Wellness Tips for Your Transition to University

Navigating to, and through, your university journey with ease and mental well-being.

When your life is full, your mind is full. Your days and daydreams are likely filled with tests, relationships, extracurriculars, family time, keeping up with social media, and more... and in the midst of all that, you're making up your mind on what life will look like after high school. College? University? Gap year? If university, which one? Where? Which program?

This is a season of big, exciting, and sometimes daunting decisions, but you're definitely not alone. The whole Laurier team is eager to help you find the next steps that are best for you. To start with, ask yourself the questions below.

4 questions to ask yourself as you choose a university

1. Home sweet home or far, far away?

Consider which environment will allow you to succeed best. Whether the comfort of home or the thrill of a new city, choose the living situation (and lifestyle) that aligns with YOUR goals and unique needs.

2. What sparks your passion?

Staying invested in the things that matter most to you can help keep you centered and reduce the stress of change. Whether you were on the soccer team, chess club or cheer squad in high school, Laurier has something for everyone!

3. What do you need to succeed academically?

For some, the transition from high school classes to university lectures is daunting. Developing strong study habits in high school will help but so can knowing you're not alone.

We're here to help, through services ranging from tutoring to exam aid sessions to disability accommodations and so many more.

4. How will you prioritize self-care?

Your mental, emotional, and physical health matter. When you choose a university, make sure they have the resources, environment, and structure that will support your wellness routines, and be willing to set up some new routines to prioritize self-care in a new setting and within a new schedule.

Once you've decided on a program and school, taking care of yourself is going to be key to staying on track and achieving those bold dreams you might not even have said out loud yet.

We've put together a few of our top tips on how to keep wellness an everyday priority as you launch your university journey...

4 wellness tips for your transition to university

1. Stay connected

Whether you're a social butterfly or more of a lone ranger, having a couple people in your life that you can talk, laugh, and vent with openly will benefit you both.

Studying, exercising, or exploring a hobby together are natural, low-key ways of keeping communication lines open.

2. Get creative

Creativity can take so many forms — anything from moving your workspace to the other side of the room to writing a song to testing out a new recipe or workout plan.

Try to find one way every day to get those creative juices flowing, whether by designing something new or just getting a fresh perspective on something all too ordinary.

3. Don't forget to refuel

We all know the drill — keep a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise. Stay inspired and motivated to pursue these three great wellness goals by finding fresh ways to incorporate them into your day.

Even better? Find a friend and set some fitness or food goals you can work towards together!

4. Live mindfully

In the busyness (and sometimes drama) of school life, be intentional about staying engaged with the world around you. Use all of your senses to stay alert to what you are experiencing, observing, and initiating.

Pause to be thankful for the little things, to find calm in the practice of good breathing and to understand the root of your frustrations more clearly.

Want to dig in a little deeper on how to put these tips into practice? Professional health and wellness services, like those available at Laurier's Wellness Centres, provide you with private, personal mental health and wellness support when you need it most.