Wellness Programs and Student Groups

Collage of student images from a photobooth activation with King Warrior

Be You Wellness Programs

Put your mental, emotional and physical well-being first and check out our Wellness Programs and Student Groups. The following programs are for you to connect in small groups with mental health professionals to dive deeper into what it means to Be You at Waterloo. They are safe spaces to embrace your individuality and celebrate the qualities that make you who you are.

Be you mental health week
Monday, January 19, 2026 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Collective Conversations: Peers Supporting Peers [Graduate Students]

Collective Conversations: Peers Supporting Peers will feature a panel of current equity-deserving graduate students, as they share the successes and struggles they've faced navigating studies, work, and life at UWaterloo. We invite panelists and attendees to bring their lived experiences, curiosity, and compassion to the space.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 11:00 am - 2:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Give Kindness, Take Kindness Booth

Write a kind comment for another student and pick up one of your own. At these booths, you can learn more about Be You and the services available to support your well-being on campus including time to connect with our Registered Dietitian. Drop by and say hello and grab some swag! 

January 20: DC Foyer 11:00am - 2:00pm (also participate in the Collaborative Mural Project hosted by the EDI-R Office)

January 21: E7 Foyer 11:00am - 2:00pm

Events Around Campus

Jan. 21

  • Well-being Discovery Expo Faculty of Engineering E7 11:00am - 2:00pm
  • Meditation Session Graduate Student Association (GSA) and Multi-Faith & Spirituality Resource Team (MFSRT) Grad Lounge 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Jan. 31 

  • Be You Volleyball Games Carl Totzke Court, PAC. Doors Open: 12:00pm. Women's Game: 1:00pm. Men's Game: 2:30pm. Tickets are FREE to all students.
black student wellness programs
Thursday, January 22, 2026 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Unpacking Racial Trauma

Join UWaterloo’s Black Student Support Counsellor for Unpacking Racial Trauma, a grounding and empowering session led by the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office’s Jennisha Wilson. This workshop creates a supportive space for Black students to explore the emotional, psychological, and physical impacts of racial trauma, while deepening their understanding of how these experiences shape identity, well-being, and community connections. Through guided reflection, discussion, and practical strategies for healing, students will have the opportunity to name their experiences, strengthen resilience, and learn tools for navigating academic and personal environments with greater care and self-compassion.

Thursday, January 29, 2026 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Understanding the Black Family

This workshop invites Black students to deepen their self-understanding by exploring the richness and complexity of Black family systems. Understanding the Black Family uses principles from family systems theory to unpack how family dynamics, cultural expectations, generational patterns, and shared histories shape our identities and relationships. Together, we will reflect on the strengths, challenges, and unique expressions of Black family life, offering students a chance to better understand their roots and the forces that have influenced their sense of self. This session aims to be both affirming and enlightening—providing tools to navigate family relationships with greater clarity, compassion, and awareness.

Asian Student Wellness Programs
Thursday, February 12, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Spring Festival Karaoke Night!

Kick off the year with music, laughter, and celebration!

Gather your friends for a night of singing, dancing, and pure merriment. Belt out your favourite tunes, enjoy delicious Asian-inspired snacks, and cheer on fellow performers.

Not into singing? No problem! We’ve got board games and fun crafts so everyone—both extroverts and introverts—can have a wonderful time.

Come celebrate the Spring Festival with joy, connection, and unforgettable vibes!

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00) Wednesday, March 18, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

South Asian Movie Night

Social event for South Asian students, to promote wellness and social connections.

Thursday, April 16, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

East Asian Board Game Night: Relax, Play, and Connect

Join us for a night of East Asian board games, snacks, and conversations as we celebrate culture, play, and being your authentic self!

2SLGTBQIA+ student wellness programs
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00) Tuesday, January 27, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00) Tuesday, February 3, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00) Tuesday, February 10, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00) Tuesday, February 17, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00) Monday, March 2, 2026 1:00 pm - Tuesday, March 3, 2026 3:00 am EST (GMT -05:00) Monday, March 9, 2026 1:00 pm - Tuesday, March 10, 2026 3:00 am EDT (GMT -04:00)

Gender Journeys

A thoughtful and supportive group specifically designed to support gender-diverse (trans, non-binary, two-spirit, questioning) UWaterloo students. This is an in-person, drop-in style group, come to one session or all of them! The group is facilitated by Washington Silk (they/them), a counsellor with lived experience.

This session is open to all Trans and Gender Diverse students.

Graduate Student Wellness Programs
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 11:30 am - 1:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00) Wednesday, March 11, 2026 11:30 am - 1:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00) Wednesday, April 8, 2026 11:30 am - 1:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

QTWELL

A virtual, graduate student drop-in group led by a 2SLGBTQIA+ counsellor to connect, share, and talk about student life, identity, and more. Connect with a counsellor with lived experience and a community where you feel safe and celebrated. 

Thursday, March 12, 2026 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00) Thursday, April 9, 2026 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Lunch Out Loud

Meet other 2SLGBTQIA+ Grad Students over free lunch, games and conversations. Come as you are, embrace your authentic self and celebrate Pride in a way that feels right for you.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00) Wednesday, March 25, 2026 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00) Wednesday, April 29, 2026 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Grad Space

Drop-in group to connect, share experiences, and explore wellness topics like work-life balance, imposter syndrome, and more!

Mind and body student wellness programs
Thursday, January 29, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Make and Mingle Night

Enjoy a mug of hot chocolate or tea, meet other makers, and dive into a crafting adventure of your choice. We’ll have several stations set up for you to explore, but you’re also welcome to bring your own craft along.

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm EST (GMT -05:00) Tuesday, January 27, 2026 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm EST (GMT -05:00) Tuesday, February 3, 2026 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm EST (GMT -05:00) Tuesday, February 10, 2026 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm EST (GMT -05:00) Tuesday, February 17, 2026 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm EST (GMT -05:00) Tuesday, February 24, 2026 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm EST (GMT -05:00) Tuesday, March 3, 2026 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm EST (GMT -05:00) Tuesday, March 10, 2026 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm EDT (GMT -04:00) Tuesday, March 17, 2026 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

NeuroMinds

Welcoming community for neurodivergent students or those exploring their neurodiversity. Join a fun and friendly community where you’ll always be encouraged to show up exactly as you are!

Friday, March 13, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Hot Cocoa Hang

A casual and informal social event for both undergraduate and graduate students during the cold winter months. Stay warm while playing a variety of board games, listen to music, socialize, and drink FREE hot chocolate! Light snacks will also be provided!

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00) Wednesday, February 25, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00) Wednesday, March 4, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00) Wednesday, March 11, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00) Wednesday, March 18, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Unhooking from Anxiety Wellness Group

Virtual Workshop to manage anxious thoughts and feelings.

Explore All Be You 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