As we approach the end of the semester and the beginning of the exam period, know that your entire U of G community is here to support your success and help you thrive. 

Read on to learn how you can connect with your peers, learn effective study strategies, and take care of your mental and physical well-being during exams with Exam Stress Busters. 

Take an Exam Stress Busters study break

Study breaks are crucial for maintaining physical and mental health during exams. Regular breaks help manage stress and improve performance on exams and assignments. 

See the list below of activities and events available across campus and find great ways to recharge and connect with your fellow Gryphons. You can also find events listed on GryphLife.ca.  

Events

Ongoing Exam Stress Busters

  • Library Activity Table
    Studying at the library? Stop by the Activity Table to grab some study break activities. You’ll find activity books filled with colouring pages, sudoku puzzles, crossword puzzles, study tips, and more, as well as colouring utensils. 

    • Nov. 25 to Dec 13 (Library 1st floor) 
  • Affirmation Station
    Want to feel inspired and ready to take on the day? Visit the Affirmation Station to read what others are saying and add your own. If one resonates with you, feel free to take it with you! 

    • Nov. 25 to Dec 13 (Library 1st floor) 
  • Worry Box
    We all feel worried sometimes. We encourage you to stop by the Worry Box, write down a worry, and imagine you’re releasing it when you drop it inside the box. By releasing the worry, we hope it will help you feel a little more lightness as you move through your day. 

    • Nov. 25 to Dec 13 (Library, 1st floor) 
  • Postcard Project
    If you’re studying in the library, you may find a surprise! Throughout the exam period, we’ll be scattering postcards with a message of encouragement and a coupon for the Library’s Starbucks. 

    • Nov 25 to Dec 13 (Library) 
  • Student Experience Giveaway
    Follow Student Experience on Instagram to enter their Exam Stress Busters giveaway 

    • Nov. 25 to 28 (Instagram) 
  • Experiential Learning Hub Giveaway
    Enter the Experiential Learning Hub Instagram giveaway for a chance to win Beats Solo 4 headphones.  

    • Nov. 27 to Dec 3 (Instagram) 
  • Residence Exam Stress Busters
    Come out to your nightly stressbuster from 9 to 10 p.m. in your respective residence location: 

    • Lambton & Watson – Lambton Fireplace Lounge 
    • Lennox-Addington – Lennox-Addington Games Room  
    • Johnston, Arts & Mills – Mills Fireplace Lounge 
    • South Residences – Mountain South Student Lounge 
    • Gordon – Gordon Hall Lobby 
    • East Residence & Village – East Residence Crossroads (in front of East Sides)
      Connect with your RA to learn more about the programs offered throughout the week! At this time, we will be in Stage 2: On-Campus Guests of our guest policy. Please read more here: Residence Community Living Standards | University of Guelph Student Housing
  • Unwind in the MakerSpace
    Looking for a breather from your studies? Swing by the MakerSpace for some stress-relieving fun! Unwind with colouring, LEGO building, or even knitting. We will also be playing Disney movies! 

    • Dec. 2 to 6 and 9 to 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Macdonald Hall, Rm. 111, Makerspace)

Exam Stress Busters Events

  • Study Space with Off-Campus Living
    Join the Off-Campus Living team to study! Bring your materials to this quiet space where you can ask questions and receive resources for living off-campus.   

    • Monday, Nov. 25 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (UC 390) 
  • Take a Paws
    Spend your study break cuddling some furry friends! Hang out with therapy dogs from St. John’s Ambulance. Register to save your spot. 

    • Tuesday, Nov. 26, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Athletic Centre, Rm. 131) 
    • Tuesday, Dec. 3, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Athletic Centre, Rm. 131) 
    • Tuesday, Dec. 10, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Athletic Centre, Rm. 131) 
    • Wednesday, Dec 11, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Athletic Centre, Rm. 131) 
  • Coffee, Tea and a Healthy Treat
    Warm wishes to you as you begin the exam season! We’ll be supplying coffee, tea, and a healthy snack for you to pick up as you start your day. 

    • Wednesday, Nov. 27, 9 a.m. until supplies last (Library, 1st floor) 
  • Winter Wind Down: Cookies and Karaoke
    Sing your stress away with the Cultural Diversity Peer Helpers! Join us for some karaoke and cookie decorating (while supplies last). 

    • Tuesday, Nov. 27, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Location TBD) 
  • START U of G: Study Hall
    Come join us for a START U of G Study Hall to help you prep for final exams! START Study Hall’s  are casual study space. This event is drop-in and is a great opportunity for you to study, find resources, and grab some self care items before finals start.   

  • Wellsprings: Finding What Nourishes You
    Join Coordinator of Multi-Faith Programs, Sonya Wu-Winter, for a moment of brief pause in your day.  You are welcome to use the quiet in a way that nourishes you – whether in silent prayer, meditation, or using one of the reflection resources available in the Multi-Faith Room.  The time will open and close with a reading.   

    • Thursday, Nov. 28, 12:30 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. (UC 533, Multi-Faith Room) 
  • Frosty’s Hot Chocolate Spot
    Stop by the first floor of the library to have a hot chocolate (topped your way) with members of the CSA executive team!   

    • Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Library, 1st floor) 
  • Movie Night in the Arb
    Bring a cozy blanket and join us at the Arboretum Centre to watch Klaus! It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind and de-stress with friends. Warm drinks and movie snacks will be provided. 

    • Tuesday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., (OAC Centennial Arboretum Centre) 
  • Eco Wrapping
    Got a holiday gift you want to wrap in an environmentally friendly way? Drop by The Bookstore to get creative and give your present a unique touch! 

    • Tuesday, Dec. 3, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (The University Bookstore) 
    • Tuesday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (The University Bookstore) 
  • Movement Breaks
    Join us for 10-minute movement breaks to relieve stress in your body and mind throughout your busy study and workday. Athletics instructors will guide you through a quick and effective stretch flow to release tension and reset before returning to your notes or as you unwind before calling it a night. These will take place at McLaughlin Library, Room 109 once daily during exams and are in collaboration with the Gryphons Empowered by Movement (GEM) program. 

    • Wednesday, Dec. 4, 10:30 a.m. (McLaughlin Library, room 109) 
    • Thursday, Dec. 5, 11:30 a.m. (McLaughlin Library, room 109) 
    • Friday, Dec. 6, 5 p.m. (McLaughlin Library, room 109) 
    • Saturday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m. (McLaughlin Library, room 109) 
    • Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. (McLaughlin Library, room 109) 
    • Monday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m. (McLaughlin Library, room 109) 
    • Tuesday, Dec. 10, 6 p.m. (McLaughlin Library, room 109) 
    • Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2 p.m. (McLaughlin Library, room 109) 
    • Thursday, Dec. 12, 10:30 a.m. (McLaughlin Library, room 109) 
  • Making Pet Rocks
    Rock away your stress at our “Make a Pet Rock” event! Get crafty, give your pet rock some personality, and take home a little stone buddy with a quirky, motivational quote to keep you feeling boulder and brighter every day! 

    • Wednesday, Dec. 4, noon to 2 p.m. (Indigenous Student Centre) 
  • Study Buddy Break
    Join us for a chill afternoon of coloring, snacks, and music. We’ll be making a shared playlist, so come ready to add your favorite tunes! Plus, everyone gets a loot bag to take home. Open to Orientation Volunteers (OVs) and students who want to learn more about the program!   

    • Wednesday, Dec 4, noon to 1 p.m. (UC 390) 
  • Glowga
    Reduce your exam stress and join us for this fun Glowga Yoga Class taking place on Thursday, December 5, 2024 (6:30-7:30PM) in the GGAC, Studio 3214. Bring your own glow-in-the-dark gear and we provide glow sticks and mats. No registration required.   

    • Thursday, Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre, Studio 3214) 
  • Board Games & Crafts at the Arb
    Drop by the Arboretum Centre for board games & crafts! Bring your own game or use ours, the space is open for all students and hosted in partnership with the Tabletop Games and Media Club. We’ll have nature journaling activities, nature crafts, board games, and card games. Coffee, tea and snacks will be provided. Study space will also be available. 

    • Monday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (OAC Centennial Arboretum Centre) 

Find more Exam Stress Busters on GryphLife. 

Academic resources 

As a U of G student, there are many academic resources to support your exam preparation. 

The McLaughlin Library offers a variety of online guides to help you prepare for exams, including guides on: 

Other resources to support academic success include academic coaching and appointments, academic support in residence, Student Accessibility Services, research assistance, the Science Commons, study skills and time management assistance, and writing assistance. The Undergraduate Academic Information Centre has a full list of online resources to help you with your academic success. 

Need to talk?

Your mental health should be a priority. No matter what you’re dealing with, we have supports to help you get through it and take care of yourself.  

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or having trouble coping, take advantage of the mental health supports available to you. 

  • Counselling Services

    Individual and group counselling for students
    Urgent drop-in sessions by phone, virtual or in-person
    Monday to Friday – 12:30 p.m. 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
    Sessions by phone, virtual or in-person
    Monday to Friday – 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    Call 519-824-4120, Ext. 52131, to book an appointment.

  • Here 24/7

    Local mental health and crisis phone line
    Available 24/7 1-844-437-3247

  • Good2Talk

    Support phone line for Ontario post-secondary students
    Available 24/7 1-866-925-5454

  • Crisis Text Line

    Text-based mental health support
    Available 24/7 Text “UofG” to 686868 to start a conversation.

Unable to take your exam?

If you are struggling and unable to complete an exam or final assignment due to medical, psychological, or compassionate reasons, you may be eligible to request academic consideration through your program counsellor.  

Learn more about the academic consideration process and contact your program counsellor to request accommodation.

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

Look after yourselves this exam season and don’t forget to check in on your friends. Best of luck! 

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