Library wellbeing activities during Stress Less
It's that time again—the University's Stress Less campaign kicks off next week! This campaign encompasses activities, entertainment, and strategies to help students cope with and manage stress in the lead-up to exams and assessments.
The Library runs several Stress Less wellbeing activities to support students during the busy end-of-semester period.
Stress Less Snacks
We provide hot snacks to keep students refreshed and studying through the night. Each evening (after our Library cafes have closed), students can grab a late-night snack from the Student Kitchens at Auchmuty and Ourimbah Libraries, inside NuSpace Library, and the Level 6 student hub at Gosford. Available each evening from Week 12 until the end of exams (while stocks last).
Chill out zones
Students can visit one of our chill out zones to relax and recharge between study sessions. We'll provide puzzles, games, and crafts for students to engage with. Available at Auchmuty, Ourimbah and NuSpace Libraries and the Level 6 student hub at Gosford from Week 12 to the end of exams.
Stationary Stations
Forgotten stationery items (pens, pencils, rulers, clear cases) are provided for students to take the stress off in the exam period. Items are available from each site’s service point from Week 12 to the end of exams.
Library study club
The Library Study Club sessions provide students with a supportive and motivating environment to work on an assignment. The session is a structured 3-hour block where students can come and work on assignments with designated breaks following the Pomodoro technique. Our Student Peer Support Assistants run the sessions, and a Librarian is available to help with any research and referencing questions students may have while they write/study. Sessions are run every Tuesday at Auchmuty, Ourimbah, NuSpace and online.
For more information, see our Library events page.
Chap-book Printmaking Workshop
Students can take a break from their studies to try a new skill (printmaking). The Library MakerSpace, in co-operation with Special Collections, hosts free 2-hour workshops to promote the opening week of the Special Collections Arts and Crafts Movement exhibition, which explores the book designs of the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 1800s (including William Morris’ Kelmscott Press). The workshops include:
- Exhibition Tour (15min)
- Rare Book Collection Visit (15min)
- Printmaking Workshop (1.5hrs)
The workshops will take place on Thursday, 27th October, and Thursday, 4th November, from 12:15 pm to 2:15 pm.
Library MakerSpace Stress Less Workshops & pop-ups
The Library MakerSpace will be hosting Stress Less-themed workshops where students can drop in and take their minds off their studies with activities like felting, painting, drone flying, and so much more!
Where/When:
Ourimbah, Monday-Wednesday & Fridays.
Auchmuty, Thursday-Fridays, 10am-3pm.
Collaboration activities
Therapy Dog Visits
UNSA collaboration
These sessions bring volunteer Delta Therapy Dog Teams into our Libraries as a unique well-being initiative designed to reduce stress and boost morale. These sessions involve calming cuddles and friendly paw-shakes with Delta Therapy Dogs, as well as chats with the Delta volunteer.
Where/When:
Monday 17th October at Ourimbah Library, 11:30am to 1pm, The Drum/Central Atrium (and IRC108 in case of rain).
Thursday 20th October at Callaghan, 11:30am to 1pm, Auchmuty Library Roof Terrace (and L417 in case of rain).
Health Promotion drop-in at the Bar in the Library
Health Promotion collaboration
Staff from the Health Promotion team will be available for a drop-in style session during the Stress Less period to promote wellbeing and mental health-related information/resources.
Where: at the Bar in the Library, Level 3 foyer, Auchmuty Library
When: Monday 17th October, Monday 24th October and Monday 31st October, 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Guided Relaxation
CaPS and Health Promotion collaboration
What: Kristen McQualter is a clinician with our Counselling and Psychological Services team. She will provide an overview of relaxation techniques and conduct a short relaxation session to help practice. Presenter: Kristen McQualter, Wellbeing Advisor
Where/When: The Terrace, Level 4, Auchmuty Library (L326 as wet weather alternative), Wednesday 19th October, 12:15pm to 12:30pm.
How to Stress Less
CaPS and Health Promotion collaboration
What: Helen Scobie, a clinician with the Counselling and Psychological Services team, will provide tips and resources to students to help them learn to understand, recognise and respond when they are stressed.
Where/When: L326, Auchmuty Library. Monday 24th October, 12:15pm to 12:30pm
Halloween MakerSpace Pop-Up
UNSA (Gosford) collaboration
The Library MakerSpace, in collaboration with UNSA, will host a Halloween-themed MakerSpace pop-up at the Gosford campus on Friday, 28th October.
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