text Line: Text-based mental health support
  Available 24/7
  Text “UofG” to 686868 to start a conversation. 

U of G’s Student Experience advisers are also available to support you: 

• Cultural Diversity – Tameera Mohamed – tameera@uoguelph.ca 
• International Student Advisers – Matthew Keefe and Pugaleni Iynkaran – intl.student@uoguelph.ca 
• Indigenous Student Adviser – Natasha Young – natasha.young@uoguelph.ca 
• Sexual and Gender Diversity Adviser – Jarred Sanchez-Cacnio – cacnioj@uoguelph.ca 

Take care of yourself this exam season and check in with your friends, too. Good luck!