What are your plans for reading week?

“A book is like a garden carried in the pocket.”

Jessica Brockmole

As the refreshing fall air settles in, students everywhere are gearing up for one of the most awaited breaks of the semester: reading week! Personally, this is my favourite time to hit pause on the pile of assignments and delve into some much-needed relaxation.

Whether you’re diving into that novel you’ve been putting aside, binge-watching your favourite series or exploring the city with friends, this week is all about YOU! Many students take this time to unwind, catch up on sleep or just embrace the art of doing absolutely nothing. Remember, self-care is crucial for keeping your sanity intact throughout the school year!

This is your chance to kickstart that art project you’ve been putting off, jot down your thoughts in a journal or experiment with new recipes in the kitchen. Who knows? You might just uncover a new passion!

I chatted with a few Humber Polytechnic students and asked about their plans for the reading week!

City adventures and cozy retreats

On the left, a person is sitting on a couch and holding a cat. On the right, a woman stands in nature and poses with a thumbs-up. — *Pictures by Aditya Mohan.*

I spoke to Dee, a student in the event management program, who shared their exciting plans for the reading week.

“I recently adopted a cat named Bubbles and we’re going to enjoy the last few days of the sun by exploring the city together,” Dee said.

They plan to visit beaches and parks, create art, take lots of pictures and strike some fun poses while voguing.

I also asked Dee for some book recommendations. They highly recommend “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom, which offers valuable life lessons shared between a professor and his student. Dee also suggests “Call Me by Your Name” by André Aciman, a beautifully crafted coming-of-age love story.

On the other hand, Nandenni Banerjee, a student in the film and multi-platform storytelling program, feels like reading week is all about chilling and bed rotting (I agree honestly). She was pleasantly surprised to learn about reading week and is eager to indulge in her favourite activity: watching movies!

Banerjee said that the reading week break is crucial for students, especially to alleviate stress.

“It’s essential to take a break and breathe,” she said, emphasizing the importance of stepping back from the hustle.

Travel plans and game nights

On the left, a woman is sitting in front of a bookshelf and smiling. On the right, a person is smiling and there is a collage board in the back. — *Pictures by Aditya Mohan.*

Meagan Jones is studying child and youth care, and she can hardly contain her excitement for reading week. She’s off to visit her family for the first time in a year and can’t wait to celebrate a friend’s Halloween-themed wedding.

To unwind, Jones loves to exercise and she’s also a big fan of CrossFit and stretching. She also indulges in some K-drama binge-watching. Right now, she’s enjoying the Netflix show “Tale of Nine Tailed.” And, if you’re in the mood for a great read, Jones highly recommends “Free to Be: Understanding Kids & Gender Identity” by Jack Turban.

Aura is in the business management program and is all set for reading week! She’s looking forward to some quality annoying-mom-time while diving headfirst into the video game Overwatch.

If you’re looking for relaxation tips, Aura had a playful twist, “Definitely skip Overwatch,” she said. Instead, she recommends sipping a cozy cup of hot tea. As for sleep, Aura is aiming for 48 hours right at the start. After that, who knows what adventures await!

Family time and individual growth

On the left, a man is smiling and showing a thumbs up. On the right, a woman is smiling. — *Picture on left by Aditya Mohan IGNITE. Picture on the right provided by Fang Liu.*

Sarath Ravichandran, who’s also studying film and multi-platform storytelling, mentioned that he’s looking forward to spending quality time with family for his nephew’s birthday.

Ravichandran says music is his go-to relaxation activity. A musician himself, playing instruments and listening to music brings him immense joy, and he plans to practice it even more during the break.

Fang Liu, a student in the advertising and marketing communications program, will be on the road — literally.

“During the reading week, I plan to focus on completing my road test training and taking the G test,” Liu said.

She believes that having her full license will allow her to commute to work more easily, simplifying her life after graduation!

When it comes to book recommendations, Liu highly suggests “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari. She praises Harari for making complex ideas easy to understand, making it a great choice!

A man is closing his laptop and walking away and "VACATION MODE" is written in bold letters. — *Via GIPHY*

Reading week is more than just a break from classes, it’s a vital pause that supports mental health and well-being. This week offers students a much-needed chance to step back, recharge and reset their mind and spirit!

The mounting pressure of assignments and exams can take a toll, making self-care and reflection an important part of our lives. Dive into a captivating book, head out on a mini-adventure or simply relax in your favourite spot.

Take this opportunity to indulge in what you love! Whether you’re catching up with friends, enjoying family time or watching three movies a day, make the most of this break.

(Also, don’t forget to take some loooong naps!)

Happy reading week everyone!

Feature image courtesy of Becca Tapert via Unsplash.

Planning to travel during the reading week? Check out 5 reading week travel tips for wherever you go!