Health & Wellness

Health & Wellness

Health includes taking care of yourself every day, understanding that challenges are normal, and knowing what to do when you don’t feel well.

Health insurance

Good health starts with making sure you have up-to-date health insurance. UBC requires that all students, domestic and international, have basic and extended health insurance for the duration of their studies.

Health services

Before moving into residence, get familiar with the range of health services offered on campus and nearby. Many resources are available, including workshops to care for your brain and body and safe sex products.

Nurse on Campus

UBC’s Nurse on Campus program brings registered nurses into residence from September to April to answer student questions about health and wellness. Nurses typically work one night per week in Totem Park, Place Vanier, Orchard Commons, and Walter Gage. They also work with Residence Life staff to promote health-related programs and initiatives for residents.

Counsellor in Residence

If you’re a student living in residence and you’re feeling persistently stressed, anxious, or sad, you can make an appointment to see one of UBC’s Counsellors in Residence.

Staying active

There are lots of ways to stay active in residence and on campus!

Plus, there are many other opportunities at UBC for staying active on campus, including UBC Recreation classes and intramurals, the UBC Aquatic Centre and more.

Food and Nutrition

Eating a balanced diet is vital for good health and wellbeing. Our Registered Dietitians support students in residence by providing resources, guidance and support for a variety of food and nutrition concerns. Meet our dietitians and ask a question, check out the nutrition blog, book an appointment, and check out Nutrislice for online menus, plus info about ingredients and allergens in our residence dining halls.

Flu kits and shots

Getting sick is part of life. When the flu strikes, you may not have the time or energy to pick up fever-reducing items from the store. It’s wise to keep a flu kit ready in your room. Things to include:

  • Digital thermometer
  • Kleenex
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Cough syrup and cough drops
  • Packages of soup
  • Ginger ale and/or juice

One of the best ways to avoid the flu is by getting an annual flu shot. They’re free and available on campus. Consider updating other common vaccines before moving into residence, especially the vaccine for meningococcal menin­gitis. Check Immunize BC for information about which vaccines are advised and for whom.

Chaplains in Residence

Chaplains have hours at several residences one day per week. UBC Chaplains answer questions about spirituality and religion and work with Residence Life staff and Nurses on Campus to support programs related to overall health and wellness.

Safer Substance Use

A drug is a substance that causes a change in someone’s mental, emotional or physical state—including alcohol, cannabis, nicotine and caffeine. All substance use carries a certain amount of risk, making it important to consider the long and short-term effects on your wellbeing as a student. If you choose to use, know that there are ways to reduce possible harms that might occur from use.

More Resources