Sources of help during the run up to exams and how to support your wellbeing

A stressed student facing their open laptop and biting a yellow pencil in frustration. A pot of coloured pencils and the corner of a notebook is on the desk beside them.

The build-up to exams can be a very stressful time. To help with this, the University has an ‘Exam Wellbeing’ webpage full of helpful tips and advice, and offers support to address any challenges you may face.

The webpage includes a range of workshops available from the University Counselling Service & supportive resources, such as Podcasts.

Want to talk to someone during this stressful period? Take a look at the University’s Welfare & Wellbeing webpage, for information on how to contact:

Try one of our Mindful Activities

A photo of the Wellbeing Corner in the SSL which show comfy chairs, a table with a half completed jigsaw on it. A sign is on the table which says Wellbeing Corner. In the background are plants and a table with colouring and puzzle books and origami supplies.

Take a break from studying in the SSL and try one of our mindful activities. In our Wellbeing Corner (located behind our computer area) you will find:

  • Mindful colouring books and colouring pencils
  • Puzzle books
  • Origami material and instructions guides and books
  • Jigsaw puzzle

Feel free to remove items from this area to use in the library but please return them there after use.

Bodleian Libraries Wellbeing Events in Trinity Term

Two images from student wellbeing events, both featuring students doing craft activities with wool.

Take a look at the Bodleian Libraries Wellbeing in the Libraries webpage for other libraries offering mindful activities and wellbeing events taking place this term. This includes a chance to meet, pet and feed some alpacas on the Radcliffe Camera lawn on Wednesday 20 May, 1 – 4pm.

A group of alpacas on the Radcliffe Camera lawn.

Take regular breaks

Want to grab a coffee or get something to eat?

A view of the Glasshouse Cafe in the Manor Road Building, featuring a variety of tables and chairs and hanging plants.

The Glasshouse Cafe is located on the first floor of the Manor Road Building (directly above the library).

  • Monday – Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm
A person stood using the vending machines in the Manor Road Building.

Café closed? There are vending machines located at the back of the balcony on the First Floor. There is also a microwave available for you to use there.

Water Fountain

Located behind the main building Reception desk.

A person sat reading a book on one of the picnic tables at the front of the Manor Road Building.

Picnic benches are located at the front of the building, if you wish to sit outside.

Want to eat & drink while you study?

Although food is not allowed in the library, you can bring in bottled water and also hot drinks (as long as they are in a reusable cup with a lid).

Exam Support Pop-Up Book Display

A display of titles related to Exam Support on a bookcase in the SSL.

We’ve put together a display of titles to support you during exams. From tips on how to study effectively, to advice on supporting your wellbeing. Find the display around the corner from our Issue Desk.

Take a break outside

Person stood outside on a path (with their back to us) surrounded by greenery.

There are plenty of green spaces close to the SSL for you to take a break in. Pick one of the flyers below up from around the corner from our issue desk for inspiration.

Map of green spaces close to the SSL: University Parks, Marston Cyclepath, Music Meadow, Holywell Cemetery, Botanical Gardens and Magdalene College Deer Park.

Exam Support Pop-Up Book Display

With Trinity Term upon us, we thought it was a good idea to compile a display of useful books on how to study effectively and support your wellbeing. We have chosen a selection of texts to help across the different assessments you might be taking; from How to handle your exam nerves: study tips and healthy habits for confidence and success to The PhD viva : how to prepare for your oral examination.

The image shows the Exam Support Book Display case. The grey display unit holds 4 shelves of books on study skills, wellbeing, and poetry, along with a poster advertising the display.

Trinity term, with the build-up to exams and deadlines, can be a very hectic and stressful time for students and staff. It’s important to take time for your own wellbeing and to schedule in regular study breaks. To help with this, we have included a number of lighter reads, including poetry anthologies and tasty recipes to provide a welcome distraction!

The books featured in the display are on loan to us from the Collections Storage Facility (CSF). They are for use in the library only and cannot be borrowed. Do feel free to remove them from the display to look at in the library and then return them there afterwards.

Image depicts wellbeing corner in the Social Science Library. There are 3 blue arm chairs with pink cushions with a coffee table in front of them. On the coffee table there is a jigsaw puzzle, mindful colouring books, coloured pencils, and 3 puzzle books. In the corner there is a large plant.

Did you know that we have a Wellbeing Corner in the SSL? Located behind the reader PC area is a space where readers can take some time to relax while visiting the library. In our Wellbeing Corner you will find:

  • Mindful colouring books and colouring pencils
  • Puzzle books
  • Origami material and instructions guides and books
  • Jigsaw puzzle

Sources of help during the run up to exams and how to support your wellbeing

A stressed student facing their open laptop and biting a yellow pencil in frustration. A pot of coloured pencils and the corner of a notebook is on the desk beside them.

The build-up to exams can be a very stressful time. To help with this, the University has an ‘Exam Wellbeing’ webpage full of helpful tips and advice, and offers support to address any challenges you may face.

The webpage includes a range of workshops available from the University Counselling Service & supportive resources, such as Podcasts.

Want to talk to someone during this stressful period? Take a look at the University’s Welfare & Support webpage, for information on how to contact:

Try one of our Mindful Activities

A photo of the Wellbeing Corner in the SSL which show comfy chairs, a table with a half completed jigsaw on it. A sign is on the table which says Wellbeing Corner. In the background are plants and a table with colouring and puzzle books and origami supplies.

Take a break from studying in the SSL and try one of our mindful activities. In our Wellbeing Corner (located behind our computer area) you will find:

  • Mindful colouring books and colouring pencils
  • Puzzle books
  • Origami material and instructions guides and books
  • Jigsaw puzzle

Feel free to remove items from this area to use in the library but please return them there after use.

Bodleian Libraries Wellbeing Events in Trinity Term

3 images from the  Wellbeing in Libraries webpage. No.1 Arial shot of students sat at tables taking part in a craft event. No. 2 A close of up a pair of hands holing a knitted item. No. 3 Plants.

Take a look at the Bodleian Libraries Wellbeing in the Libraries webpage for other libraries offering mindful activities and events taking place this term. This includes a chance to meet, pet and feed some alpacas on the Radcliffe Camera lawn on Friday 23 May, 1-4pm.

A group of alpacas on the Radcliffe Camera lawn.

Take regular breaks

There are plenty of places to get food and drink close to the library:

An interior shot of the Manor Road Cafe.

Manor Road Café

Serves hot food and drinks:

Mon – Fri, 8:30am to 3:30pm

Vending Machines & Microwave

Café closed? There are vending machines located at the back of the balcony on the First Floor. There is also a microwave available for you to use there.

Water Fountain

Located behind the main building Reception desk.

An exterior shot of the Missing Bean Cafe.

Missing Bean Cafe

Serves hot drinks, sandwiches, pastries and homemade cakes.

Level 2, St Cross Building

Mon – Fri, 8:30am to 5pm

Manor Road picnic benches

Picnic benches are located at the front of the building, if you wish to sit outside.

Want to eat & drink while you study?

Although food is not allowed in the library, you can bring in bottled water and also hot drinks (as long as they are in a reusable cup with a lid).

Pop-Up Book Displays

We currently have two pop-up book displays around the corner from our issue desk.

A selection of books on display in the SSL as part of a Spring Wellbeing pop up book display.

Our first display focuses on the importance of getting outdoors for our mental health and wellbeing. Find inspiration for local walks via books & flyers.

A selection of books on display in the SSL as part of an Exam Support pop up book display.

Our second display focuses on how to study effectively for exams and support your wellbeing.

With a few exceptions, the books are library use only, so please return them to the display after browsing. Each item has a bookmark in it to let you know if it is loanable or not.

Take a break outside

Person stood outside on a path (with their back to us) surrounded by greenery.

There are plenty of green spaces close to the SSL for you to take a break in. Pick one of the flyers below up from around the corner from our issue desk.

Map of green spaces close to the SSL: University Parks, Marston Cyclepath, Music Meadow, Holywell Cemetery, Botanical Gardens and Magdalene College Deer Park.