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As you will know, a lot of preparation goes into studying for university, and as you will know, some of the most important preparation work for entering college is not necessarily academic. There is a direct link between your health and academics, as result, your health is an important factor in your overall academic success. It’s also a beneficial path to a good start.

If it’s your first time moving away from home, you are likely to spend a lot of time on your own without much supervision. This will be an important time in your life when the demands will be far greater than ever before. And perhaps, this will be the first time where you have to rely on yourself and not your parents/guardians to take care of you.

Maintaining good health is critical to ensuring that you can focus on what you are learning, prepare for exams and meet other demands. Lucky for you, there are free health facilities at the university that don’t require you to spend money. Institutions understand that there are many pressures facing students. Therefore, they provide resources that support good mental health, wellbeing and fitness.

Wellbeing

As a part of cultivating your well-being, being part of a social network is an important part of a fun and healthy experience. Therefore, joining a society or club can be a great way of socializing with people with similar interests, religions, political beliefs, cultures, etc.

Mental health

Most institutions, if not all, have some form of student wellness service where they offer free professional health and counselling services. Here are some health facilities available to you as a student from a few public universities:

UNISA Health and Wellness Clinics

UNISA has health clinics in two campuses, with limited primary health care services:

• Muckleneuk campus
• Florida Campus

UCT Student Wellness Service (SWS)

They “provide professional medical and counselling services to students at a primary health care level. They are involved with the promotion of a balanced and healthy lifestyle as well as the prevention, early detection and treatment of all physical and mental health conditions.

Students can reach these services by calling 021 650 1017.

Wits Campus Health & Wellness Centre (CHWC) 

Offers a wide variety of health services to Wits students and staff members. The services are convenient, accessible, caring and cost-effective. Wits also offers a Counselling and Careers Development Unit, Disability Rights Unit, Gender Equity Office, Safety on Campus and Wits Integrity Hotline.

University of Johannesburg (UJ) Centre for Psychological Services and Career Development (PsyCaD)

Through PsyCAD, the University of Johannesburg offers student support. Sessions are free for UJ students and are generally 30min in duration.

Rhodes University Counselling Centre

The counseling centre offers counseling services to students for free, to work through any difficulty that might be experienced at a particular time. Students can make an appointment by emailing counsellingcentre@ru.ac.za

UKZN CAES Student support services

The University of Kwazulu-Natal offers a range of free, professional and confidential services. They provide academic support in the form of study skills, academic risk assessments, time management workshops; and psychological support for students experiencing personal and psychological difficulties.

Stellenbosh University Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD)

The centre offers psychotherapeutic & support services which offers professional support and counseling to students who are experiencing personal, professional, or academic challenges and emotional trauma.

Students can call 021 808 4994 or email supportus@sun.ac.za

Nelson Mandela Student Health Services

The Health Services actively seek early identification of mental disorders, treatment of common mental disorders, attention to the mental health needs of people with physical health problems, and mental health promotion and prevention and counseling.

North-West University Student Counselling and Development (SCD)

At Student Counselling and Development (SCD) professional services are rendered to students by professional members of staff qualified in psychology, counselling, and social work. The aim is to be a support structure for students in times of need, as well as to inspire and aid them in developing and reaching their optimal wellness potential in all dimensions of life, ranging from emotional, social, and physical wellness, connectivity, growth and influence.

Medical support

Universities often offer Consultations and support are offered through their various Student Wellness Service, which is run by medical practitioners and nurses that are often free and done at a discounted student rate. They offer a range of services for those who are sick or in need of non-urgent medical attention and help students maintain overall health. Please consult your respective university website of student bodies for more information.