Midterm Season at Queen’s: How to Stay Sane (and Maybe Even Smile)
Midterm season at Queen’s is here, when coffee starts to replace water, Stauffer Library becomes everyone’s second home, and the line at CoGro seems never-ending. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush and pressure, but looking after yourself is one of the best ways to stay focused and do your best. Fortunately, Queen’s has plenty of ways to help you slow down, recharge, and take care of your well-being during this busy time in the semester.
Dogs on Campus
One of the most loved midterm traditions at Queen’s is Dogs on Campus. Until November 15, every Wednesday (excluding Oct 15), students can take a well-deserved break and spend some time with Oscar, a golden retriever from St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dogs, and his handler John. They start on the 4th floor of the John Deutsch University Centre, go to different floors and then move towards Mitchell Hall. No registration is needed; students are welcome to stop by for a few minutes of calm and connection. Spending time with therapy dogs has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and lift your mood, making it a simple and meaningful way to take care of yourself during a busy week. Learn more at Student Wellness Services website! Find their events calendar here.
Overwhelm, Stress and Anxiety
If you’re looking for a more structured way to manage midterm stress, the Overwhelm, Stress, and Anxiety Group is a great option. The group meets on Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:30 pm, running from September 24 to November 5, with a short break on October 15. Led by a licensed therapist, the sessions focus on practical ways to manage anxiety and stay grounded without requiring long meditation practices.
Each week, students are guided through simple mindfulness activities such as mindful breathing and relaxation, body scans to improve focus and awareness, and mindful eating paired with compassion-based exercises. Many participants find that these small habits lead to lasting improvements in how they cope with both academic and personal stress.
Registration is required. For more information on how to register, and to explore other Therapy Groups, visit the Student Wellness Services’ website.
Navigating First Year Frenzy
For first-year students adjusting to university life, midterms can feel especially overwhelming. The Navigating First Year Frenzy program was designed with this in mind. Meeting Thursdays from 2:00 to 3:30 pm between October 2 and November 27 (except October 16), this in-person series helps first-year undergraduates manage the challenges of university with laughter and support. Each session features interactive activities and honest discussions on topics such as:
- Building time-management and organization skills
- Balancing coursework and self-care
- Stress-reduction and study strategies
- Navigating campus resources and adult responsibilities
The group offers both guidance and community—helping new students realize that no one figures everything out right away, and that learning how to adapt is part of the journey. It might seem like the rest of the world is black and white, when really, it’s in screaming colour. Registration is required, learn more here!
Student Wellness Services Spotlight
There’s something all the events listed above have common…They are all run by different branches of Student Wellness Services!
Student Wellness Services (SWS) is one of the many important supports on campus because they’re dedicated to helping students care for their mental, physical, and emotional health. University life can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, and SWS is there to make sure no one has to figure it out alone. From counselling and medical appointments to wellness coaching, and workshops on stress, sleep, and self-care, they offer so many ways to support students in every part of their lives.
We want to spotlight them because wellness isn’t just about staying healthy, it’s about building a strong foundation for everything else you want to do. The events and resources they offer are there to remind students that taking care of yourself is just as important as going to class or writing an exam. And when you do, everything else becomes a little easier.
Other Resources
Outside of these events, Queen’s provides a wide range of ongoing resources to help students care for their mental, physical, and academic health throughout the year.
- The AMS Peer Support Centre, in the Student Life Centre (JDUC), offers confidential, peer-to-peer conversations with trained student volunteers who understand the pressures of university life.
- Student Academic Success Services (SASS), located in Stauffer Library, provides workshops and coaching sessions to strengthen study skills, exam preparation, and time management.
- Empower Me gives students access to 24/7 counselling and mental health support by phone or online at 1-833-628-5589.
- The TALK Kingston Line offers late-night listening and support from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am daily at 613-544-1771.
- BeWell @ Queen’s provides self-guided online resources on mindfulness, sleep, and stress management at bewellatqueens.com.
- The Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) remains one of the best ways to de-stress—through yoga, spin classes, swimming, or even a simple walk around the indoor track. Physical activity improves focus, energy, and emotional well-being.
Quick Midterm Wellness Reminders
- Do box breathing (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4) before exams
- Get outside for a walk, even just around campus.
- Stay hydrated — alternate every coffee with water.
- Prioritize 7–8 hours of sleep.
- Celebrate small wins — finishing a chapter counts!
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