Study Tips, Study Breaks, and Finding Support

Dear Students,

As you navigate the end of this semester, we hope you will look for opportunities to care for yourself as you focus on your coursework. Below are a few suggestions and information on supportive resources to help you get started. We encourage you to save them for future reference!

Study Breaks

Take breaks that feel meaningful to you. 

• Even a short break can go a long way. Here are a few ideas that take less than 10 minutes:
  • Watch a puppy cam.
  • Breathe deep with this 3-minute meditation led by CUIMC Psychiatrist Oren Messeri.
  • Set a timer for 10 minutes and tidy up your desk or workspace.
  • Try these seated desk stretches.
     

• Longer breaks are also important for sustaining yourself. Here are a few ideas:
  • Cook something or enjoy a meal with a friend.
  • Watch a show that makes you laugh.
  • Stop by Low Lounge: Snowed-in Self Care on Sunday, December 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (More study breaks listed below).

Study Tips

• Schedule time to work with a friend or classmate. Having another person you know nearby (or on a video call) may help increase your focus, even if you’re working on different assignments.
• Getting a good night’s sleep makes studying easier. Having trouble sleeping? Take the Columbia Health Sleep Assessment to get personalized recommendations to improve your sleep.
• Some find brown noise calming or helpful for blocking out distractions. This video has 24 hours of brown noise for study or sleep. 
• Be kind to yourself. Forgiving yourself if you don’t complete everything on your to-do list, or rewarding yourself when you do, can remind you to be gracious with yourself as you learn. More tips from Go Ask Alice.

Want to Talk to Someone? 

• Morningside/Manhattanville Students: Support is available from Columbia Health through:
  • Virtual & In-Person Drop-in Hours with an Alice! Health Promotion specialist
  • Mental Health Drop-ins and Individual Counseling with a Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) provider. 
  • CPS is also available 24/7 at 212-854-2878, if you need immediate assistance.
     
• CUIMC Students: Support is available from Student Health on Haven through:
  • Individual Counseling and Support Sessions with a Counseling Services clinician
  • Well-Being Strategy Sessions with a Well-Being and Health Promotion team member
  • If you need immediate assistance, counseling support is available 24/7 via chat and phone through TELUS Health.
    • Call TELUS Health directly at 877-297-1198 or 
    • Download the TELUS Health app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store
       
• All Students:
  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Free and confidential support is available 24/7 by phone, text or chat. Call or text: 988. Chat online: 988lifeline.org/chat.
  • You can always find more resources on our website, or reach out to your Dean of Students, and the University Life team at [email protected]. 

Upcoming Study Spaces & Breaks 

Low Lounge: Snowed-in Self Care
Sunday, December 8, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
In-Person | Low Library Rotunda
Open to All Students

The University Life Events Council is transforming the Low Library Rotunda into the ultimate study break spot! Come for student performances, a photo booth, DIY wellness kits and snow globe crafts, hot cocoa, a dessert station, yoga, and more.

Chill Out * Warm Up 
Monday, December 9, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
In-Person | 50 Haven Main Lounge
Open to CUIMC Students

Enjoy a festive opportunity to step away from finals prep for some community and seasonal joy. Cookie decorating, hot chocolate or ginger tea, card making, games, and more! Hosted by Student Health on Haven, Office of Housing Services, Faculty Club, and the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). 

Study Days
Tuesday, December 10 - Thursday, December 19, Hours Vary
In-Person | Earl Hall Auditorium
Open to All Students

Religious Life invites you to this quiet study space. Tea and snacks will be available throughout the day. 

Student Crafting Corner
In-Person | Lerner Hall, Room 555 
Open to All Students

Create unique holiday decorations or color in coloring books that feature some of the iconic locations around Columbia’s campuses. Drop by any of the following times:

• Tuesday, December 10, 12 - 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 11, 12 - 3 p.m.
• Thursday,  December 12, 12 - 3 p.m.

Take care,

Melanie J. Bernitz (she/her/hers)

Interim Executive Vice President, University Life 
Senior Vice President, Columbia Health

Joseph Defraine Greenwell, Ed.D. (he/him/his)

Senior Vice President for Student Affairs, University Life