Clubs, events, workshops, and so many services. I found that just choosing which resource to use in UBC can be overwhelming. For such a large student population, it is no surprise that Googling “Wellness Resources at UBC” will lead to lists of ways to find support for a variety of situations. In this article, I’m listing wellness resources at UBC you didn’t know about that are all a good place to start.
1. AMS Speakeasy
Here, you’ll find peer support volunteers who are trained and experienced with dealing with a wide range of problems—“No problem is too big or too small.” You can talk to them about anything; common issues they have dealt with include relationship problems, depression, anxiety, academic stress and loneliness.
AMS speakeasy can also help you connect with many other resources, so it is definitely a place for you to start.
Location: AMS Nest, room 1314 or drop by the office at room 3107L.
Hours: (By appointment)
Tuesday: 12.00-13.00; 15.30-16.30
Wednesday: 11:00-17.00
Thursday: 12:00-13:00
2. Peer Support at the Wellness Centre
The UBC wellness centre operates on a drop-in basis for students to talk to a wellness peer. Here, you can comfortably talk to another student and also be connected with information about other health resources on campus.
In the wellness centre, the wellness peers are trained to talk about things like “safe sex, how to manage stress, eating well, and sleep.” It’s a great place to find someone to talk to immediately during the school day.
Location: Irving K Barber Learning Centre, Room 183
Hours: 10am-5pm Monday-Friday (Except on Tuesday, it closes at 4pm)
3. Student Health Services- Registered Nurses
Some of you may have walked past the UBC hospital, or been to Student Health Services to see a doctor for medical care, but it is also a wellness resource. UBC student health services also provides the campus with registered nurses who set up booths around campus each week.
Visiting a UBC nurses booth is by drop-in basis, and there you can ask questions and get information about your health and wellness. They can also connect you to other resources and can address issues about stress and anxiety, food and nutrition, sleep, and sexuality and sexual health.
Times and Locations: (varies by day)
Monday: 3pm-6pm Walter Gage
Tuesday: 12pm-2pm First Nations House of Learning, 3pm-6pm Place Vanier Residence
Wednesday: 12pm-2pm Wellness Centre at Irving K Barber Learning Centre, 3pm-6pm Totem Park Residence
Thursday: 3pm-6pm Orchard Commons Residence
Overall, these are all great resources you can seek someone to confidentially talk to and gain advice from. They are also a great starting point to seek out further assistance, all being well connected to the many wellness resources at UBC has ready to offer its students. Anything small or big, of any issue, there is always someone there to listen.