There is no single approach to maintaining your well-being, and everyone’s experience will be different. Taking proactive steps to support your mental health can help you manage stress, build resilience and feel more prepared when life becomes challenging. Knowing where to find support and reaching out early can make a meaningful difference.
Whether you are looking to strengthen your well-being, manage stress or navigate a difficult situation, there are supports and resources available to help.
Be Prepared and Proactive
University life can be rewarding, but it can also bring periods of stress, uncertainty and change. There are many ways to support your mental health and well-being while studying at university. Developing healthy habits, building connections and accessing support early can help you manage challenges before they become overwhelming.
While it is not always possible to avoid difficult situations, being prepared and proactive can help you respond more effectively when challenges arise.
Build a Support Network
A strong support network can help you navigate challenges and cope with stressful situations. Friends, family members, professors, teaching assistants, academic advisors, counsellors and other support staff can all play an important role in supporting your well-being.
Often, it is someone in your support network who notices when stress is becoming difficult to manage. Staying connected and reaching out early can help prevent challenges from becoming more serious.
Academic Success and Study Skills
Adjusting to university academics can be challenging. Larger classes, increased independence and a more demanding workload often require new approaches to learning and studying.
As a Carleton student, you have access to many different supports to help you navigate these challenges.
- Connect with the Academic Advising Centre to review academic progress or make program changes.
- Visit the Centre for Student Academic Support to participate in study skills workshops including note-taking, active reading, time management and exam preparation.
- Engage with the Student Experience Office to explore mentorship opportunities and student activities.
Managing Your Time
Balancing lectures, readings, assignments, employment, extracurricular activities and social commitments can be challenging. Developing effective time management skills can help reduce stress, improve productivity and create capacity to respond when unexpected challenges arise.
Creating a schedule, setting priorities and breaking larger tasks into manageable steps can help you stay organized throughout the academic term. The Centre for Student Academic Support offers workshops and resources designed to help students strengthen their time management skills.
Financial Well-being
Financial concerns can be a significant source of stress, particularly while pursuing your studies. When expenses increase, working additional hours may seem like the only solution, but balancing employment and full-time studies can be difficult.
Planning ahead and accessing available resources can help reduce financial pressures before they become overwhelming. You are encouraged to connect with the Awards and Financial Aid Office to create a budget and explore scholarships, bursaries, awards and financial aid opportunities.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Supporting your physical health is an important part of maintaining your mental health and wellbeing. Maintaining healthy habits can improve energy levels, concentration, mood and resilience.
Consider prioritizing:
- Adequate and regular sleep
- Balanced nutrition
- Regular physical activity
- Social connection
- Self-care and relaxation
Carleton’s Health Promotion team provides many resources, educational materials and wellness initiatives that support healthy living.
Students also have full access to Carleton’s many recreation and athletics facilities included in their tuition fees.
Finding Balance
Maintaining balance between academics, employment, extracurricular activities and personal commitments is important for your long-term well-being.
While Carleton offers many opportunities for involvement and growth, it is important to recognize your limits and avoid taking on more than you can reasonably manage. Setting aside time for relaxation, recreation and activities you enjoy can help restore energy, reduce stress and prevent burnout.
Get Involved
Getting involved on campus can help reduce stress, strengthen your sense of belonging and create meaningful connections with others.
You can explore:
- Leadership development opportunities
- Community service learning experiences
- Student clubs and societies
- Mentorship programs
- Volunteer opportunities
Finding a healthy balance between academics and extracurricular activities can contribute positively to both your well-being and your overall university experience. Find out more through the Student Experience Office.
When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
Even when you are proactive, maintain healthy habits, stay connected and access available resources, there may be times when life feels overwhelming. University can bring unexpected challenges, periods of stress and circumstances that are beyond your control.
If you are struggling, it is important to reach out for support as early as possible. Seeking help is not a sign of failure. In fact, reaching out early can give you more time to explore your options, access available resources and take meaningful action before challenges become more difficult to manage.
Talking with someone you trust can be an important first step. Support may come from a friend, family member, professor, teaching assistant, academic advisor, counsellor or another trusted member of your support network.
Reach Out For Support
Consider connecting with:
- A friend or family member
- A professor or teaching assistant
- Counselling Services
- The Care and Support team in Wellness Services
- Another trusted member of your support network
If your concerns are related to academics, you may also wish to connect with the Academic Advising Centre or your departmental advisor.