Reading Week isn’t just a pause in classes,  it’s a chance to reset your energy, catch up where you need to, and make memories (even if you stay in Waterloo!). Here are ideas, resources, and practical tips to help you make the most of your break. 

Top Ways to Use Your Reading Week 🌟  

• Join a WUSA Club – Got a new hobby or passion? Explore WUSA’s Clubs to connect with like-minded peers and dive into activities that spark your interest. 
• Connect and Stay Social
  • If you’re in Waterloo, plan low-key nights with friends (think board games, movies, home-cooked dinners), take a winter walk, or explore local cafés or trails.
  • If you’re heading home, spend quality time with your family and friends or check out all the local spots you have missed while away!
• Explore your Student Benefits 🤑- Ensure you’re making the most of your student perks! Resources like the WUSA Pocketbook and our Member Portal provide exclusive discounts and opportunities to enhance your student experience.
  
• Give Back to the Community 🥫 – If you have non-expired, non-perishable food items that you won’t be eating, consider donating them. Drop off your items at the Food Support Services donation bins in the SLC to support fellow students in need. 
• Try a New Recipe 🧑‍🍳– Our Global Kitchen: Tastes from Home cookbook is full of recipes that hold a special place in Waterloo students’ hearts. Try one over the break!
  • Submit one of your favourite recipes for a chance to win a $100 gift card! Submissions are due February 22: The Global Kitchen: Tastes From Home (2025/2026).
• Claim your free New York Times subscription! As a WUSA member, you get exclusive access to the New York Times, including news, recipes, games (like Wordle and Connections), and more! Claim it at member.wusa.ca.
• Catch a Movie at Princess Cinema 🍿- Grab your tickets from the Turnkey Desk and support and treat yourself to some movie theatre popcorn (we all know it’s the best!) 
• Read a book 📖– Have you been wanting to read more but have just been too busy with school? Now is your time to pick up a thrifted book and have a cozy night in! 
• Host a themed movie night – choose a genre, make popcorn or snacks, order some pizza from Domino’s with the code UNI for 50% off
• Spend time with Friends and Family 🍕 – Reading Week is the perfect time to catch up with loved ones. Order some pizza from Dominos for 50% off with code UNI and have fun with an at-home activity such as watching a new TV show or playing a game. 
• Utilize WUSA Resources – WUSA’s resources are here to help you make informed decisions that enhance your student experience. Whether you’re gaining insights from the latest Research and Policy (RSP) Reports, or planning with the Housing Playbook and Student Voices guides, you can ensure you are educated and informed about the resources you have available to you as a Waterloo undergraduate student. 
• Meet Your 2026-27 Board of Directors – Election results will be announced after the election ends on February 5! Check back for a link to meet your new Board and don’t forget to vote from February 3-5!
  • You can also sign up for our Student Leadership mailing list to stay up to date on everything you need to know to become a student leader.

Tips to make sure you have a GREAT reading week 😀 

• Check in with yourself – this is a busy time of year, remember to check in with your needs! 
• Set aside time to do things you enjoy – whether that is seeing friends, going to the gym, or reading a book to reconnect with the activities you enjoy over the break. 
• Set Realistic Academic Goals – make sure you are either catching up on missed work or prepping for those post-reading week midterms. 
• Tackle the things you have been avoiding – Schedule those appointments, finish outstanding readings, and get it done. Your future self will thank you! 

Make the most of your reading week by balancing relaxation, engagement, and fun. Whether you’re exploring WUSA’s many resources, connecting with friends, or discovering local gems, this time is yours to recharge. However, you choose to spend your break, we’re here to support you every step of the way.  

Enjoy, refresh, and return ready to take on the rest of the term! 📚💆

Alexandra Minard 

Communications Assistant