Fall semester burnout: KPU students need a reading break
Students need time to relax, reset, and recharge, and a week off could do the trick
KPU’s campuses are alive with fall colours. (Sukhmani Sandhu)
For most university students, the fall semester starts with excitement, fresh memories, and new friends.
But, it can quickly become overwhelming.
September feels manageable, but once October and November arrive, assignments, group projects, exams, and other personal responsibilities start happening in tandem. Kwantlen Polytechnic University students have a chance to rest and reset during the spring reading break, but not in the fall.
The current academic schedule is very imbalanced between the spring and fall semesters. The spring reading break, from Feb. 15 to 20 next year, means no classes or academic evaluations.
Other B.C. universities have a fall reading break. Both the University of British Columbia and Capilano University have a three-day reading break during the week of Remembrance Day — a statutory holiday. But like KPU, Simon Fraser University does not have a fall reading break.
Universities across the country vary on fall reading breaks. The University of Toronto’s fall semester break is from Oct. 26 to 30, while the University of Calgary pauses classes from Nov. 8 to 14.
The spring 2027 semester is 98 days long, while the current fall semester is just 88 days. Despite the difference, a reading break can break up four months of intensive school, which is quickly followed by final exams.
When it comes to studying, students’ well-being should be the first priority. Because there’s no break in the fall, it can be one of the most demanding and exhausting parts of the academic year.
Many have to adjust to new schedules, often managing their jobs or extracurricular activities. By the middle of the semester, the initial motivation and excitement disappears while the workload increases.
A fall reading break would give students an opportunity to complete unfinished coursework and rest ahead of end-of-the-semester assignments and final exams.
I become more productive and motivated to study after taking a break. Sometimes, when I need to work on multiple projects, a walk or short nap can be beneficial.
Adding this break would likely result in pushing the end of the semester and exam period. It may affect professors, classrooms, course requirements, and even student enrolment.
However, this challenge does not mean a reading break should be abandoned. KPU could implement a shorter mid-semester break rather than a full week off. Conducting surveys among both students and instructors to identify the best timing and duration is another way to get started.
Although reading breaks cannot solve every student’s burnout, it can help to improve well-being, manage workload — both academic and personal, and rest, allowing students to achieve their goals.
