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.
Safer Substance Use
A drug is a substance that causes a change in someone’s mental, emotional or physical state. 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.
The street drug supply in BC is more toxic and unpredictable than ever. Any street drug can be poisoned, not just opioids. It can be hard to know what’s in the substances you’re taking. Even if they came from a source you trust, like a friend or roommate. Even if you only take a little, or if it’s your first time, the risks are real.
Learn more
- Alcohol, cannabis, nicotine and caffeine
- Substance use health and harm reduction
- Preventing and responding to an overdose
- Emergency naloxone in residence
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 meninÂgitis. Check Immunize BC for information about which vaccines are advised and for whom.
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!
- Every resident has free access to a residence fitness room.
- Each term, we offer free group fitness and yoga sessions for residents.
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.
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.