Library De-Stress Activities

The Sensory Space is for individual use by UC San Diego students, staff, and faculty. Designed for both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals, the space is intended to foster wellness, support academic success, and empower users to manage stimuli in ways that maximize individual well-being and learning. Users may reserve up to two 15-minute blocks per day using their SSO.

Relax with certified therapy dogs in the Library from 2:30pm-4:00pm throughout the quarter! Find specific dates and locations on the Library's Events Calendar. No registration needed.

De-Stress with Pups is done in partnership with Love on a Leash, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing an avenue for volunteer pet therapy teams to engage in meaningful and productive animal assisted therapy. Contact Love on a Leash directly with inquiries about arranging your own pet therapy events.

We also partner with UCSD Police Department's Canine Program for various library de-stress events. Police therapy dogs are relatively new, but in a community service capacity, dogs can be a great icebreaker, helping police department employees to educate individuals about safety-related matters. You can also meet their therapy dogs at various community events and during prescheduled meet and greets with campus departments and organizations.

Critter Encounters

Join us for a wild-tastic event!

Critter Encounters will showcase animal ambassadors from their Wildlife Sanctuary during an upbeat, educational and interactive presentation at the Library. Find specific dates and locations on the Library's Events Calendar.

Positive and fun animal experiences can help students de-stress in between classes and exams. Registration is required, as seats are limited and held exclusively for UC San Diego students.

About Critter Encounters

Located in Ramona, California, Critter Encounters is a non-profit Wildlife Sanctuary and live animal education company providing up-close animal presentations for people of all ages to participate in interactive encounters and expand their awareness of local and global species and ecosystems. Andrea Burgan, CEO, president and director of Critter Encounters, is a trained educator with more than 30 years of experience working with local and exotic animals. She rescues and adopts ‘tractable’ animals (species that are easier to train and handle) that can no longer be released back into the wild and gives people of all ages a chance to meet them up close.

Yoga at the Library - Returning Winter 2026

Join UCSD Recreation for a refreshing, all-levels yoga class at Geisel Library during Weeks 1-10 of the academic year. Registration is required prior to each class. Classes are free for students. Staff with Recreation memberships may also register. Please bring your own yoga mat, though we will have props and limited yoga mats to borrow. Follow the signs to the Geisel Meeting Room (1 East).

RISE Mindfulness Studio

Join UCSD Recreation & CAPS collaborative drop-in workshop series where you can practice ways to connect more deeply with yourself and others to gain or regain peace and joy. You will be invited to engage in various meditative practices including visualization, breathwork and compassion-based meditations. Topics include mind-body connection, working with difficult thoughts and emotions, self-compassion, understanding Inner Critic and safety, and mindful communication. Please bring a blanket or mat to class. Sessions are held in the Calm Cave (Geisel, Room 621). 

Pop-Ups

Keep an eye on the Library's Events Center for pop-up activities at Geisel Library, like crafting, Lo-Fi study jams, and more!

Finals De-Stress Activities

Arts, crafts, and building activities to help you de-stress during finals week. The activities are located in front of Classroom 1 (Geisel Library, Main Floor) from 2-3:30 p.m. Supplies and light refreshments will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Keep active while you study in the Library. WalkStations are located in in Geisel 1 Southwest and Geisel 2 East, featuring low-speed treadmills with adjustable-height work surfaces.

Stretching

Foam rollers are available in Geisel 2 East and 1 Southwest for stretching, and WongAvery Library (1st Floor South Stairs) for stretching and desk exercises. See this CampusWell article to learn foam roller exercises to support your physical health.

Puzzles and Coloring Pages

Shared jigsaw puzzles are available in Geisel's 2 West, 1 Southwest, and WongAvery Library (2nd Floor), and are rotated regularly. A shared chess board is positioned near the windows in Geisel 2 East.

Printed coloring pages, puzzles, and mazes are available in the Leisure Lounge (Geisel 1 Southwest). Coloring pages and a Color & Share board are located in Geisel 2 East (near the restrooms) and at WongAvery 2nd Floor. 

Community Chess Board