Wellness Programs and Student Groups

Two students walking together on campus in the winter with an overlay of the Be You at Waterloo logo.

Be You at Waterloo is about being true to yourself and putting your mental, emotional and physical well-being first.

At UWaterloo we believe that wellness starts when you embrace your authentic self and acknowledge how far you've come to be where you're at today. Join a wellness-based event to:

  • Feel empowered to choose progress over perfection
  • Embrace your authentic self with compassion
  • Break free from societal expectations
  • Connect with others in an environment where you feel safe and celebrated

We have a variety of opportunities, from fun de-stress activities, spaces to share ideas with peers and prioritize practices that support your mental and emotional health, skill building opportunities and more. 

Be You Programs

Embrace your individuality and celebrate the qualities that make you who you are.

Join a community of students who share diverse cognitive profiles, including ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and more in a supportive community. Learn more about your neurotype, ask for help and connect with others who truly get it.  

Weekly on Tuesdays

QTWELL is an open and safe, drop-in group where any graduate student who is a sexual and gender minority or identifies as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities can celebrate individuality and connect with a counsellor with lived experience.

Online, monthly

A safe space for daughters of immigrant parents to connect, share their experiences and navigate unique challenges of balancing cultural heritage with modern identities.

Bi-weekly on Mondays

A supportive space for varsity athletes to share your experiences, connect with others, and learn strategies and tools to help you navigate your current life challenges!

Monthly on Tuesdays

Looking for more support as a Trans or Gender Diverse Student? Come together with other gender diverse (trans, non-binary, two-spirit, question) folks to share experiences and connect with communities where you feel safe and celebrated.

Weekly on Mondays

Join us for an engaging discussion on "Black Dating" and share your experiences in a supportive environment. We aim to foster understanding, support, and connection.

Jan. 16 at 4:00 p.m.

Join us for a Spring Festival Karaoke Night! Gather your friends and get ready to kick off the year with a night of singing, dancing, and merriment! 

Jan. 29 at 6:00 p.m. 

A workshop for Black students to discover using poetry to manage academic pressures, process emotions, and find healing.

Jan. 30 at 4:00 p.m.

A hands on workshop to learn how to protect & manage Black hair during the harsh winter months. This event is open to all Black students, so come celebrate the beauty of Black hair.

Feb. 6 at 4:00 p.m.

Come together to share your experiences as a Black student navigating university life. Together, we’ll explore the nuances of the Black family dynamic.

Feb. 13 at 4:00 p.m.

An empowering event focused on equipping you with the skills to navigate microaggressions, all while prioritizing your well-being.

March 13 at 4:00 p.m.

Join other Black students for an inspiring art therapy workshop, where you will have the opportunity to unwind and explore your emotions through the therapeutic power of painting.

March 27 at 4:00 p.m.

A community-building event for Middle Eastern students. Enjoy light snacks, music, and belly-dancing, all while celebrating your authentic self.

March 6 at 12:00 p.m.

Wellness Programs

Put your mental, emotional and physical well-being first and check out our Wellness Programs and Student Groups.

Learn to develop a journalling for well-being routine. Reflective journalling will be used to help you identify personal narratives that are negatively impacting how you think and feel about yourself and how you interact with others.  

9 sessions throughout the term

Join us every other Tuesday from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. for visits from mental health therapist educator Washington Silk (They/Them), hosted by GLOW in partnership with Campus Wellness.

Bi-weekly on Tuesdays

A group for any Graduate student willing to meet with their peers. We hope to bring Grad students together, in a space where you can find support, affirmation and interpersonal learning.

Online, monthly

A program where we learn about mindfulness and self-compassion. Explore ways to acknowledge difficult thoughts and feelings and responding to yourself with kindness and comfort. 

Weekly on Thursdays 

Explore fear and anxiety, stress responses, core beliefs, and more. You will gain practical skills for managing anxiety, including the importance of mindfulness and self-compassion.

2-part workshop offered throughout the term 

student on computer
Skills for Safer Living Call to Join

A five-week, psycho-educational program designed to support you and offer safer options if you’ve been struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Contact Campus Wellness, Counselling Services (519-888-4096) if you are interested to book an intake appointment and for more information. 

Start date: Feb. 5

Enjoy hot chocolate, light snacks and games at this drop-in event meant to foster social connection - everyone is welcome!

Feb. 7 at 2:30 p.m.

A workshop to discuss the interconnections between the development of attachment styles and trauma to build coping skills and enhance self-compassion.

Feb. 14 (online & in-person)

Walk with us around Ring Road, enjoy free hot chocolate, while we connect and chat about our overall well-being.

March 5 at 11:30 a.m.

International students are invited to attend this speed-friending event, where you’ll have the opportunity to “travel” around the room making new friends.

February 12 at 3:00 p.m.

Celebrate the past, present, and future of Black excellence. Enjoy live performances, spoken word poetry, and a lively DJ. You’ll also have the opportunity to indulge in delicious soul food and drinks that pay homage to Black culinary traditions.

February 27 at 6:00 p.m. 

Explore All Be You and Wellness Programs on Portal

Check out the overview of Be You and wellness programs on Portal. Register for this terms events and check back termly for updates!

portal screenshot

Self-Directed Programs 

Rewiring For Happiness Toolkit 

Rewiring for Happiness uses positive psychology strategies and tools to help focus your brain on kindness, mindfulness, gratitude, empathy, and connection. Rewiring for Happiness is available as a self-registration course on LEARN. Follow these steps to view and complete the toolkit: 

  1. Register on LEARN
  2. Click Self Registration. 
  3. Click Rewiring for Happiness. 
  4. Enroll in the Course. 

Note: After you are enrolled, you can navigate to the Rewiring for Happiness course directly. 

student sitting on a bench outside