Study Skills & Study Jams

Study Skills Workshops and Study Jams are two great ways to prepare for exams, midterms, and finals. All of the events below are open to every student. You do not need to currently have a tutor or attend tutoring sessions to go to these events!

Below you will also find the Chem Compass, a robust resource developed by the Chemistry Learning Center to support student learning in general and organic chemistry courses.

Study Jams are offered every semester to help you prepare for exams. Stop by a study jam for assistance with test taking strategies, questions about course material, or to find a study space with peers in a small group setting. The events below are open to all students. You do not need to currently have a tutor or attend tutoring sessions to go to these events!

Fall 2024 Study Jams 


Fall Study Jam: WISCIENCE and Academic Coaching to Thrive & Succeed (ACTS)

Ready for finals? Join us at the BioCommons for food, tutoring, and more as you prepare for final exams (or take a brain break). No registration is required and all are welcome! At this event, you’ll find:

  • ACTS Academic Coach drop-in tutoring
  • Crafts: snowflakes and button making
  • Resource tables, study supplies, and freebies
  • Raffle prizes

When: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Where: BioCommons, Steenbock Library Ground Floor


Write Now: The Finals Countdown 

Working on final papers? Application essays? Get help at Write Now: The Finals Countdown, the Writing Center’s extended late-night event for undergraduates. Appointment slots will open on Friday, December 6 and you can sign up HERE for a 40-minute in-person meeting or a virtual session with a Writing Center instructor. Walk-ins will also be welcome if slots are available. Light snacks will be provided at College Library for all participants!

When: Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 6:00 to 11:30 p.m.

Where: College Library, First Floor – Student Services Area


GUTS Tutors and Treats Study Jam

Join Greater University Tutoring Service (GUTS) for their Tutors and Treats Study Jam! At this event, you will have access to drop-in tutoring for:

  • Chemistry 103, 104, 343, 345
  • Intro-level Physics/Physics 103
  • Anatomy & Physiology 335 & 337

You can also receive one-on-one study skill support around exam prep and test taking strategies or just come to study for finals in the Student Activity Center! Donuts and coffee will be provided. All are welcome. 

When: Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where: Student Activity Center, 333 East Campus Mall


Center for Academic Excellence Study Jam

This Study Jam, put on by the Center for Academic Excellence at the College of Letters and Science, provides drop-in tutoring, snacks, and self-care activities for all participants. You are encouraged to stop by at any time during the event to study and receive any needed support! Academic Mentors will be available throughout the event to provide support across subjects and classes. Check the Canvas announcement at go.wisc.edu/CAEStudyJam for the most current information on mentor availability.

When: Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Where: B47, Bascom Hall

Study Skills Workshops are held throughout the year and are a great way for you to explore strategies that will help you study, complete assignments, and prepare for exams more effectively.  The events below are open to all students. You do not need to currently have a tutor or attend tutoring sessions to go to these events!

Check back here for Spring 2024 Study Skills Workshop dates next semester!


Interested in more personal study assistance? You can also sign up for a 1:1 Study Skills Appointment. During a study skills appointment, you will work with a staff member to identify and problem-solve concerns or questions on accountability, concentration and focus, motivation and procrastination, exam preparation, memorization, note-taking strategies, study methods, test-taking strategies, time management, and any other issues you would like to discuss.

Chem Compass: Navigating Your Way to Success in Chemistry at UW-Madison is a Canvas resource developed by the Chemistry Learning Center to house tutorials, worksheets, campus-wide resources, and more learning support materials for both general and organic chemistry courses.

Chem Compass also has a skills section to assist you in preparing for your first days and weeks of class, including reviewing skills like using your calculator for scientific notation and double-checking that you are ready to rearrange common equations in Chem 103.

All students can self-enroll in Chem Compass here!