Personal wellness and academic success go hand in hand. A well student can respond to academic challenges proactively; cope positively and adaptively with stressors; demonstrate resilience; generate solutions to academic and life challenges; negotiate relationships with peers and authority figures; handle conflicts or disappointments; tolerate and regulate negative emotions and distress; practice self- and other care. All of these aspects are important when balancing academics, extracurricular activities and your personal well-being. Students therefore have to make personal well-being a priority – ensure that you are rested, fit, manage your priorities well and know where you are going with your journey this year. Form support networks Be intentional about looking after your well-being and it will definitely bear fruit!

One does not always need to see a counsellor to enhance your wellness. That is why the SCU also focus on preventative measures. We have podcasts, and workshops, peer volunteers, access to web based mental health content and support through the SADAG online university support group All these resources are important to manage your day to day living. Please visit our website to see what is available to our students. 

If you do need to speak to a counsellor, then you can email us on [email protected]. We offer counselling for struggles that commonly present in the student population such as anxiety; depression, family and relationship struggles; stress; trauma, and loss. Counselling is offered by staff registered at the Health Professions Council of South Africa and is free of charge if you are a registered student. Students must be aware that our counselling services are short term based and therefore in longer term or complex diagnoses, a referral will be made.

If it is urgent, all emergency numbers are on the back of your student card. For telephonic supportive counselling after hours or in an emergency, do not hesitate to call the UP Careline 24/7/365 on 0800 747747.

To balance academics, extracurricular activities, and personal well-being during their time at UP, it is advisable that students seek support form each other, form networks to address academic and personal challenges, and ensure that there is a period every day (perhaps after class from 1700 to 1900) in which they prioritise personal care – exercise, socialise and a healthy meal. Learn to say no to invitations when it matters, and yes only if it will enhance your long-term wellbeing. Look after your safety and know this is the best time of your life – please make it so.