Definition
A break in the academic term ostensibly for catching up on coursework, though often used for anything but reading. It's the educational system's acknowledgment that students need a breather, disguised as study time.
Example Usage
During reading week, the library was conspicuously empty while ski resorts were full of students who had apparently decided to 'read' the slopes instead.
Origin
Common in British and Canadian universities, gradually adopted by some U.S. institutions
Fun Fact
Faculty hate reading week because they know students aren't actually reading, but they can't complain too loudly because they're using it for the same procrastination purposes.
Source: University academic calendar traditions
Related Terms
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