Social Wellness

Students walking across campus

Social Wellness

Social wellness involves developing a sense of belonging, community, connection, and support systems. According to the NIH, social connections might help protect health and lengthen life. Scientists are finding that our links to others can have powerful effects on our health. Whether with family, friends, neighbors, romantic partners, or others, social connections can influence our biology and well-being. Check out below to find ways to connect here at Wellesley!

Cultivating Connection

With over 180 clubs and orgs here on-campus, there is a space and place for everyone at Wellesley. Click below to learn more about finding connection that matches your own needs and interests!

 

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General Social Wellness

If you're looking to improve your overall social wellness, consider the following:

  • Join a club or org to connect on issues you are passionate about (scroll down to see how!)
  • Check out new places where you might meet someone, the Davis Museum is a great spot on-campus!
  • Make it a point to make dates with friends for a movie, dinner, or coffee.
  • Speaking of, are you keeping in touch with loved ones? Pick up the phone, write a card for snail mail, or Zoom/FaceTime to reconnect with loved ones far away.
  • Volunteering is another great option to not only give back, but it also helps us connect with others.

 

Getting Social On-Campus

In conjunction with College Government (CG) and Schneider Board of Governors (SBOG), the Office of Student Involvement (OSI) at Wellesley helps connect students with their interests through the support of more than 180 student organizations, trips and events in Boston, concerts on campus, and traditions such as Lake Day and Hooprolling.

Resources:

Relationships and Sexual Health

Healthy and consensual relationships, sexual health, and creating communities of respect and safety are all elements of our social well-being. Click below to learn more!

 

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General Sexual Health

Be sure to check out "The Sex Talk You Never Had" by the Wellesley College Sexual Health Educators!

Are you looking to learn more? See below for some great resources:

LGBTQ+ Sexual Health

Inclusive sexual health education means including representation of all identities, bodies, and individuals. Please see below for resources for LGBTQ+ sexual health:

Contraception + Birth Control

Are you looking to find the right option for you and/or your partner(s)? Below are resources to help you navigate, and as always consult your physician/provider or Health Services for additional questions.

Services On- and Off-Campus

Health Services provided by Newton-Wellesley Collegiate Health offers a variety of services, including gynecologic services, including birth control counseling/discussion and STI testing, counseling, and treatment.

For additional sexual health services and/or STI testing:

Sexual Assault + Intimate Partner Violence Prevention

If you are looking for resources for yourself or a loved one, please see below. Sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking are prohibited and will not be tolerated by Wellesley College. Wellesley is committed to providing a safe environment in which all students can thrive as they pursue their educational goals.

Multicultural Resources

Wellness, like so many aspects of our lives, is inextricably informed by intersectional identities. The marginalization and racial injustice of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) communities affects numerous health disparities, and as such racism is a public health issue we must confront. We firmly believe that centering BIPOC voices is central to creating safe and inclusive healthcare. We know that the work of racial justice requires a steadfast approach, and caring for ourselves to prevent burnout and maintain momentum is indeed a revolutionary act. To learn more about fostering wellness with a inclusive, intersectional approach, please see the resources below.

 

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Impacts of Racism + Health

Intersectionalities and Impacts of Racism and Health

Mental Health Support + Tools

Mental Health Resources

Tools and Support

Additional Resources + Readings for Anti-Racism

Guide from Office of Intercultural Education, Inclusion and Engagement:

Books:

Reading Lists:

Articles:

Videos:

On-Campus Resources

On-Campus Resources

On-Campus Student Groups

  • blackOUT: blackOUT serves to create an inclusive and comfortable space for all students of African descent at Wellesley who identify as queer (LGBT*QIA) or questioning
  • Familia: Familia is a group for LGBT*QIA* & Questioning Latinas on Wellesley College's campus
  • Tea Talks: Group for LGBTQ and questioning students of Asian descent
  • Siblings: Support and community for students who identify as TGNC (transgender and gender nonconforming)
  • QTSAQ (Queer and Trans South-Asian Coalition)