Starting university can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. As someone who is nearly at the finish line of her university journey, one thing I want to tell you as you begin university is that you don’t have to do it alone. Health and Wellness staff offer many services to support you. I strongly encourage you to get to know them early on!
Some of the wellness services that I found useful
- The Wellness Lounge and wellness spaces: The Wellness Lounge is a great place to relax. Play video games or attend regular sessions with therapy dogs to unwind and reduce stress during busier times, book a spot in the light therapy room to help beat the blues during the long Canadian winters or study surrounded by greenery in the plant room to boost your mood and focus, especially during gloomy days. The lounge also has plenty of helpful educational information about wellness.
- The Peer Support team: Fellow students trained to offer support and guide you toward helpful resources.
- Therapy Assisted Online (TAO): A self-help platform full of easily accessible mental health tools you can use anytime, anywhere.
- Wellness workshops: Practical activities you can do to manage your stress or improve your habits, from cooking classes to art and much more.
- Period Project: Free menstrual products offered across campus, creating a more inclusive, supportive environment.
- Student support groups: Safe, confidential and welcoming spaces where you can talk, listen and connect with other students.
All of those resources complement the Student Health and Wellness Centre, which offers access to health professionals who can help with everything from checkups to health concerns. It’s connected to an on-campus Pharmacy Care Clinic. Both services helped me understand my student health insurance.
One thing I truly appreciate about the Health and Wellness team is how welcoming they are. There’s no judgment, no pressure — just people who genuinely care about your well-being. So don’t be afraid to reach out!