Exam season is on the horizon—but it doesn’t need to feel ominous.
Whether this is your first finals rodeo or not, it always helps to know where to go for some academic support, stress relief, and study tips.
Check out how you can make the most of UBC’s many free resources this exam season.
Managing stress
The UBC Wellness Centre
This time of the year can feel particularly overwhelming, but you don’t have to manage it alone.
Drop by the Wellness Centre in the UBC Life Building to talk to a nurse or Wellness Peer Educator about stress management...or anything concerning your health and wellness.
Thrive Month
Take a study break and attend a UBC Thrive event to relax, recharge, and learn ways to support your mental health. These events are happening right to the end of November, so be sure to check them out!
Preparing for exams
Chapman Learning Commons
The Chapman Learning Commons (CLC), more commonly recognized as the Help Desk on the third floor of Irving, is more than just a place to borrow a laptop charger.
It’s home to the Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication, as well as coaching and tutoring services. The CLC also provides online resources that can help you:
Other online resources to help you prep for exams
There isn’t a universal method for successful studying—but these tips can help you discover your study beat:
Writing support
Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication
Whether you’re in Arts or Applied Science, you will have to write a paper at some point in your university career. The Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication provides free writing services for first-years to grad students.
Book a one-on-one writing consultation to improve your writing skills or refine that final paper.
Tutoring and coaching
Stuck on a particular subject? Get help via UBC's different academic tutoring and coaching services.
Note: Many of these services are available until the last day of classes (Nov. 29) and will resume again in Term 2, so be sure to confirm hours before showing up—and take advantage of them soon!
AMS tutoring
Staffed by UBC students, the AMS tutoring team provides free drop-in group tutoring during the school year for first- and second-year subjects like Math, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Political Science, and Economics.
You can also book one-on-one appointments at reasonable rates by emailing tutoringassistant@ams.ubc.ca.
Faculty-specific tutoring
A number of faculties offer peer tutoring and coaching where you can get personalized help in areas like studying techniques, time management, academic goal-setting, and more.
Here are some examples:
- Science Peer Academic Coaches
- Arts Peer Academic Coaches
- Kinesiology Peer Academic Coaching
- Peer Assisted Study Sessions for Forestry and LFS students
There are also a variety of Learning Centres on campus where you can get help in specific subjects, such as Biology, Math, Physics, and Chemistry.
For other faculty-specific resources, contact your advising office or undergraduate society.
And don't forget: your profs and TAs are also great resources if you have questions about a course! Check out this post for tips on how to approach office hours.
Spaces to study (and crash)
Study spots
Stop spending precious study time trying to find a place to hit the books. Instead:
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Check out this overview of campus study spots, or jump ahead to this list of informal learning spaces (like lounges) that you can use.
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Explore this guide to find out which UBC library has what you need, from silent study areas to spaces that allow food and drink.
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Pro-tip: The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre will be open 24/7 from Dec 2 to 13. If you’re planning to study late, contact Safewalk for a safe trip home.
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- Finally, get some great tips (and a few laughs!) in this HGTV-inspired post about how to find the perfect study spot.
Commuter Student Hostel
Have an 8:30 am final and a 2-hour commute?
If you don’t have a couch to crash on, the Commuter Student Hostel provides overnight accommodations on campus for just $35 a night. You can check availability online and reserve a spot.
As you’re preparing for exams, don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. Happy studying!
