A tradition in universities across Canada is a week-long break in the fall and winter semesters, known as “Reading Week.” These breaks are meant to assist students with their mental health and, in some cases, prevent tragedies.
“From a Canadian perspective reading weeks are primarily a student wellness consideration,” said University of Regina registrar James D’Arcy. “Post-secondary studies can be stressful, and for some can lead to mental and physical health concerns. Reading weeks allow students to take a step back and regroup.”
This strengthens a theory among students that reading weeks were partly implemented to aid student mental health.
“I do think reading week is vital to my academic success,” said third-year University of Regina journalism student Mikayla Tallon. “It allows me to split the semester in half and motivate myself to work hard so that I can relax on the break to recharge for the second half.”
No specific date identifies when reading weeks were added to the university’s winter schedule. This is because the February break is common among academic institutions.
The fall reading week has not been around as long.
“For the fall, we introduced a reading week in 2016,” said D’Arcy. “It started as a small break of two additional days attached to Remembrance Day and evolved into a full week the year following.”
The University of Regina has a specific idea for what students should use reading week for.
“The primary purpose of a reading week is to promote student wellness,” said D’Arcy. “It’s an opportunity for students to catch up on their reading, do research for final assignments, study and reconnect with their families and friends.
“Our recent fall break surveys confirm that students do exactly that, as well as take it as an opportunity to earn some extra income.”
The way students use reading week differs depending on the individual and the workload. Certain semesters weigh more heavily on students than others, causing different approaches for different breaks.
“I honestly think [reading week] is vital only so far as that you can get a lot done,” said fourth-year University of Regina journalism student Eric Stachowich. “I would like to use it for a break … hang out with friends/family … or doing anything you really want. Put everything away, come back ready for the back end of the semester with a good mindset.”
Disconnecting from any chronically stressful activity is undoubtedly beneficial for mental health. Balancing this disconnect with catching up with readings and assignments is vital to student success. In a 2024 CBC News article, the writer discussed suicide as a leading cause of death among young people. The study found that over 70 per cent of universities in Canada don’t track student suicide rates.
“This semester, given my classes, I will be using it as a break,” said Stachowich. “Normally I can’t take such a break, as exams or assigments were scheduled after [reading week] in past semesters.”
It seems as though most students take a similar approach to their reading week.
“I typically use my reading week to catch up on sleep and any assignments that are due after the break,” said Tallon. “I also usually go home to spend time with my family and take a break from the city.
Many Students Suffer From Stress. Photo by: Mason Elford
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