More than a study space: how the Library helps students thrive during exams

Every seat is filled. Laptops hum quietly, notes are spread across tables, and students focus intently on preparing for final assessments. It’s a familiar scene, and one that reflects both the dedication and the stress that exams bring.

“As library staff, we see firsthand how intense this time of year can be,” says Raegan Villeneuve, Program Assistant at USask Library, who coordinates the Library’s Take a Break exam-time program. “Students often don't realize that resting is an essential part of learning.”

That understanding is what led to the creation of Take a Break, a long-standing library program designed to support students’ health and well-being when academic pressure is at its highest. Over the years, the program has grown steadily as students increasingly take advantage of opportunities to pause, reset, and return to their studies with renewed energy and focus.

“The library has always been a space for serious academic work,” Villeneuve explains. “But we’re also committed to supporting students in a more holistic way. That means recognizing that healthy study habits include taking effective, purposeful breaks.”

Offered during exam periods, Take a Break provides simple, accessible ways for students to step away from their work for a short time to reset and reenergize. Students engage in a range of activities that include puzzles, colouring, therapy dog visits, and enjoying access to free snacks and special events such as movie days.

“We want students to know that they can take a break from studying without feeling guilty,” says Villeneuve. “Take a Break activities are designed to fit easily into students’ busy schedules. Even five or ten minutes can make a difference.”

The continued growth of the program speaks to its impact. Each exam season brings new and returning users of the Take a Break program. The library regularly adapts and expands the initiative based on student interest and feedback.

“That response from students tells us this support matters,” Villeneuve says. “Students are realizing that caring for their physical and mental well-being is part of academic success, not something separate from it.”

The program also reflects the library’s broader role on campus. Beyond providing inclusive and welcoming study spaces, the University Library offers academic supports throughout the year – study skills resources, exam preparation guidance, workshops, and one-on-one help. This programming reinforces those supports at the moment they’re needed most.

“For us, it’s about helping students work smarter, not just longer,” Villeneuve says. “When students take intentional breaks, they often come back more focused and less stressed.”

Student feedback consistently highlights the value of Take a Break during exam season. Many describe it as a relaxing break from studying, while others appreciate access to snacks and activities during a time when resources can feel stretched.

Others express gratitude for the care behind the initiative, sharing that it brightens their exam season and makes the library feel like a place that truly supports them during a challenging time.

As exam seasons continue, the University Library remains what it has always been: a busy, central space for learning. But through programs like Take a Break, it’s also a place that reminds students that success includes balance – and that sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is pause.

To find tips and see the full schedule for this season’s Take a Break program, visit our guide here or check the library’s events page.

In April, Take a Break is generously supported by The Grit and Scott McCreath Library Student Success Fund.