Things to do to rest and recharge in reading week

Reading week often arrives with mixed emotions. On one hand, it’s a chance to finally catch up on lectures and assignments. On the other, it’s easy to treat it like a week-long stress marathon. As a second-year Digital Media and Culture student, I’ve come to realise that reading week is a chance to pause and prioritise yourself. From resting at home to exploring London spots near campus and taking part in King’s events, this article shares ideas to relax, refresh your mind, and make the most of your break.  

Slowing down and resetting at home

For me looking after my wellbeing starts with giving myself permission to rest during reading week. At home that often means sleeping properly, going on a morning walk, and baking, where I try to create slower routines before starting coursework or winding down once I’ve completed what I planned for the day.

To balance studying with self-care, I like to break up my work with simple creative activities. Doodling, journaling or even redecorate my room help me relax without feeling unproductive. These small moments make it easier to reset your mind, and I’d strongly encourage you to try a few and see what works for you.

Getting involved with King’s

Reading week is also a great time for me to get involved with what King’s offers beyond academics, especially when I want a break while I am at the campus. Luckily, February is King’s Climate and Sustainability Month, I am planning to attend events like sustainability board game night, clothes swap and turning t-shirts into tote bags. These sessions feel low-pressure and are easy to drop into between study blocks, which makes them ideal during reading week.

For movement, I’ll go for BeActive sessions, which are relaxed, non-competitive and a great way to sweat your stress. Whether it’s yoga, badminton, or K-pop, there’s something for everyone.

Exploring London

If you’re staying in London, there are plenty of nearby places that are perfect for a day out. Just next to Strand campus, The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House is free for King’s students and offers a peaceful, inspiring space to enjoy art.

For breathtaking views and a change of perspective, visiting the Sky Garden (free with booking in advance) or heading up The Shard, near Guy’s campus. It can be a refreshing way to see London from above - especially if you’ve been feeling stuck in doors. A personal favourite pastime of mine is enjoying a gelato while taking in the views from the balcony of Sky Deck.

Watching a theatre show and being immersed in creativity has always helped me switch off from deadlines and return back refreshed.  

When I still want to stay in study mode but need a change of scenery, the National theatre is one of my go-to stops. It’s completely free to enter and offers spacious seating, plenty of natural light, and view of the Thames, making it ideal for slower-paced work and people-watching breaks. A walk along the river afterwards is a simple but effective way to clear my head before returning to coursework.  

Sometimes self-care is as simple as enjoying good food or a comforting drink. During reading week, I like to treat myself to a meal out – either catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet solo lunch as a break from studying. Visiting places like Agora, CUP + LID, Apple Butter, Belt Noodles or Cocoro gives me something to look forward to and helps break up long study days.

This reading week, try to pause and ask yourself what you actually need - rest, movement, connection, or inspiration. For me, that looks like balancing focused study time with quiet evenings at home, joining a BeActive session to move my body, and giving myself permission to step away and enjoy London at a slower pace. Use this time to recharge, explore, and be kind to yourself – you'll thank yourself when term resumes!