Feeling overwhelmed or just not sure where to start with ‘wellness’?
Visit the Student Wellness Centre for support and resources
Being a student can be tough – when balancing your course load, relationships, jobs, hobbies and all the other responsibilities it is natural to feel overwhelmed at times. No one should have to face all of that alone and, luckily, with a multitude of resources and supports available right on campus, no University of Manitoba student needs to. One of the newer wellness resources on the UM campus is the Student Wellness Centre (SWC), which opened in Fall 2023.
The SWC at its core is designed to be an inclusive, no expectations space for students to learn about and foster wellness. Its creation was in response to requests from students for a space for learning, connection and growth around mental health and wellbeing. There is a quiet lounge space, a wellness resource library, in-person support and opportunities to connect with other students both through formal programming and informally in the space. Through a generous donation by Shoppers Drug Mart on 2211 Pembina HWY, there are also free menstrual products available at the centre for anyone who might need them. Peer volunteer, Nicole Alcasid, stated, “I’d love for students to know that us volunteers and staff at the Student Wellness Centre try our best to make it a safe, relaxing space! … It’s a lounge space—you can eat lunch, chat with your friends, or study. Or you can pop by, just for a couple minutes, to check out our informational pamphlets or pick up some safer sex supplies!”
For students wondering what the SWC is or whether they should plan to visit, several of the centre’s volunteers shared how the centre can help. As summed up by one of the peer volunteers at the SWC, Theo Hart, “The student wellness centre will meet you wherever you’re most comfortable, whether you’d like to talk it through with a Healthy U volunteer or if you’d simply like to take a resource silently and go! There is no expectation for you to explain why you’ve come!” Keep and eye out for upcoming articles or visit the Healthy U website to learn more about the program.
To provide a bit more detail, Ashley Anderson, the Student Wellness Program Assistant, explained that “At the Student Wellness Centre, we take a holistic approach to student well-being, supporting academic, personal, and professional goals. Students often come to us with concerns like academic stress, time management, or relationship challenges—whether with friends, family, or romantic partners. We also provide a safe space to discuss sexual health topics like STI prevention and condom use. It’s not just about seeking support; you can also drop by our shared space to relax, meet other students, and build connections. You don’t need to be at your lowest to reach out. Whether you’re looking for advice, a sense of community, or just someone to talk to, we’re here to help you thrive.”
Along with being available for drop-in, the SWC also hosts numerous events throughout the term aimed at helping students recharge. Some of these include monthly Pet Therapy, Exam De-stress events – where they give out free snacks and resources to students related to managing stress going into exams, aromatherapy slime making, and movie nights. Follow @healthyuofm on Instagram to find out when these events are happening.
If you are feeling in need of support or just a place to take a breath, keep these words from peer educator, Jayanti Monga, in mind: “the Centre is a really great space to be in. It is comforting and relaxing – totally worth the walk to the extended education building. In addition, our peer educators are really knowledgeable and care so deeply for their work that the centre is always filled with ideas and good energy.”
The volunteers at the SWC can also help connect students with other campus resources such as the Student Counselling Centre. The SWC is here to support your wellness in whatever form that takes – so, in answer to the question of where to start with wellness, start at the SWC.
Location: 162 Extended Education Complex Fort Garry Campus (with the expectation to open up pop up locations at our Bannatyne and William Norrie campuses)
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Stay up to date @healthyuofm or Student Wellness
Questions: email healthandwellness[at]umanitoba[dot]ca