Unlike the beginning of the semester, when everything feels new, returning from Reading Week means jumping back into a semester that is already well underway. Rather than starting fresh, now is a great opportunity to reflect, reassess your priorities, and make adjustments for the weeks ahead.

Here are five tips to help you navigate the rest of the semester while prioritizing your well-being!

1. Give yourself a mid-semester reset

Reading Week is a great opportunity to recharge, but it is also a chance to reflect on how your semester has been going. Think about what has been working well and what you might want to change. Maybe you have found a study method that works, or perhaps you have noticed you are taking on too many commitments. You do not need to completely reinvent your routine. Small adjustments, like changing when you study or making more time for yourself, can make a difference.

2. Reassess your commitments and priorities

Between classes, assignments, part-time jobs, and extracurricular activities, the second half of the semester can get busy quickly. Take some time to consider which commitments need your attention and which might be more flexible. Remember, it is okay to say no to additional responsibilities or temporarily step back from activities when your schedule becomes overwhelming.

3. Don’t let one midterm define tour semester

By Reading Week, many students have completed their first round of midterms or major assignments. If you received a grade that you were not hoping for, remember that one assessment does not define your academic abilities. Instead of dwelling on the result, consider what you can learn from it. Were there concepts you struggled with? Could a different study strategy help?

Attending office hours, study sessions, reviewing feedback, or connecting with classmates can help you prepare for future assessments.

4. Recognize signs of mid-semester burnout

By October, the excitement of a new semester may have worn off, and academic responsibilities can start to feel exhausting. Ongoing fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and a lack of motivation may be signs that you need additional rest or support. Pay attention to how you are feeling and make time for activities that help you recharge. Whether that is going for a walk, spending time with friends, or taking a break from studying, your well-being and mental health deserves attention throughout the semester.

5. Look ahead, but enjoy the present

With final exams approaching, it is helpful to start thinking about the weeks ahead. Review upcoming deadlines, identify particularly busy periods, and consider what you can do now to reduce last-minute stress. However, do not spend the rest of the semester simply counting down the days until winter break! Make time for activities you enjoy, celebrate small accomplishments, and give yourself things to look forward to along the way.

You’ve got this, Mounties!

Halloween is coming up, which means costumes, parties, and nights out with friends. Whether you are heading to a Halloween party, the pub, or just spending the night with friends, a little planning can go a long way toward making sure everyone has a fun and safe night. As Halloween approaches, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Make a plan before you go

Before heading out, figure out where you are going, who you are going with, and how everyone plans to get home. Plans can change throughout the night, but having a general idea beforehand means you are less likely to find yourself stranded or separated from your group.

Make sure your phone is charged, bring your Government ID, and exchange phone numbers with anyone in your group whose contact information you do not already have.

Don’t forget food and water

If drinking alcohol is part of your night, eat beforehand and continue drinking water throughout the evening. Halloween events can last for hours, so pacing yourself can make a big difference.

Know your own limits and remember that you never have to keep up with the people around you. There is nothing wrong with slowing down, switching to water, or deciding that you are done drinking for the night.

Avoid mixing substances

Mixing alcohol with cannabis, medications, or other substances can make their effects less predictable and increase the risk of something going wrong. If you choose to use substances, knowing what you are taking and avoiding combinations can help reduce risk.

And remember: you never owe anyone an explanation for choosing not to drink or use substances. A good night out should not involve pressuring anyone into doing something they do not want to do.

Keep an eye on your drink

Keep your drink with you and avoid drinking something if you do not know where it came from or if it has been left unattended. If something doesn’t seem right, trust that feeling.

The same goes for your friends. If someone suddenly seems much more intoxicated than expected, becomes confused, has difficulty staying awake, or is behaving unusually, do not simply assume that they have had too much to drink. Stay with them and get help if needed.

Stick together

One of the easiest ways to make a night safer is to stay together. Check in with your friends throughout the night and try not to leave someone behind, particularly if they are intoxicated.

If someone wants to leave, help make sure they have a safe way home. Walking with a friend, arranging a sober ride, or calling a taxi is always better than getting into a vehicle with someone who has been drinking or using substances.

Consent still matters – always

Costumes, alcohol, parties, or previous interactions never replace consent. Consent should be clear and freely given, and someone can change their mind at any point.

If someone is too intoxicated to make a clear decision, that is not consent. Look out for your friends and get help if a situation does not seem right.

Take care of each other

Ultimately, safer nights out come down to looking after yourself and the people around you. Have a plan, know your limits, respect other people’s boundaries, and check in with your friends.

Have fun, look out for one another, and have a safe Halloween!

The first few weeks of September can feel like a bit of a whirlwind. Between getting settled into classes, reconnecting with friends, joining clubs and societies, and adjusting to a new routine, it can be easy to feel like the semester is already moving faster than you are.

Whether this is your first semester at Mt.A, or you have done this a few times before, the beginning of the academic year is a great opportunity to establish habits that will make the months ahead a little more manageable. This article will share some tips and tricks to help you start strong and make the most of your semester!

Find a routine that works for you

University schedules often come with a lot of unstructured time. A two-hour break between classes might seem like plenty of time at the beginning of the day, but those hours can disappear surprisingly quickly. Try creating some structure around when you attend class, study, eat, exercise, participate in extracurriculars, and relax. Your routine does not need to account for every minute of every day, nor does it need to look like anyone else’s. 

It can also help to establish these habits now rather than waiting until midterms arrive. Spending even a little time reviewing material each week can make preparing for an exam much less overwhelming than trying to relearn several weeks of content at once.

Figure out how you study best

There is no single perfect way to study. Part of university is figuring out what actually helps you learn rather than what simply feels productive.

Study strategies include self-testing and regularly reviewing your notes. Instead of only rereading a chapter or highlighting your notes, try closing your book and seeing what you can explain from memory. Create practice questions, use flashcards, teach the concept to someone else, or work through problems without immediately looking at the solution.

And if you do not understand something, ask! Attend office hours, talk to your professor, ask questions in class, or connect with the academic supports available on campus. You do not have to wait until you are struggling to use these resources.

Take care of yourself, too

Starting the semester strong is not only about academics.

Sleep, eating regularly, movement, social connection, and taking time away from schoolwork all matter. It can be tempting to sacrifice these things when your schedule gets busy, but taking care of yourself is part of being able to keep up with everything else.

The same goes for your physical environment. Keeping your room or study space reasonably organized can make it easier to focus and can give you one less source of stress when everything else gets busy.

Most importantly, remember that having a routine does not mean following it perfectly. There will be weeks when assignments pile up, plans change, or you simply have less energy than usual. A schedule should be a tool that helps you – not another standard you feel like you are failing to meet.

Looking for some additional support?

The Mount Allison Wellness Centre is hosting a group counselling session with one of our counsellors on Monday, Sept. 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Avard-Dixon 111.

This session is an opportunity to learn strategies for navigating the semester and talk about some of the challenges that can come with academic pressure and university life. All students are welcome to attend.

Ava Horwood is the Wellness Intern with the Wellness Centre at Mt.A

As the end of the semester approaches, many students begin to feel the pressure of upcoming final exams, papers, and projects. It can be easy to look at the calendar and think it is already too late to get organized or improve study habits. However, it is important to remember that it is never too late to start preparing in a thoughtful and healthy way. Even a few weeks of intentional planning can make a significant difference in both academic performance and overall wellbeing. 

One of the most helpful first steps is taking a moment to assess what lies ahead. Making a list of all upcoming deadlines, exams, and major assignments can help transform a vague feeling of stress into a clearer plan. Once everything is written down, break larger tasks into smaller steps. For example, instead of simply writing “study for economics final,” try dividing it into sections such as reviewing lecture notes, practicing problem sets, and even meeting with classmates for discussion. This allows smaller tasks to feel more manageable, making it easier to track progress. 

Creating a realistic study schedule is also important. Rather than attempting long, exhausting study sessions, many students find shorter and more focused blocks of time are more productive. Studying 45 to 60 minutes followed by a short break can help maintain concentration and prevent burnout. Spreading study sessions across multiple days also improves memory retention compared to cramming everything into a single night. 

While academic preparation is important, maintaining personal wellbeing during this period is just as critical. Sleep is one of the most powerful tools students have during exam season. Lack of sleep can make it harder to focus, process information, and manage stress. Prioritizing consistent sleep schedules will help the brain retain information and improve overall performance. 

Nutrition and movement also play a role in managing stress and sustaining energy. During busy periods, it is not uncommon to be tempted to skip meals or rely heavily on caffeine and snacks. However, regular meals and staying hydrated support concentration and mood. Even short walks, stretching, or light exercise can help reset the mind after long periods of studying. 

Another important reminder during finals season is that students do not have to go through it alone. Studying with friends, attending review sessions, or asking professors questions can provide clarity and encouragement. Mt.A also offers resources such as academic support centres, Wellness Centre counselling services, Wellness Strategist, and NIMBUS peer tutoring that can help students navigate stressful periods. 

Finally, it is important to remember that productivity does not require perfection. Progress often happens gradually, and every small step taken now helps reduce pressure later. Starting today, even with a simple plan, can make the upcoming finals season feel more manageable. 

The end of the semester can certainly be demanding, but it can also be approached with balance and care. By organizing tasks, creating realistic study habits, and prioritizing personal wellbeing, you can finish the term feeling prepared, supported, and proud of the effort you have put into your academics. Good luck, Mounties, you got this! 

Climate change is no longer an abstract concept discussed only in textbooks or policy debates. For many university students, it is a reality that shapes how they see their future, their careers, and the stability of the world around them. This creates an emotional response often called climate anxiety, or eco-anxiety. It can take the form of fear, grief, frustration, or a sense of helplessness. Students today are more informed than ever, but that awareness can also bring a heavy emotional burden. Balancing academic responsibilities, personal growth, and awareness of global environmental crises can feel overwhelming. While climate anxiety reflects care and awareness, it can also affect mental health and daily life. One meaningful and accessible way to reduce climate anxiety is by reconnecting with nature.

University life often involves long hours indoors. Students move between lecture halls, libraries, residence buildings, and screens, sometimes without stepping outside for more than a few minutes. This physical separation from the natural world can intensify feelings of disconnection and helplessness about environmental issues. Reconnecting with nature helps restore that connection and reminds students they are part of the environment, not separate from it. Even brief exposure to green spaces has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive functioning.

It is easy to forget the benefits of being outdoors during the winter months, especially when it is cold. However, winter offers its own opportunities for connection and renewal. Dressing warmly and spending time outside, even for short periods, can make a meaningful difference. Activities such as sledding with friends, walking through snowy trails, or going bird watching allow people to engage with nature in simple and enjoyable ways.

Mt.A students are fortunate to be surrounded by accessible natural spaces. The Sackville Waterfowl Park and nearby trails remain beautiful even in winter. Taking a walk between classes, breathing in fresh air, and observing seasonal changes can help clear the mind. These small moments of connection can interrupt cycles of stress and anxiety that often accompany academic life.

There are also many opportunities on campus for students to reconnect with nature through community. Clubs and student groups promote outdoor activities and encourage students to spend time outside together. Joining outdoor clubs, participating in group walks, or attending campus events that focus on nature can help students feel more connected, not only to the environment but also to each other.

Reconnecting with nature can also restore a sense of agency. Climate anxiety is often fueled by feelings of powerlessness. The scale of climate change can make individual efforts feel insignificant. However, spending time outdoors and engaging with the environment can strengthen a sense of environmental stewardship. Those who feel connected to nature are more likely to care for it.

Reconnecting with nature does not require dramatic changes. It can begin with small, intentional choices. Walking outside without headphones, taking a longer route through campus, joining a friend for a winter walk, or participating in outdoor activities organized by student clubs are simple but meaningful steps.

Climate anxiety reflects care for the future of the planet. It is a sign of awareness and compassion. However, students cannot sustain that care if they are emotionally exhausted. Reconnecting with nature helps restore emotional balance and resilience. It reminds us that the environment is not only something to worry about, but something to experience and appreciate now.

Even in the cold of winter, nature remains accessible. By dressing warmly, stepping outside, and engaging with the outdoors, students can find calm, clarity, and connection. In doing so, they support their own well-being while strengthening their relationship with the world around them. So, Mounties, take a break, dress warm, and step outside.

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Taking care of yourself during turbulent times allows mindful connection with the world around you Kaya Panthier/Argosy

Sexual health is a fundamental part of overall health and well-being, yet it is often surrounded by stigma, discomfort, or misinformation, particularly for young adults. For university students, sexual health education goes far beyond pregnancy prevention. It includes understanding how sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are transmitted, recognizing many infections do not present symptoms, and knowing when and how to access testing and care. When sexual health is treated as a routine aspect of healthcare rather than a taboo topic, students are better equipped to make informed decisions and seek support without fear or shame. 

A common misconception surrounding STIs is the belief that symptoms will always be obvious. Many of the most common infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, are frequently asymptomatic. This means someone can feel completely healthy while still carrying an infection. Without routine testing, these infections can go undetected and untreated, potentially leading to long-term health complications such as infertility, chronic pain, or an increased risk of acquiring other infections. Regular screening is therefore a crucial form of preventative care and an important responsibility for sexually active individuals, even when no symptoms are present. 

To make this type of preventative care more accessible, the Mount Allison University Wellness Centre partners with the Mount Allison Students’ Union (MASU) to host Cup-4-A-Cup, an incentivized asymptomatic STI screening clinic offered on average once a month. Cup-4-A-Cup is designed to reduce barriers to testing by offering a service that is free, confidential, and straightforward. Students are screened for common asymptomatic STIs using a simple urine sample in a supportive clinical environment. As a lighthearted incentive and reminder that sexual health care does not need to be intimidating, participants receive a cup of candy after providing their sample. 

Cup-4-A-Cup is specifically intended for students who are not experiencing symptoms. This distinction is important, as symptomatic individuals may require additional testing or assessment beyond routine screening. Students who are experiencing symptoms such as pain, discharge, sores, or discomfort, are encouraged to book a regular, private appointment with the Wellness Centre registered nurse (RN), where comprehensive care and follow-up can be provided. This ensures that all students receive the most appropriate level of care for their individual needs. 

Appointments for Cup-4-A-Cup are required and must be booked in advance, typically through the Jane App. To be more accessible for students, appointment bookings often open the day before the clinic. Students are encouraged to plan ahead by avoiding urination for at least two hours before their appointment and bringing a valid health card. The clinic operates out of the Wellness Centre on the ground floor of the Wallace McCain Student Centre. Results will become available between five to seven business days after testing.  

The last Cup-4-A-Cup was held on Jan. 12, 2026, and the next Cup-4-A-Cup clinic will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the booking page opening on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 4:30 p.m. The clinic will be led by Reegan Gouchie Smart, a Registered Nurse at the Wellness Centre who is committed to providing care that is confidential, respectful, and student-centred. 

Ultimately, sexual health education is about empowerment. When students understand their bodies, the risks associated with untreated infections, and the resources available to them, they are better positioned to take care of themselves and one another. Through ongoing education, accessible services, and initiatives like Cup-4-A-Cup, Mt.A continues to support a campus environment where prevention, care, and informed decision-making are not only available, but normalized and encouraged. 

For students, exam season can be one of the most demanding times of the year. Between multiple deadlines, weeks of material to review, and the pressure to perform well, it is easy to feel stressed or overwhelmed. Although some stress is a normal part of university life, there are practical ways to protect your well-being and study more effectively. With small, intentional habits, you can approach exam season with more confidence, balance, and clarity.

One of the most helpful ways to reduce stress is to break your work into smaller, manageable pieces. Instead of looking at your entire course syllabus or a long list of readings,divide everything into bite-sized tasks. You might focus on one chapter at a time, one section of lecture notes, or a specific set of practice problems. Completing small goals builds confidence, prevents feeling discouraged, and creates a sense of progress, which is especially important when the workload feels heavy.

Creating a study plan that fits your learning style can also make a meaningful difference. Everyone studies differently, so it is important to understand your own habits. Some students work best early in the morning, while others are more productive late at night. Some need silence, while others prefer soft background noise. Whatever your preference is, build a routine around it. Using a physical calendar or digital planner to map out your week can help you stay on track and avoid last-minute cramming. Rotating subjects throughout the day can also help maintain focus and prevent burnout.

Active studying is one of the most effective ways to retain information. Simply rereading notes can feel productive, but it does not challenge your brain to think critically. Instead, try using strategies such as explaining concepts aloud, teaching a friend, creating flashcards, or completing practice questions. Turning information into your own words forces your brain to process it more in depth, making it easier to remember during an exam. Even writing short summary sheets or drawing concept maps can help clarify connections between topics.

Taking breaks is another essential part of healthy studying. Many students try to push through hours of work without stopping, but this usually leads to frustration and fatigue. Short and intentional breaks help reset your mind and improve your productivity. A popular method is studying for 25 to 45 minutes, followed by a five to ten minute break. During your break, try stepping away from your screen. Stretching, grabbing a snack, doing a quick breathing exercise, or taking a walk can all help you return to your work with more focus and energy.

Movement can play a significant role in stress reduction during exam season. You do not need a long workout or a visit to the gym to feel the benefits. A ten-minute walk outside, gentle stretching, or a few minutes of yoga can boost your mood, improve concentration, and reduce anxiety. Movement helps release tension stored in your body and gives your mind a chance to reset.

Sleep is another crucial component of effective exam preparation. Although it can be tempting to stay up late studying, lack of sleep negatively affects memory, focus, and overall well-being. Aim for consistent sleep each night, ideally seven to nine hours. Creating a pre-sleep routine, such as dimming the lights, avoiding screens, and listening to calming music, can help your mind unwind after a busy day.

Nutrition and hydration also influence how well your brain functions. It can be easy to skip meals when your schedule feels full, but regular nourishment helps maintain concentration and energy levels. Choose snacks that offer steady fuel, such as fruit, yogurt, nuts, or granola bars. Keep a water bottle nearby and try to drink regularly throughout the day.

Finally, remind yourself that it is okay to ask for help. Reach out to friends, study groups, professors, or campus resources if you need clarification or support. You do not have to manage everything alone. And above all, practice kindness toward yourself. Exam season is challenging, but you are capable and resilient. Celebrate your progress and remember that your worth is not determined by a single test or grade. Good luck, Mounties!

Movember is gaining popularity each year,  but it is much more than a month of mustaches. It is a global movement and charity event that raises awareness and funds for men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. The name comes from a combination of “mustache” and “November,” and participants show support by growing a mustache, walking or running 60 kilometres, hosting events, or creating their own challenges.

These actions support programs focused on cancer research, early intervention, and improving men’s mental health. Beneath the fun and photos, Movember highlights something serious: many men struggle with their mental health and it can be hard to notice or talk about. In a bustling university setting, where stresses and changes are part of everyday life, it becomes important to be mindful and attentive when people show signs of struggling.

People often show symptoms of stress or depression in ways that are easy to overlook. Instead of clearly saying that they feel sad or overwhelmed, the signs tend to appear in everyday habits. A student might start staying up too late or sleeping through classes. Someone who usually engages in conversation may grow quiet or withdrawn. Little things begin to shift. A friend might stop joining group activities, skip meals, or seem tired all the time. Another person might become impatient more easily or seem frustrated by things that never used to bother them. These changes can happen slowly, and sometimes they only become clear when you pause to reflect on these new patterns of behaviour.

Mental health concerns can also show up physically. Frequent headaches, stomach issues, unexplained aches, or a general feeling of heaviness can all reflect emotional strain. Some men will push through these symptoms and  them to stress. Others may simply say they are tired or not feeling like themselves. When emotional discomfort is expressed physically, it becomes even easier to miss.

If you notice a friend withdrawing or acting differently, a check-in can make a difference. The ALEC method, which stands for Ask, Listen, Encourage Action, and Check In, offers a simple way to start these conversations with care. This does not need to be a serious or formal talk. It can begin with something as easy as asking how their week has been, or mentioning that they seem quieter than usual. Often, people open up more easily when they feel someone has genuinely noticed them. Even if they are not ready to talk in depth, your presence shows that they are not alone. 

Movember also highlights how these signs of struggling may affect men subtlety, so it becomes a priority to check in on your friends when they seem to be having a rainy day. Movember encourages people to slow down enough to pay attention. It also highlights how common it is to feel overwhelmed during challenging periods and how normal it is to need support.

On campus, there are professionals who can help when life becomes more burdensome than usual. Counselling, social work support, and wellness services exist for students who need someone to talk to, or who want guidance with managing stress, organization, or other difficult emotions and experiences. These services are confidential, approachable, and designed for students who may not know where to begin. Sometimes a single conversation can provide clarity. Other times, ongoing support helps students regain balance. To book these services, please visit the Mt.AWellness Centre website. https://mtawellnesscentre.janeapp.com/

Movember creates an opportunity to pay more attention to the men in our lives and to our own wellbeing. Recognizing early signs, checking in with friends, and knowing that support exists, can help prevent small challenges from becoming overwhelming ones. The mustaches may disappear at the end of the month, but the reminder to look out for one another remains just as important throughout the year.

Living in residence offers a supportive academic and social environment, but it also creates conditions where illnesses such as the common cold, influenza, and COVID-19 can spread quickly. Students share dining halls, study rooms, bathrooms, lounges, and elevators, and it only takes a few sick individuals to affect an entire floor or building. As colder weather arrives and more people spend time indoors, taking care of your health becomes especially important. Fortunately, there are many simple and effective ways to reduce your risk of getting sick while still enjoying the fullness of campus life.

Where to get vaccinated in Sackville 

Mount Allison’s flu shot clinic was held on Sunday, Nov.2, 2025 in partnership with Dr. Sylvie LeBlanc, offering free influenza vaccines to students, staff, and faculty.

Guardian The Corner Drug Store, located at 106 Main St., offers both COVID-19 and flu shots. Students can book by phone, and the pharmacy is only a short walk from campus. Their contact number is +1 506 536 2255. 

PJC Jean Coutu at 97 Main St.so provides COVID-19 vaccines, flu vaccines, and general pharmacy services. They are open daily and make booking straightforward for students with busy schedules. Their contact number is +1 506 536 0230. 

What you can do to stay healthyOne of the most effective ways to protect yourself from influenza and COVID-19 is to stay up to date with your vaccinations. Vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and help limit spread among people who live in close proximity. In addition to vaccination, hand hygiene continues to be one of the simplest and most powerful prevention tools. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water removes germs that linger on high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, elevator buttons, microwaves, desks, and shared electronics. When you cannot wash your hands, carrying a small bottle of hand sanitizer is a convenient alternative.

Another important step is being mindful of how often you touch your face. Viruses commonly enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth. It is also helpful to regularly clean your personal items such as your phone, laptop, water bottle, and headphones, as these surfaces collect germs throughout the day. Similarly, wiping down shared residence spaces like kitchens, study rooms, and bathroom counters helps limit how easily viruses spread within the building.

Maintaining space in crowded areas can also help to reduce your exposure. While campus life is highly social, choosing a less crowded table in Jennings, taking a different seat in a lounge, or avoiding close contact with someone who is ill, are small choices that protect your health. 

If you do start to feel unwell, the most important thing you can do for yourself and others is to rest and remain in your room. Additionally, improving ventilation in your room also helps decrease the concentration of airborne viruses. Even opening a window for a few minutes each day allows fresh air to circulate. Fans can keep air moving, and air purifiers add an extra layer of protection in small spaces. Beyond environmental measures, supporting your immune system through healthy habits makes a noticeable difference. Getting adequate sleep, staying hydrated, eating regular meals, spending time outdoors, and managing stress all strengthen your body’s natural defenses.

Finally, be mindful of what you share. Personal items like drinks, utensils, towels, and lip balms can transfer viruses quickly. It may feel harmless in the moment, but sharing these items is one of the most common ways people unintentionally spread colds and the flu. Setting simple boundaries protects not only your health but also the well-being of your friends and floormates.

Why It Matters in Residence

Illness spreads far more rapidly in residence than in most living environments because students interact constantly and share many small spaces throughout the day. When one person becomes sick, it is very easy for germs to travel through lounges, bathrooms, classrooms, and dining hall tables. By taking everyday precautions, you help reduce outbreaks and keep your community stronger and healthier. These habits benefit your academic success, your social life, and the overall well-being of the residence. 

Cold, flu, and COVID-19 season does not have to disrupt your semester. Small, consistent actions like washing your hands, getting vaccinated, improving ventilation, and staying home when you are sick can significantly reduce your risk. These habits protect not only your own well-being but also the broader campus community. Stay healthy, Mounties!

Reading week can be a much-needed opportunity to pause and recharge. Some students use the time to visit home or travel, while others take the week to catch up on sleep, assignments, or social time. No matter how you spend it, returning to the pace of university life can feel challenging . It takes time to rebuild your routine, regain focus, and find balance again. The good news is that with a few simple strategies, you can ease back into the semester feeling grounded and prepared.

1.  Rebuild your routine with intention

After a week without strict schedules, reintroducing structure can make a big difference. Start by re-establishing regular sleep and wake times, aiming for seven to eight hours of rest each night. Plan out your week using a calendar or planner, noting key deadlines, lectures, and study blocks. Include small details such as meals, workouts, and downtime. The goal is not to fill every moment but to bring structure and predictability back into your days. A clear plan helps reduce stress and allows you to focus on one thing at a time.

2.  Ease into work with manageable goals 

It can be tempting to dive straight back into heavy studying after a break, but it is more effective to start small and build up your momentum. Begin with shorter study sessions or simpler tasks which help you reconnect with your courses. Try setting daily goals such as finishing one reading, updating a set of notes, or completing a short assignment. Over time, these small steps add up and create a strong sense of progress while minimizing feelings of burnout. Remember consistency is more valuable than intensity when you are re-adjusting.

3. Engage your mind with active study techniques 

If you find yourself feeling distracted or unmotivated, switch to active study methods to help you engage with the material. Summarize key ideas in your own words, create concept maps, or test yourself using flashcards. Teaching a topic to a friend or explaining it aloud also strengthens understanding. You can even form a small study group with your peers to review before midterms or essays. Returning to content covered before reading week helps reactivate your memory and makes it easier to connect new material to what you already know.

4. Make self-care a daily habit

Getting back into academic life does not mean sacrificing your well-being. Balance your schedule with mindful activities to support both your physical and mental health. Take breaks to stretch, go for a walk, listen to music, or grab a coffee with a friend. Try to eat regular meals and stay hydrated, especially if your energy feels low. Even brief moments of rest can reset your focus and improve productivity. Remember self-care is not a reward for finishing work; it is a key part of maintaining focus and motivation.

5. Stay connected and ask for support

It is easy to feel pressure after reading week, especially if deadlines are approaching. Reaching out for help early can make a big difference. Talk to classmates, attend office hours, or check in with academic support resources on campus. The Mt. A Help Centres, Wellness Strategist, and your professors and teaching assistants are all available to help you manage your coursework and plan ahead. 

6. Reflect and reset

Finally, take a few minutes to reflect on how the first half of the semester went. Ask yourself what worked well before reading week and what you might want to adjust. Maybe you discovered you study best in the mornings, or you need more breaks between activities. Use these insights to set realistic goals for the rest of the term. The second half of the semester is an opportunity to reset, stay organized, and finish strong.

Returning from reading week can feel like stepping back into motion after a pause. Be patient with yourself as you rebuild your focus. By combining structure with self-care and staying connected to your supports, you can find your routine again and carry momentum into a strong finish for the semester. Good luck, Mounties!