December 1 – 17, 2025
While it may be finals week, it is also Self-Care Week here at Rec Well. During this week, we are devoted to supporting Active Badgers through this stressful time. To help, we’ll be offering free walk-in’s for group fitness classes, additional meditation classes, and several other workshops and activities to all current members.
We’ll also be sharing resources on ways to manage stress, including tips on getting proper sleep, eating healthy, staying hydrated, and connecting to mindfulness. Take some time to unwind, and know that it’s not bad to give yourself a break. Be good to yourself and take a timeout for self-care.
Show us how you take a timeout for self-care by posting on social media using #timeout #selfcare #uwrecwell.
Events
In-Person Meditations
Our free in-person meditation classes are a time to unwind and focus on the present moment. We will incorporate elements of guided meditation, mindfulness, and relaxation practices.
No previous meditation experience is required. Classes will take place at the Nick and at Bakke. Attend our class on December 11 for a free Portillo’s sandwich card!
Location:
Balance Studio at the Nicholas Recreation Center
Serenity Studio at the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center
Dates & Time:
Wednesday, December 3 from noon – 12:30pm (The Nick)
Thursday, December 4 from 4 – 4:30pm (Bakke)
Thursday, December 11 from 4 – 4:30pm (Bakke)
Cozy Sweets Teaching Kitchen Open House
Enjoy heartwarming classics away from the winter chill at the Wolf Teaching Kitchen, all at no cost! Every study break should have a treat, after all.
Location:
Wolf Teaching Kitchen at the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center
Date & Time:
Wednesday, December 3 from 5:30 – 7pm
Late Night Aqua Zumba sponsored by Ian’s Pizza
Calling all night owls! Join us at the Cove Pool for free Late Night Aqua Zumba. Come make a splash, feel the music, and join the fun as we integrate dance and exercise, and move to international beats in shallow water! No dance experience is required. Participants must be comfortable in shallow water (approximately four feet). All participants will get a free Ian’s Pizza slice card, while supplies last!
Location:
Cove Pool at the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center
Dates:
Wednesday, December 3
Thursday, December 11
Time:
9 – 9:45pm
World Cup Draw Study Break
Join Rec Well and the MSC for the FIFA Men’s World Cup Draw! Come cheer on your favorite team, take a study break, and enjoy some snack and games.
Location:
Multicultural Student Center (MSC) Lounge
Date & Time:
Friday, December 5 from 10am – 12:30pm
Mt. Mendota Study Break
Want a great break from studying? Come to Mt. Mendota for our study break! We’ll have staff that can help you out on our bouldering wall and rock climbing wall and great vibes.
Location:
Mt. Mendota at the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center
Date & Time:
Friday, December 5 from noon – 8pm
Roll into Finals
Kick off finals week in the water! Join us at the Cove Pool for some log rolling fun. No registration required. Just show up and have a good time!
Location:
Cove Pool at the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center
Date & Time:
Friday, December 5 from 5:30 – 7pm
Long Drive Intramural Sports Tournament
Stop by the Skybox Suites and show off that swing in our Long Drive tournament. Not only will you get to take a break from finals, you’ll get bragging rights and your chance at a champ shirt!
Location:
Skybox Suites at the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center
Date & Time:
Saturday, December 6 @ 10am
Just Dance Intramural Sports Tournament
If you’ve ever wanted to dance battle to Toxic by Britney Spears with your friends, now is the chance. Take a break from studying and show off your best moves at the Just Dance tournament!
Location:
Serenity Studio at the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center
Date & Time:
Saturday, December 6 @ 12:30pm
Boy Bands Themed Skate
One Direction vs. 5SOS? Skate to them all and let your inner fangirl out at our boy bands themed skate.
Location:
Sub-Zero Ice Center at the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center
Date & Time:
Saturday, December 6 from 7:30 – 9pm
Flip Turn Swim Clinic
Learn the technique and uses of flip turns in this free swim clinic! Clinic attendees will be split into groups based on skill level.
Location:
Soderholm Family Aquatic Center at the Nicholas Recreation Center
Date & Time:
Monday, December 8 from 7 – 8pm
Wellbeing Study Café
Drop into the Rec Well wellbeing study space as your schedule allows and enjoy coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and snacks. Need a study break? We’ll also provide esports, coloring, beading, board games, and puzzles. The first 30 participants will receive a coupon for a free Portillo’s sandwich!
Location:
Serenity Studio at the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center
Date & Time:
Tuesday, December 9 from 6 – 8pm
Free Walk-in Group Fitness Classes sponsored by American Family Insurance
Enjoy free walk-ins at our group fitness classes all week! These are for UW-Madison students and Rec Well members when spots are available. Enjoy classes like Mat Pilates, Group Strength, Rhythm Ride, Deep Water, and Train360. Make sure to bring your Wiscard/Rec Well membership card.
- Jump into our Deep Water class on Thursday, December 11 at 7pm at the Nick and get a free shammy towel, while supplies last!
- We’ll be giving away cards for free food at an assortment of classes throughout the week so make sure to come in!
Location:
The Nicholas Recreation Center and the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center
Dates:
December 11 – 17
Holiday Songs Themed Skate
Pick up some holiday cheer at our last theme skate for the semester! Enjoy music that will get you in the spirit of the season and hopefully keep those finals week blues away. If you wear a holiday sweater, your skate rental is free!
Location:
Sub-Zero Ice Arena at the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center
Date & Time:
Saturday, December 13 from 7:30 – 9pm
Events from our Campus Partners
STI Testing Clinic
Get tested for sexually transmitted infections before you go home for break! Drop-ins are welcome, or make and appointment on MyUHS. Open to all!
Location:
University Health Services Lakeshore Clinic in Dejope Residence Hall
Date & Time:
Monday, December 1 from 5 – 7pm
Thrive Workshop: Test Anxiety & DIY Wellness Kits
Thrive Workshops offers students opportunities to build skills and gain tools to support academic performance, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
At the Test Anxiety workshop, you will develop skills for studying effectively, managing anxiety, and learn strategies for approaching exams to boost your performance. You will also go home with your own DIY wellness kit to help manage stress/anxiety during exams.
Location:
Ogg Phillips Lounge
Date & Time:
Tuesday, December 2 from 4 – 6pm
Uwill
UHS Mental Health Services (MHS) is partnering with Uwill to expand access to flexible, no cost, virtual counseling options for students. Licensed mental health professionals are available for video, phone, chat, and message sessions during flexible hours – including nights and weekends. Students can get in quickly to see a counselor, with appointments typically available within 24 hours.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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University Health Services
University Health Services
Main line: (608) 265 – 5600
- Option 1 for medical services, behavioral health, occupational medicine
- Option 2 for mental health services
- Option 3 for confidential victim advocacy services concerning sexual assault, dating violence, and sexual harassment
- Option 4 for Student Health Insurance Plan
- Option 7 for UHS hours and directions
- Option 9 for 24-hour mental health crisis line
UHS offers: care for illnesses and injuries: women’s health care; immunizations, allergies, and specialty care; primary and preventive care; individual psychological and psychiatric care; group and couple/partner counseling; eating disorder assessment and care; survivor services; trans health care; and wellness services. Drop into one of their Let’s Talk sessions during finals week for free, informal, and confidential counseling services.
Office of Student Assistance and Support
Office of Student Assistance and Support
Phone: (608) 263 – 5700
Email: OSAS@studentlife.wisc.edu
The Office of Student Assistance and Support offers: same day drop-in appointments; outlets to report students of concern, incidents of bias or hate, or other incidents; outlets to report an academic complaint; support for DACA recipients; outlets for getting help for other students; information on food, housing, and financial support.
Office of Financial Aid
Office of Financial Aid
Phone: (608) 263 – 3060
Email: finaid@finaid.wisc.edu
The Office of Financial Aid offers: advising appointments; basic needs support (help gaining access to food, housing, and insurance); emergency support; success services; workshops/events; outreach
International Student Services
International Student Services
Phone: (608) 262 – 2044
Email: iss@studentlife.wisc.edu
International Student Services offers: advising appointments (drop-in and scheduled); COVID-19 and travel updates and guidelines; emergency support; Optional Practical Training; program extension.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Accommodation Requests
If you need an accommodation to attend this event, email accommodations@recwell.wisc.edu. All accommodation requests should be made no less than two weeks before the event. We will attempt to fulfill requests made after this date but cannot guarantee they will be met.