Student Wellness

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:

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.

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! 

  • Start with taking the Wellness Self-Reflection Tool to assess your wellness and get personalized recommendations to support you on your own unique wellness journey.This will help you with your personal and academic success at Wellesley and beyond.

  • Check out the Office of Student Wellness website, there you will be able to:

    • Explore support and information around the 8 dimensions of wellness

    • Use the Self-Care Workbook to plan strategies for your wellbeing

    • Book a consultation with an OSW staff member

    • …and much more!

  • And don’t forget to follow @wellesleywellness on social media to stay up-to-date with programs and workshops to support your wellness throughout the year!