Support for students during exam season

Exams are almost here, and students may find this time especially challenging. King’s has many mental health and wellness resources to help students overcome the pressures of exams and be successful in their studies.

“The team in Accessibility, Counselling and Student Development (ACSD) is wishing students the best as they head into the final stretch of this semester and their final papers and exams. This is a reminder to students to take good care of your physical and mental wellness at this busy time of year, and to be kind and gentle to yourselves and each other,” says Joanna Bedggood, Manager of Student Wellness.

King’s ACSD supports the quality of student life and learning outside the classroom. In addition to personal counselling, ACSD provides support in a number of areas:

• Accessibility services
• BIPOC and Indigenous students
• Career services
• First-generation students
• Learning skills services
• Personal counselling 
• Mature and transfer students
• Mental health and wellness

Counselling is available for members of the King’s community. ACSD offers personal counselling while King’s Campus Ministry offers pastoral counselling. Campus Ministry’s website also shares a list of mental health supports and resources available to the King’s community.

King’s ACSD offers apps and online resources that are available 24/7 including:

• Togetherall - a peer-to-peer platform to connect with others experiencing similar feelings with trained professionals on hand, which is free to King’s students.
• Good2Talk - a free, confidential and anonymous helpline providing professional counselling, information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being, anytime, day or night. Good2Talk is available by phone or text and in English, French and Mandarin.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) After Hours Crisis Counselling is back to provide mental health support for students. CMHA will offer both in-person and virtual crisis supports until December 9. You can set up an appointment by emailing studentcrisisappointment@cmhatv.ca.

It is important to take regular breaks to relax. Check the King’s calendar to read more about events hosted by student groups, including the King’s University College Students’ Council (KUCSC), the King’s Academic Mentoring Program (KAMP) and Jack.org, which could provide a brief but welcome break from your studies.

A healthy body and a healthy mind are both critical to having a positive learning experience. Located on the lower level of the Student Life Centre (SLC), the fitness room is a welcoming space where students can work out with a variety of machines and free weights. The Reflection Room, on the second floor of the SLC, is a multipurpose space that students can use for reflection, discussion and activities such as yoga and meditation.

King’s wishes all of our students the best success in their exams and reminds them to take advantage of the resources available to them.