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 2025-2026 Academic Year

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

• Drop in time for men of color to study, meet peers, and work together in a supportive environment. These events are open to all friends, allies, and supporters of the men of color community.

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

• Time for TRIO students to study, meet peers, and work together in a supportive environment. These events are open to all friends, allies, and supporters of the TRiO community.

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. These events are open to all friends, allies, and supporters of the first-generation community.

Rooted & Ready: Rural Rams Co-Working Hour
James Branch Cabell Library Multipurpose Room (Room 250)
Throughout the semester, Fridays 1-2 p.m.

Looking for a space to connect with other rural students while also staying on top of your coursework? Join us for Rural Rams Co-Working Hour in the library! This is a casual, drop-in time where you can:

• Get homework done before the weekend begins
• Meet and network with other students who share a rural background
• Build community and support with peers who “get it”

You don’t have to come with a group — just bring your laptop, your to-do list, and yourself. All friends, allies, and supporters of the rural student community are welcome.

Financial Success Center Peer Coaching Hours
James Branch Cabell Library Room 108
Throughout the semester: Mondays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 12 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.

Whiteboard Wednesdays
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Wednesdays throughout the semester

• Every week, we post a question or prompt 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 or best place to study. It’s your chance to share your thoughts on the question of the day.

Past Events

Spread the Self Love
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Aug. 20, 11 a.m. - 1 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.

Richmond Public Library -- Sign Up for a Library Card
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Aug. 20, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• 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. For more information visit their website. 

Alcohol 101 Trivia
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Aug. 25, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

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

Buttons for Wellbeing
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Aug. 28, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

• Join the Peer Health Educators to make buttons with your own positive affirmations. Join a discussion about self-image using affirmation and accountability strategies.

Find Your Fit
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Sept. 3, 11 a.m. - 1 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.
  

Switch Games in the Library
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Sept. 4, 9 a.m. -  4 p.m.

• Calling all Mario Kart racers and Smash Bros. players. The Health Sciences Library will be offering Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. in the lobby.  Join us anytime during 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to take a study break with friends.

Well Being Rocks
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Sept. 8, 3:30 - 5 p.m. 

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

Green Flags: Wrap it up
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Sept. 11, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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

Caffeine Consciousness
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Sept. 17, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

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

Richmond Public Library -- Sign Up for a Library Card
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Sept. 17, 2 - 4 p.m. 

• 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. For more information visit their website.

Reflection Journals
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Sept. 18, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

• Join RecWell's Peer Health Educators to decorate a reflection journal and discuss ways you can practice self care. Students will be given a journal and craft supplies to decorate with as the PHEs support them with wellness planning, goal-setting, and mindful self-care strategies.

Fall into New Routines: A Focus on Time Management with the Campus Learning Center
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-12 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.

Buttons for Wellbeing
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Sept. 22, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

• Join the Peer Health Educators to make buttons with your own positive affirmations. Join a discussion about self-image using affirmation and accountability strategies.

Switch Games in the Library
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Sept. 25, 9 a.m. -  4 p.m.

• Calling all Mario Kart racers and Smash Bros. players. The Health Sciences Library will be offering Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. in the lobby.  Join us anytime during 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to take a study break with friends.

STI Jeopardy
James Branch Cabell Library
Sept. 25, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• Join RecWell's Peer Health Educators to learn important facts about sexually transmitted infections with the help of an interactive Jeopardy game.

Mental Health Resources
Health Science Library Lobby 
Sept. 25,  noon - 1 p.m.

• Join staff from University Counseling Services to learn about mental health resources available to students both on campus and virtually. Enter to win swag, such as a water bottle or stuffed ram.

Cannabis 101
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Sept. 29, 11 a.m.  - 1 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.

First and Second Year Experiences Table
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Oct. 1, 1 - 3 p.m.

• The Office of First and Second Year Experiences will host a Resource Tabling event featuring campus offices and organizations that support student success. Students can stop by to learn about upcoming events, connect with offices, and pick up helpful information on academic, social, and wellness resources. This drop-in event is free and open to all students.

What Makes You, You?
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Oct. 2, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• Join RecWell's Peer Health Educators to discuss the positive effects of community and a strong personal identity on your well-being as we share ways to find belonging and self-love on campus.

National Smile Day
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Oct. 2, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.

• Say cheese, swing by and show us your brightest smile. We will have FREE smile stickers and tasty snacks waiting to spread a little joy. Come grab yours and make our day.

Hooked Medicine
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Oct. 2, noon - 1 p.m.

• Join the Hooked Medicine crochet group to learn more about crocheting and creating crocheted items for the Children’s Hospital of Richmond.

Free To Read Pop-Up Library
James Branch Cabell Library, 2nd Floor
Oct. 6 - 10

• Book challenges may seem more common in school or public libraries, but academic libraries are not an exception. In April 2025, 381 books were removed from the U.S. Naval Academy's Nimitz Library due to an executive order to end DEIA in schools. In celebration of Free to Read Week, a popup library of targeted books will be displayed on the second floor of Cabell Library at the top of the Starbucks staircase. All books are available for check out.

National Coming Out Day
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Oct. 9, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

• 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.  Stop by to grab a pride flag and connect with others. 

National Coming Out Day
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Oct. 9, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 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.

Breast Exams Aren’t Spooky 
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Oct. 9, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. 

• Join RecWell’s Peer Health Educators to discuss the importance of routine breast exams and learn how to perform a complete self breast exam at home using a model.

Staying Safer with Birth Control
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Oct. 13, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. 

• Join RecWell's Peer Health Educators to learn about different forms of birth control, and options on where to find them.

Switch Games in the Library
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Oct. 15, 9 a.m. -  4 p.m.

• Calling all Mario Kart racers and Smash Bros. players. The Health Sciences Library will be offering Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. in the lobby. Join us anytime during 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to take a study break with friends.

Reflection Beads
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Oct. 16,  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 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.

Healthy snack table
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Oct. 16,  11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

• Stop by the lobby of James Branch Cabell Library for a healthy snack to fuel your body and mind during midterms.

Dogs on Call
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Oct. 16, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

• Need a break? Come cuddle up with a furry friend. Therapy dogs will be ready to melt your stress away with their cuteness in the multipurpose room.

Queer Resistance Pop-Up Library
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Oct. 20 - Oct. 24

• In celebration of the 50-year anniversary of the Gay Alliance of Students recognition at VCU, the Queer Resistance Pop-Up Library celebrates and showcases titles on LGBTQ+ activism and advocacy. All books are available for check out.

ConnectED x StudyWell 
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby 
Oct. 21, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

• Learn how to get the most out of your General Education classes! ConnectED faculty will be on hand with prizes and PIZZA! Join us for an interactive study break that will leave you recharged and ready to get ConnectED! More information about ConnectED here: https://www.connected.vcu.edu

Hocus Focus: What’s so Scary About Sleep?
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Oct. 22, 11 a.m - 1 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.

Don't get TRICKED by exams, TREAT yourself to a study plan
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Oct. 24, 12-2p.m.

• "Midterms" ... That word can feel a little daunting, right? 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.

Mindful Miterms: Well-being Rocks! 
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Oct. 27, 11 a.m. - 1 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.

Explore Transformative Learning at VCU
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Oct. 27, 1:30 - 3 p.m.

• Stop by our table to learn about hands-on opportunities and discover how to connect your academic experience with real-world impact. Participate in an interactive activity to learn more about service learning and how you can get involved.

Richmond Public Library -- Sign Up for a Library Card
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Oct. 28, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

• 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. For more information visit their website.

Switch Games in the Library
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Oct. 29, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Calling all Mario Kart racers and Smash Bros. players. The Health Sciences Library will be offering Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. in the lobby. Join us anytime during 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to take a study break with friends.

Transformative Learning Week
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Oct. 29, noon - 2 p.m.

• Transformative Learning Week celebrates the value of experiential learning and the powerful experiences available through VCU. Join the Global Education Office to learn more about global learning experiences.

Halloween Maker Event
Health Sciences Library Lobby 
Oct. 30, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

• Stop by the Health Sciences Library to make an anatomically correct Halloween or 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.

Mindful Midterms: Reflection Beads
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Oct. 30, 2:30 - 4:30 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.

Ask a PHE!
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Nov. 3, 3:30- 5:30 p.m. 

Managing the Job Search Stress with University Career Services
Health Science Library Lobby 
Nov, 4, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30p.m. 

• Join staff from University Career Services to learn about job searching resources available to students both on campus and virtually.

Grow Your Goals
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Nov. 5, 11 a.m. - 1 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.

Grow Your Goals
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Nov. 6, 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 plant a seed and decorate a grow kit with your aspirations.

Cannabis 101
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Nov. 10, 3:30 - 5:30 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.

Switch Games in the Library
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Nov. 13, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Calling all Mario Kart racers and Smash Bros. players. The Health Sciences Library will be offering Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. in the lobby. Join us anytime during 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to take a study break with friends.

Find Your Fit 
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Nov. 13, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 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.

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.

VCU Writing Center Drop-ins

• Nov. 14 from 1-2 p.m., the VCU Writing Center will offer drop-in availability for writing support during the Friday Rural Rams Study Hours. Have questions about a final essay or writing assignment? Whether you’re working on an abstract, final essay, lab report, artist statement, mock grant proposal or any other form of writing, they can help you at any stage in the writing process.
  
  
• Nov. 17 from 1-4 p.m., VCU Writing Center will offer drop-in availability for writing support during the TRiO Together Time. Have questions about a final essay or personal statement? Whether you’re working on an abstract, final essay, lab report, artist statement, mock grant proposal or any other form of writing, they can help you at any stage in the writing process.

Wrapping Up Seasonal Blues: Reflection Beads
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Nov. 19, 11 a.m. - 1 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.

The Final Countdown: End of Semester Prep
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Nov. 19, 1-3 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 game plan? Stop by and chat with the Campus Learning Center Academic Coaching team to learn more about final exam prep and how to finish the semester on a strong note.

Wrapping Up Seasonal Blues: Reflection Beads
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Nov.  20, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 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.

Richmond Public Library -- Sign Up for a Library Card
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Nov. 20, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• 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. For more information visit their website.

Green Flags: Wrap it Up
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Nov. 20, 2:30-4:30 p.m. 

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

Spread the Self Love
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Dec. 1, 11 a.m. - 1 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.

World AIDS Day
Health Science Library Lobby
Dec. 1, noon - 1:30 p.m.

• Join the global movement of World AIDS Day to raise awareness, fight stigma, and honor lives affected by HIV and AIDS.

Since 1988, communities around the world have come together on World AIDS Day to show solidarity, remember those we've lost, and support those living with HIV. This year, the Health Sciences Library invites you to take part by picking up and wearing a red ribbon—a symbol of awareness, compassion, and hope.

Together, we can break stigma, spark conversations, and stand in support of a healthier, more informed world.

Winter Graduation Ampersand Shoot
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Dec. 1, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

• Join the College of Humanities and Sciences for our final ampersand photo shoot of the year! We’ll be celebrating our grads. Wear your robes (we even have extras if you haven’t bought yours yet) and strike a pose. Themed props and giveaways.

Dogs on Call
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Dec. 2, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

• Need a break? Come cuddle up with a furry friend. Therapy dogs will be ready to melt your stress away with their cuteness in the multipurpose room.

Writing Center Drop-In
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Dec. 2, noon - 2 p.m.

• Join the Writing Center to learn more about their services and interact with their creative writing whiteboard prompt.

Exploring Transformative Learning at VCU
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Dec. 2, 3 - 4:30 p.m.

• Stop by our table to learn about hands-on opportunities, and discover how to connect your academic experience with real-world impact. Participate in an interactive activity to learn more about service learning and how you can get involved.

Peace over Panic
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Dec. 3, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• Take a break and breathe before finals! Join us for free giveaways, uplifting messages of confidence, and helpful mental health resources from University Counseling Services and VCUPD Crime Prevention. Whether you need a bit of encouragement or just a calm moment before exams, remember — you’ve got this.

Switch Games in the Library
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Dec. 4, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Calling all Mario Kart racers and Smash Bros. players. The Health Sciences Library will be offering Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. in the lobby. Join us anytime during 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to take a study break with friends.

Caffeine Consciousness
Health Sciences Library Lobby
Dec. 4, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

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

Mindful Finals: Well-being Rocks
James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
Dec. 4, 2:30 - 4:30 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.

Let’s Get Hygge!
Honors College Room 1303
Dec. 9, 5 - 7 p.m.

• Celebrate the end of the semester with Hygge vibes. (Hygge = Danish word for a cozy and contented mood.) Drop in and enjoy feeling calm and cozy under twinkle lights and serene decor. Dress comfy, bring a blanket and a mug! Food, giveaways and crafts.