Self-care for university students

Positive behaviours + positive environments = student success

Self-care is a positive behaviour and healthy habit that will support your student's success at Waterloo. Check in with your student about these four pillars of student self-care throughout their first year.

• Take breaks, particularly around higher stress times like midterm and exam periods
• Study breaks help students manage stress and mentally recharge for when they return to studying

• Stay hydrated 

• Eat regularly and on a balanced diet

• Look for meals that remind them of home 

• Work with Food Services to navigate dietary restrictions 

• Maintain regular sleep habits (six to eight hours of sleep each night) 

• Avoid “all-nighters” 

• Set and keep an exercise routine or join a campus recreation activity 

• Try meditating to improve focus and stay grounded 

• Multi-faith spaces are available across campus for prayer, reflection and other faith-based or spiritual activities 

• Connect with classmates and form study groups 

• Meet new people outside of classes through residence life or by getting involved on campus