Student Wellness

In the Office of Student Wellness, we know that wellness is not one-size-fits-all; we are here to support wellness your way!

We know that we are all complex individuals with dynamic needs, so too is our well-being. Therefore, we embrace 8 holistic dimensions of wellness, which includes: emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual, financial, social, environmental, and spiritual wellness.

Throughout our mission, programming, policies, and resources you will find this framework informing the work that we do. We see well-being as shaped by many intersectional identities and factors that change throughout one's life. Because of this dynamic nature, our office is committed not to simply educating around a narrow concept of wellness, but around self-reflection so that our students are empowered to make the best decisions for themselves at any given time in their life while at Wellesley, and beyond!

 

Click below to learn more about each dimension of wellness!

Our Mission

In the Office of Student Wellness (OSW), we view wellness as a state of being that is impacted by a confluence of factors. Our work in OSW is informed by the 8 dimensions of wellness: emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual, financial, social, environmental, and spiritual. Our mission is to address the holistic aspects of wellness and provide support to:

Embrace

  • all students where they are in their wellness journey. 

  • wellness your way, in recognition that wellness is different for different people. 

  • the diversity of experiences.

Engage 

  • across differences by not defining wellness for students, but rather encouraging students to explore their own unique brand of wellness and to define their own journey.

  • students with resources and tools, making wellness accessible and equitable to all students in our community.

  • the Wellesley College community at large, to foster wellness at Wellesley.

Empower

  • self reflection and awareness of the individual’s needs, and accessing resources.

  • students through education to incorporate a balanced approach to healthy behaviors. 

  • a lifelong journey of wellness.

 

Learning Goals

By engaging with the Office of Student Wellness, students will have the opportunity to: 

  • Define the dimensions of wellness.

  • Evaluate and reflect on their own well-being.

  • Apply their knowledge of wellness to make adjustments to areas of their well-being that they would like to strengthen.

  • List strategies to work towards wellness in these identified areas.

  • Identify and access resources on- and off-campus.

  • Advocate for their wellness and for the wellness of their peers.

Wellness Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate getting sleep in a residence hall with roommates/floormates?

  • Have a conversation with your roommate around expectations for sleep; enlist support from an RA if you need help in facilitating this conversation.

  • Keep a quiet, dark, and clutter-free room with the temperature cool at night (portable fans are great!) to promote falling asleep.

  • Other helpful tools for a good night’s rest include a white noise machine, ear plugs, and sleep masks to block noise and light. Tip: stop by the Office of Student Wellness if you need to pick up some sleep supplies!

  • Book a Sleep Consultation with the Office of Student Wellness if you find yourself struggling with sleep and want to explore strategies for more restful nights.

 

What are my options in the dining halls if I have a food allergy or special dietary needs?

  • Please report any food allergy or dietary needs to the Wellesley College Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources (ADR) at accessibility@wellesley.edu and the Wellesley Fresh Dietitian Hannah Sofier at hs104@wellesely.edu prior to arrival on campus to learn how to safely navigate the dining halls.

  • Students with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity may request access for use of the Bates Gluten Sensitive Room through the ADR application form

  • For more information, please visit Wellesley Fresh dining information page, ADR dining/meal plan accommodations, or contact Health Services.

 

How can I make time for exercise with a busy schedule?

  • Build it into your schedule, and prioritize time for joyful movement (and rest!).

  • Take regular breaks throughout the day to improve your focus and give your wellbeing better balance - movement is a great way to give your mind a break and your body a boost.

  • Get creative! Take the long way to walk to class or take the stairs instead of the elevator.

  • Enlist a friend or roommate to make it part of your social wellbeing, too!

 

I know that some people drink or use substances in college, what are ways that I can stay safe and/or help a peer in need?

  • The Office of Student Wellness regularly offers Substance Use Harm Reduction trainings throughout the year, including during New Student Orientation. Trainings cover prevention strategies, bystander intervention, and tips to keep yourself and your sibs safe. Check out some tips below:

    • If you choose to use substances, plan to utilize harm reduction strategies like pacing yourself (1 drink/hour), eating before drinking, measuring drinks, and alternating drinks with water.

    • Before going out, make a plan with an “accountabili-buddy”! Stick together, come home together, and watch out for each other.

    • Call Public Safety (781-283-5555) for any emergencies, like signs of alcohol poisoning, which may include: slowed breathing, unresponsiveness, cold or discolored skin.

 

How can I keep my immune system strong to prevent illness throughout the year?

  • Be sure to get 7-9 hours of sleep per night, this is when your body is fighting its hardest against germs.

  • Wash your hands often, especially before meals and after using the restroom.

  • Strive to fuel your immune system by eating every 3-4 hours and including protein (animal and/or plant), whole grains, and a variety of fruits and veggies most times you eat.

  • Find a regular practice to manage your stress (this will help you sleep better, too!). This might include exercise, meditation, yoga, time in nature, hobbies, and connecting with peers and loved ones.

  • Get a free flu shot at the Health Service and stay up-to-date with Covid and other vaccinations.

 

Where can I get support to strengthen my overall wellness while at Wellesley?

  • Fortunately there are many free support systems available for students, but you may not know where to begin. We’ve got you covered! 

Contact: Office of Student Wellness | Wellesley College, Billings 100 | studentwellness@wellesley.edu | 781-283-2821