Your Top Ten Wellness Questions Answered for Incoming First Year Students

Updated July 2022
This article was originally published in June 2021.

By Evan Wheeler and Sarina Wheeler

After the strangest year of high school we’ve seen in quite a while, I’m sure you have some questions about what life is going to look like in your first year of university.  I know that because I have those questions too.  My name is Evan, and I’m starting my first year at Laurier in September.  High school ended rather anti-climactically, so if you’re like me, you’ve been looking ahead and getting excited about postsecondary and getting back to all the experiences we’ve missed over the last year and a bit.

I’m lucky because when I have questions about school, I don’t have to go far. My mom, Sarina Wheeler, works at the Student Wellness Centre, and she’s going to answer my top ten wellness questions, so that I (and you) can be prepared for whatever awaits us fall term and beyond. Mental and physical wellbeing are equally crucial parts of success at university and in life, so being proactive and seeking help is the best way to get the most out of university.  Here’s what I wanted to know about staying well at Laurier:

1. Why would I visit the Student Wellness Centre (SWC)?

The Student Wellness Centre is here to support you with a wide range of services. There is a centre on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses.

You can visit the SWC for every issue you would contact a family doctor’s office, such as

• feeling sick,
• immunizations,
• referrals to specialists,
• medical tests, and
• preventative care like STI screenings and starting birth control.

We also have counsellors and other mental health professionals, so you can also visit the SWC for emotional and mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and stress.

If you are ever unsure about where to go for help on anything to do with your health and well-being, you can always call or email us at wellness@wlu.ca to ask any questions, and we’ll be happy to help!

2. What wellness services are free, and what do I have to pay for?

The services of nurses, counsellors, the registered dietitian, and the mental health student support staff in the SWC are included in your student services fees, and all Laurier students can access them at no extra charge.

Visits with the doctors are covered by provincial health insurance (e.g. a valid OHIP card for Ontario residents). International students’ health care is covered by private insurance, in most cases the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). Remember to bring your health insurance card to any medical appointments.

The Student Wellness Centre also has chiropractors, a physiotherapist (in Waterloo), and registered massage therapists. Those paramedical services are fully or partially covered by the additional health and dental plan you will have. You’ll pay for those services in the SWC and then submit a claim for reimbursement. It is mandatory for all undergraduate students to participate in the Students’ Union Health and Dental plan unless you have coverage elsewhere, such as through a parent’s plan. For more information on that plan, its benefits, and how to submit claims, visit the Students' Union website.  All Laurier students are entitled to access service in the SWC even if they have opted out of the Health and Dental Plan. See our list of Medical Fees.

3. Who will know if I use the Student Wellness Centre? Are my visits and records confidential?

We value and protect your privacy. The SWC will never share information about you or even the fact you've visited us with anyone; that means your parents, professors, and other university departments will not know if you come for counselling or a medical appointment.

All staff in the SWC are obligated to adhere to Ontario’s personal health information and privacy legislation; we will never share your personal health information without your written consent, and we will never ask you more at the front desk than we need to know to book you properly.

For more information, read our complete Privacy and Confidentiality Policy.

4. How do I make appointments with wellness professionals?

Please call us to book an appointment. For the Waterloo campus, call 519.884.0710 x3146. For the Brantford campus, call 519.756.8228  x5803.

We regret that we cannot book appointments over email.

If you don’t know exactly what kind of appointment you need, not to worry, the reception staff are very helpful at assessing the issue and booking you with the best professional for the issue at hand. We are currently closed to walk-in or drop-in traffic due to the pandemic.

5. If I have personal problems, like conflicts with roommates, who can I talk to?

Our team of caring counsellors is here to help you cope with all of life’s challenges. Common concerns addressed include anxiety and depression, homesickness, stress management, relationships issues, and self-esteem.  

There is no fee to access mental health services at Laurier, and there is no waiting list. You can read more about mental health services and read our counselling team bios on our Mental Health and Counselling page.

If you feel your mental health is challenged, you are not alone! The top three health factors that Laurier students identify as affecting their academic performance are all mental-health related: stress, anxiety, and depression (source: NCHA survey, 2019).

6. How can I visit a dentist?

There are no dentists at the Student Wellness Centre; however, there are many dental clinics located near the Laurier campuses.

An internet search is probably the easiest way to find a dentist near you! No matter which dentist you see, you can submit claims for coverage from your Health and Dental Plan.

7. What do I do if I get sick and miss a class, whether in person or remote?

You should email your instructors to let them know about your absence. Students should use the Illness Self-Documentation Form if an instructor asks for documentation.

The university has suspended requirements for documentation of illness and all forms until further notice.

The Student Wellness Centre will not provide excuse slips or sick notes at this time.

8. Where can I go if I need a COVID-19 test?

If you suspect you have COVID-19, we recommend that you test at home using the rapid antigen tests that can be found at many pharmacies and grocery store locations.

You can call and book a medical appointment, so we can assess your symptoms and provide medical support. Testing may be arranged at the Student Wellness Centre if you meet the recommended eligibility guidelines set out by the Government of Ontario.

You can also find helpful information on the Government of Ontario COVID-19 page.

9. Does the Student Wellness Centre provide 2SLGBTQQIA+ care?

Yes! Our services include general medical care inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities, referrals for surgery, gender confirming hormone therapy, 2SLGBTQQIA+ positive sex education, and mental health support.

We strive to create a safer and more inclusive environment for general health care, counselling, and wellness education.

10. What else do I need to know about staying well in my first year at Laurier?

We encourage you to take a proactive, preventative approach to your wellness, so that you’ll be at your best and set yourself up for success. Prioritize building healthy habits such as getting enough sleep, regular exercise, and good nutrition.

There are many programs to take advantage of to help you learn how to be well, such as: 

• workshops, 
• Thrive Week, and
• mental health training.

Don’t hesitate to make use of all the services at Laurier to help you make a successful transition to university life, including: 

• Student Wellness Centre,
• Laurier 101 program,
• Athletics and Recreation,
• The Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and
• Students’ Union.