Another year at York is coming to a close, which means an end to classes (yay!) and the start of the exam season (oh no!). Panicking, cramming and stressing are common responses during exams but there are luckily a lot of ways to relax and get quality study time done in between your classes.
Here are three things you can do to relax on campus and three things you can do to lock in for exams!
1. Go to the Breakroom on campus
The Breakroom is the Student Centre’s very own arcade and restaurant available in the First Student Centre for all to enjoy. With an array of console and board games for students to choose from, pool tables, arcade machines, affordable food options and more – there’s always something exciting to do.
2. Book a study space at one of York’s libraries
York has five libraries with bookable study spaces for students to choose from. Options range from individual to group study rooms and online-class friendly spaces. You can also visit libraries on other campuses thanks to York’s free shuttle services from Keele to Markham and Glendon campuses.
I love the Nellie Library. It’s always so quiet!
3. Go to a club event
The end of the year does not mean an immediate end to club activities! All over York, student clubs, organizations and associations are hosting end of year events, formals, workshops and more to keep students entertained. Feel free to check some out!
Pro tip: You can check out the York events calendar to keep up to date with events and activities happening on campus!
4. Attend a Learning Skills Services workshop
All year-round the Learning Skills Services team hosts workshops to help students improve their overall academic skills and approach assignments and assessments with confidence. What better time than now to check one out before exams officially begin? I’d recommend their Tests, Midterms, Exams, Oh My! or Effective Reading Strategies workshop series.
I love studying in the east Schulich building because it’s always so quiet and chill!
5. Visit the Student Counselling, Health & Well-being (SCHW) office
Sometimes you need a break from your studies and responsibilities to reconnect with your mental well-being. Luckily enough, SCHW has several resources and a lovely office that you can visit if you ever need additional support throughout the school year. Whether you need to book a counselling appointment or find healthy living advice, SCHW is the first place you should go.
Pro tip: You can also tune into SCHW’s Well-being & YU podcast for monthly episodes related to student well-being in a variety of situations.
6. Check out the Writing Centre
The Writing Centre is dedicated to helping students understand how to best write exams, essays, academic papers and more. With dedicated grammar and punctuation workshops as well as drop-in sessions, students are able to get the help they need when they need it. Check out the Writing Centre website or stop by their office for more information!
I like to hang out with my friends and get food at the Tim Hortons in the Dahdaleh building.
The end of the year can be intimidating, but studying endlessly will only burn you out before you’ve even started your exams. By balancing productive study sessions with a healthy amount of breaks to keep yourself calm and collected before heading into finals, you’ll surely feel more prepared for the upcoming exam season!
See you in the summer term, and if not, enjoy the break!