Resources to Help You Prepare for Midterms

The middle of the semester is always the busiest; with due dates approaching and exams inching closer, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Luckily, VCU houses many services that are here to support you throughout the semester – best of all, they’re free to students! Scroll down to see just a few of the resources available to help you!

VCU Libraries
Cabell Library, 901 Park Avenue (main entrance off The Compass)
James Branch Cabell Library is a good place to unwind and get studying done. With four floors that gradually get quieter as you go up AND a Starbucks, there’s no better place to focus. Research Librarians are available to assist students within different fields of study with any questions they may have. The VCU Libraries website also serves as an effective tool for locating sources of information for any projects you may have! 

University Counseling Services 
University Student Commons Suite 238, Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
UCS supports student success by providing comprehensive clinical services, advocacy, recovery support, outreach and professional training. They offer in-person and online therapy, support groups and support for students' mental well-being! To get connected to their services, visit their website or call at (804) 828-6200. 

VCU Academic Advising 
Hibbs Hall First Floor, Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
University Academic Advising helps students choose courses, interpret general education and major requirements, address academic difficulties and identify educational and career goals. To get connected with your academic advisor and success team, make an appointment through Navigate! 

Campus Learning Center
Hibbs Hall First Floor, Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
The Campus Learning Center provides various services to support student success. In addition to tutoring, they offer supplemental instruction for courses that are notoriously difficult for students, as well as academic coaching! You can find more information on how to get connected to their services on their website.

Focused Inquiry Learning Lounge (The FILL)
Grace E. Harris Hall Fifth Floor (Room 5116), Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
The FILL provides resources and programs to support student success and belonging in the Department of Focused Inquiry. We offer peer mentoring, workshops, and other resources as well as printing services to all current FI students. Any student can benefit from our services. Even if you're doing well, we can help you thrive by networking or refining your work. You can connect with a peer mentor at any time throughout the semester by walking into the FILL or making an appointment through Navigate!

Writing Center
Academic Learning Commons Fourth Floor, Monday–Thursday 10 a.m.–8 a.m., Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
The Writing Center is a peer-based learning support service for currently enrolled VCU students. Their primary focus is to respectfully and holistically guide students on their journeys to becoming the strongest writers possible.. If you’d like to meet with somebody in the Writing Center, make an appointment with them through Navigate!

In addition to all the on-campus services mentioned, it’s also important to step back and take care of yourself. As stressful as college may get, there are things you can do to help mitigate through it all! 

• Getting enough sleep is essential to making sure you’re able to focus throughout the day!
• Being active has been scientifically proven to be beneficial in regards to mental health! Grab some friends and take a trip to Cary Street Gym this semester; take a dip in the pool, climb the rock-wall, or just go for a walk around campus!
• Breathe. As simple as it sounds, breathing exercises can be really effective to help calm you down when everything starts to get too much.

For more self-care tips, check out this article!
 

— Jani Llamas-Soto

Upcoming VCU Common Book Events