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StudyWell 24-25 Academic Year

Description

VCU Libraries and partners in the Division of Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success offer StudyWell sessions focusing broadly on student wellbeing. Events highlight all types of health and wellness, including physical, financial, emotional and social health, in addition to academic success.

All sessions are free and open to all VCU students. Most events are drop-in with no registration required. For questions or accommodations, please contact the VCU Libraries Events Office at rbpander@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0593.

More about StudyWell

Session Lineup 2024-2025 Academic Year

You First Study Hours 
James Branch Cabell Library Multipurpose Room (Room 250)
Throughout the semester, Mondays and Tuesdays 4-9 p.m.

  • Drop-in study hours for first-generation students.

TRIO Study Hours 
James Branch Cabell Library Multipurpose Room (Room 250)
Throughout the semester, Mondays 1-4 p.m. 

  • Drop-in study hours for TRIO students. 

Transfer Tuesdays in Cabell
James Branch Cabell Library Multipurpose Room (Room 250)
Throughout the semester, Tuesdays 1-3 p.m.

  • Drop-in study hours for transfer students.

Men of Color Study Hours
James Branch Cabell Library Multipurpose Room (Room 250)
Throughout the semester, Fridays 1-5 p.m. and Sundays 4-10 p.m.

  • Drop-in study hours for men of color. 

Whiteboard Wednesdays
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Wednesdays throughout the semester

  • Every week, we post a question on the large whiteboard in the lobby and provide markers so that you can share your responses. Prompts might include drawing your favorite cartoon character or asking a question like what’s your favorite coffee order. It’s your chance to share your thoughts on the question of the day.

Financial Success Center Peer Coaching Hours
James Branch Cabell Library Room 108

Throughout the semester:
Mondays 2 - 5 p.m.
Tuesdays 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; plus dropins 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays 4 - 7 p.m.
Thursdays 2 - 4 p.m.

  • Peer coaches from The Virginia Credit Union Financial Success Center at VCU offer free financial coaching on topics such as cash flow plans, savings goals, affording college, improving your credit score and paying down debt. Meet in the conference room on the first floor directly next to the gender neutral restrooms. No appointment needed Tuesday evenings.

Dogs on Call
Dec. 3, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Health Sciences Library Reading Room 

  • Stop by the reading room on the first floor to destress from midterms with some pups from Dogs on Call. 

Healthy Snacks for Finals
Health Science Library Lobby
Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 

  • Stop by the Health Sciences Library Lobby to fuel up on some whole fruit while you study for midterms.

Dogs on Call
Dec. 4, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
James Branch Cabell Library Room 250

  • Stop by the multipurpose room on the second floor to destress from midterms with some pups from Dogs on Call. 

Mindful Finals: You got the beat!
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Dec. 4, noon- 2 p.m.

  • Join RecWell's Peer Health Educators to learn about the effect music can have on your mental health and wellbeing!

Mindful Finals 
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Dec. 5, noon  - 2 p.m.

  • Join the Peer Health Educators to learn how mindfulness and self-care can help us cope with stress and make your own beaded reflection bracelets.

First and Second Year Experience Finals: Treat Giveaway
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Dec. 6, 2 - 4 p.m.

  • Stop by to chat with the First and Second Year Experience and Transition team to learn more about their resources and grab a goodie bag before you study for Finals.

For special accommodations, or to register offline, please contact Ryan Pander, event manager, rbpander@vcu.edu or 804-828-0593.

Previous Events

Olympic Games Viewing
Health Sciences Library Lobby
July 26 - Aug. 11, various times and dates

  • Stop by the Health Sciences Library to view live and replay Olympic Games sporting events July 26 through Aug. 11, during open hours. 

Rustle Up ‘How to Succeed in College’ Books 
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Aug. 20, 3 - 5 p.m.

  • Browse the Student Success Collection and find books that will help you be successful at college. Books’ topics include time management, study tips, fitness and health, dealing with roommates, how to read academic articles and much more.

Peer Health Educators Green Flags: Relationship Reflection
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Aug. 26, noon-2 p.m.

  • Join RecWell’s Peer Health Educators for an interactive, peer-led activity to reflect on green, yellow and red flags in relationships. Learn on campus relationships here to support you.

Round Up Some Fiction, Poetry, Romance or Fantasy at the Library
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Aug. 28, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

  • Did you know you can borrow more than just academic books at the library? We have millions of books in all genres from fiction to poetry, from romance to fantasy. Learn how to find entertaining books for your leisure with Humanities Research Librarian John Glover.

Peer Health Educators Pour it Up
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Aug. 29, noon-2 p.m. 

  • Join RecWell’s Peer Health Educators as they educate and promote awareness around standard drink size for alcohol, the Golden Zone, and social norms regarding protective behaviors and alcohol use among VCU students.

Rodeo Relaxation: Coloring and Word Search 
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Sept. 3, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

    • Slow down with a coloring page or challenge yourself to find all the library-themed words in our custom word search puzzle. Use our crayons or bring your favorite art supplies. Bring a friend for double the relaxation.

“What’s Your Why?”
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Sept. 5, noon - 2 p.m.

  • Join RecWell's Peer Health Educators to reflect on your motivation for exercise and the ways it can benefit you.

Cannabis 101
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby 
Sept. 10, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

  • Join the Peer Health Educators to learn about the effects of using cannabis. You will have the opportunity to test your knowledge and win prizes in a trivia game.

Richmond Public Library -- Sign Up for a Library Card
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Wednesdays 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the following dates:
Sept. 11, Sept. 25, Oct. 22, Nov. 13

  • If you live in the City of Richmond or surrounding counties, stop by to register for a free library card during this visit by Richmond Public Library staff. Bring a state or federal issued ID and a document with your current address, and you’ll have access to their physical and digital collections including books, audiobooks, movies, music, newspapers and magazines. 

Mario Kart in the Library
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Sept. 17, 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

  • Calling all Mario Kart racers. The Health Sciences Library will be offering Mario Kart in the lobby on Sept. 17. Join us anytime during the library’s open hours to take a study break with friends.

Peer Health Educators Well-being Rocks! 
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Sept. 17, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

  • Join RecWell's Peer Health Educators to learn about ways to destress and practice mindful self-care by painting a rock.

Green Flags: Wrap it Up
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Sept. 18, noon - 2 p.m. 

  • Join RecWell's Peer Health Educators for an interactive table with activities to learn how to properly use an external condom.

Healthy Hearts 
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Sept. 19, noon - 2 p.m.

  • Join the Peer Health Educators for American Heart Month to learn about ways to promote heart health in your life and receive a free blood pressure screening from clinicians at University Student Health Services.

Fall in New Routines: A Focus on Time Management
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Sept. 20, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

  • The new academic year has started and that means a lot of new things are being added to your schedule: Classes, work, study time, student organizations, self-care time, and more. How are you going to balance it all? Stop by and chat with the Campus Learning Center Academic Coaching team to learn more about time management strategies and tips.

Grow your Goals
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby 
Oct. 1, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

  • Join the Peer Health Educators to learn about setting personal goals for well-being, and let your goals blossom as you decorate a grow kit with your aspirations.

Fat Bear Week Stress Relief
VCU Medical Center Health and Wellness Library 
Oct. 2-8, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. 

  • Fat Bear Week celebrates the brown bears of Katmai National Park’s Brooks River as they feast on salmon to gain enough weight to last through winter hibernation. The annual event involves a single-elimination tournament where the public can vote on who they think is the fattest bear. At the end of the week, one furry friend will be dubbed with the prestigious title of "Fat Bear!" Come by the Health and Wellness Library, October 2 through 8, to relax and watch a live stream of the brown bears catching salmon, and cast your own vote on who you think will be the champion.

    For more information: contact (804)-828-2432 or healthlibrary@vcuhealth.org

Graduate Education Celebration
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby 
Oct. 3, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

  • This Graduate Education Week, meet the Graduate School team to ask questions, grab snacks, and ease your anxiety about furthering your education at VCU.

Caffeine Consciousness
James Branch Cabell Library 
Oct. 4, 10 a.m. - noon

  • Join the Peer Health Educators for an interactive activity to test your knowledge about the caffeine content in your favorite drinks.

Hocus Focus, what's so scary about sleep
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Oct. 7, noon - 2 p.m. 

  • Join RecWell's Peer Health Educators to talk about ways to get the sleep of your dreams. This event includes sleep assessments and tips for healthier rest.

Periodic Table of Friends Postcard writing
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Oct. 8, noon - 2 p.m.

  • Join the Friends of VCU Libraries to write a postcard home or to a friend.

National Coming Out Day
Health Science Library Lobby 
Oct. 10, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

  • Show your creative or supportive side by designing and creating your own unique button. Buttons are a great way to publicly acknowledge and express identities. Whether you have recently come out, have been out for a while or are a LGBTQIA+ ally, we invite you to help VCU and VCU Libraries celebrate National Coming Out Day. 

Spread the Self Love
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Oct. 10, noon - 2 p.m. 

  • Join the Peer Health Educators to discuss ways to practice self-love and self-compassion. Students will write kind messages and learn strategies to maintain community in times of loneliness.

Mindful Midterms-reflection beads
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby 
Oct. 14, noon - 2 p.m.

  • Join the Peer Health Educators to learn how mindfulness and self-care can help us cope with stress and make your own beaded reflection bracelets.

Mindful Midterms: Well-being Rocks!
Health Science Library Lobby
Oct. 15, noon - 2 p.m.

  • Join RecWell's Peer Health Educators to learn about ways to destress and practice mindful self-care by painting a rock during finals/ midterms.

Healthy Snacks for Midterms
Health Science Library Lobby
Oct. 16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 

  • Stop by the Health Sciences Library Lobby to fuel up on some whole fruit while you study for midterms.

Dogs on Call
Oct. 17, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Health Sciences Library Reading Room 

  • Stop by the reading room on the first floor to destress from midterms with some pups from Dogs on Call. 

Midterm Mental Health- University Counseling Services
Health Science Library Lobby
Oct. 17, noon - 1 p.m. 

  • Learn about mental health resources available to students both on campus and virtually through University Counseling Services. There will be chances to win swag, such as a T-shirt or stuffed ram. 

Don’t get TRICKED by exams, TREAT yourself to a study plan 
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Oct. 18, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

  • "Midterms." That word can feel daunting. It doesn't have to though. Building a strong study plan is the best way to avoid those mid-semester scaries. The Campus Learning Center Academic Coaching team is here to help you explore what study strategies could work best for you. 

All Foods Fit
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby 
Oct. 21, noon - 2 p.m.

  • Join RecWell's Peer Health Educators to learn realistic ways to stay active and the resources on and around campus to help you find your fit.

Mario Kart in the Library
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Oct. 22, 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

  • Calling all Mario Kart racers. The Health Sciences Library will be offering Mario Kart in the lobby on Oct. 22. Join us anytime during the library’s open hours to take a study break with friends.

Periodic Table of Friends
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Oct. 23, noon-1 p.m.

  • VCU Friends will be providing a study break for students to write postcards home.

Alcohol 101 Trivia
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby 
Oct. 28, noon - 2 p.m. 

  • Join RecWell’s Peer Health Educators to test your knowledge about the effects of alcohol using a trivia game.

Scare Up Spooky Fiction, Comics, Art, and More at Cabell Library
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Oct. 29 and Oct. 31, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

  • It's Spooky Season! Come dig up some frightful reading at a popup library in the lobby of Cabell Library. You'll find spine-tingling titles selected by your arts and humanities research librarians from VCU Libraries' chilling collections. 

Election Stress with University Counseling Services
Health Science Library Lobby
Oct. 29, 2 - 3 p.m. 

  • Election time can be very stressful for students, especially those new to voting. Learn about mental health resources available to students both on campus and virtually through University Counseling Services. There will be chances to win swag, such as a T-shirt or stuffed ram.

Halloween Maker Event
Health Sciences Library Lobby 
Oct. 30, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. 

  • Stop by the Health Sciences Library to make a fall-themed card for a friend or loved one (or even yourself), grab a sweet treat and learn more about the equipment available in the Health Sciences Library Makerspace.

Breaking TaBOOs for healthy relationships
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby 
Oct. 30, noon - 2 p.m. 

  • Join RecWell's Peer Health Educators to learn about what constitutes healthy romantic and platonic relationships. Reflect on your wants, needs, tolerates and deal breakers in a relationship.

Halloween Costume Photobooth Selfie Station
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby and Health Sciences Library Lobby 
Oct. 31, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

  • Whether you’re in costume or not, stop by the table on Halloween in the lobby to take a photo booth-style selfie using our Halloween props and a social media photo frame. Tag yourself and @VCULibraries!  

Richmond Public Library -- Sign Up for a Library Card
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Wednesdays 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the following dates:
Oct. 2, Nov. 6

  • If you live in the City of Richmond or surrounding counties, stop by to register for a free library card during this visit by Richmond Public Library staff. Bring a state or federal issued ID and a document with your current address, and you’ll have access to their physical and digital collections including books, audiobooks, movies, music, newspapers and magazines. 

Peer Health Educators STI Jeopardy
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Nov. 4, noon-2 p.m.

  • Join RecWell's Peer Health Educators to learn important facts about STIs with the help of an interactive Jeopardy game!

Make one for The Branch and take one
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Nov. 7, 10 a.m. - noon

  • Meet representatives from The Branch Museum and do an origami project, one for you to keep and one for The Branch to take back and use as part of their holiday decorations.

First-Generation Student Reception 
James Branch Cabell Library, room 205 
Nov. 7, 4 - 5 p.m. 

  • VCU Libraries recognizes and celebrates First Generation students at VCU! Stop by  room 205 for a reception, including snacks, games, music, a selfie station, and a '1st Gen Yap Sesh' with YouFirst Peer Mentors Emma and Randy.

Peer Health Educators Count Your Zzz’s
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Nov. 8, 10 a.m.- noon 

  • Join RecWell's Peer Health Educators to talk about ways to get the sleep of your dreams. This event includes sleep assessments and tips for healthier rest.

Peer Health Educators All Foods Fit
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Nov. 12, 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

  • Join RecWell's Peer Health Educators to learn about nutrition fundamentals and how to create well balanced meals. Explore snack ideas as well as low cost meals on and around campus.

World Kindness Day
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Nov. 13, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

  • World Kindness Day is a global celebration day each year on November 13 that promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself, and to the world. Join VCU Libraries in making friendship bracelets and buttons to celebrate this special day.

Joy Journals
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Nov. 14, noon. -  2 p.m.

  • Join RecWell's Peer Health Educators to decorate a reflection journal and discuss ways you can practice self care. 

The Final Countdown
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Nov. 15, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

  • "It's the final countdown, na na na na..." (Could you hear Swedish rock band Europe singing it?) We are in the final stretch of the semester which means that final exams and projects are right around the corner. Have you started building your end-of-semester plan?  Chat with the Campus Learning Center Academic Coaching team to talk about final exam prep and how to finish the semester strong. 

Peer Health Educators Grow your Goals
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby 
Nov. 18, noon-2 p.m.

  • Join the Peer Health Educators to learn about setting personal goals for well-being, and let your goals blossom as you plant a seed and decorate a grow kit with your aspirations.

Mario Kart in the Library
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Nov. 19, 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

  • Calling all Mario Kart racers, the Health Sciences Library will be offering Mario Kart in the lobby on Nov. 19. Join us anytime during the library’s open hours to take a study break with friends.

Peer Health Educators Reflections Beads & Gratitude Cards
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Nov. 20, noon- 2 p.m.

  •  Join the Peer Health Educators to learn how mindfulness and self-care can help us cope with stress and make your own beaded reflection bracelets.

Election Stress with University Counseling Services
Health Science Library Lobby
Nov. 21, noon - 1 p.m. 

  • The 2024 election results have been extremely stressful for students. University Counseling Services will be able to provide mental health resources to students both on campus and virtually. There will be chances to win swag, such as a T-shirt or stuffed ram.