Welcome Week is a time for celebration for many students, and that can sometimes involve using substances like alcohol. If you choose to consume substances this Welcome Week (or throughout the year), follow these five simple keys to help keep yourself—and others—safe! Plan Ahead Planning ahead means thinking about what your night might look [...] Read More... The post 5 Keys to Staying Safe This Welcome Week (and Beyond!) appeared first on Student Wellness Centre.| Student Wellness Centre
Wellness@Mac is a series of articles that explore health and wellness topics relevant to student life, designed to engage and support students in their well-being. The articles also aim to explore the diverse lived experiences and systemic challenges that can influence health and well-being, helping students better understand how identity, culture, and social context shape [...] Read More... The post Wellness@Mac: August 2025 Issue appeared first on Student Wellness Centre.| Student Wellness Centre
Welcome to the 2025–2026 academic year! As we embark on a new year, it’s important to be aware of your sexual health and well-being. Sexual health can range from hygiene practices to STI prevention. It’s important to emphasize that everyone’s journey is different, whether you are sexually active or not. It is normal to choose [...]Read More...| Student Wellness Centre
Starting university is a big transition- one that can be filled with adventure and challenges along the way, and we’re here to help you make the most of it. This resource guide combines essential information with insider tips to set you up for success in campus life, academics and wellness. By Amelie Hamlyn-Lovis Herrera, Program [...] Read More... The post First Year Survival Guide appeared first on Student Wellness Centre.| Student Wellness Centre
By: Margaret Qin, Human Behaviour Level IV student, SWC Peer Educator, and Grind Market Founder. Beginning something new always stirs a mix of nerves and excitement, especially in a place as unfamiliar and expansive as university. I remember arriving, unsure of where I fit or who I’d become. But, with time, I learned this: [...] Read More... The post Take Care Mac – Reflection of Self and Community Care appeared first on Student Wellness Centre.| Student Wellness Centre
Every year, many student athletes return to class, the gym, and competition after sustaining a concussion. What we often don’t see is the quieter side of recovery, such as the emotional toll, identity loss, and mental health struggles that many face behind the scenes. As a medical student with a background in athletics and health [...] Read More... The post Head Injuries & Mental Health: The Hidden Struggles of Student Athletes appeared first on Student Wellness Centre.| Student Wellness Centre
Drinking less is better for your health Alcohol is a depressant substance that alters the way you feel by acting on the central nervous system. Despite it providing a sense of relaxation or euphoric feeling in some individuals, it is associated with several adverse health effects. There are both short and long-term adverse health effects [...]Read More...| Student Wellness Centre
Read the submissions of your peers to our sexual health initiative, “Wow, same”. A collection of anonymously-shared stories of McMaster students’ experiences with sex, relationships, intimacy and their bodies. Unfiltered and brazenly honest, these disclosures let you know you’re not alone in your experiences. 2024-2025: First Experiences with Sex and Intimacy 2023-2024 Wow Same [...]Read More...| Student Wellness Centre
Connect with nature and leave your worries behind as you unwind on a walk! Led by a Health Promoter or student leaders from the Student Wellness Centre, you’ll go on a walk on one of the trails surrounding McMaster campus. Take time away from your studies, make new friends, and connect with the beautiful nature [...]Read More...| Student Wellness Centre
Mactivate Your Mind, Body, & Spirit is an Exercise and Wellness Referral Program Mactivate is a program that features a proactive approach to mental health. It is a partnership between Athletics & Recreation, Student Wellness, and other student service areas, to support McMaster students by providing them with opportunities and access to consistent and regular [...]Read More...| Student Wellness Centre
I’m Ready to Know is about ending HIV in Canada with low-barrier access to self-testing and connections to care. I’m Ready to Know is a national program that is implementing, scaling-up and evaluating low-barrier options for access to HIV self-testing. The goal is to reach the undiagnosed and give people choices about how to connect [...]Read More...| Student Wellness Centre
The McMaster Student Wellness Centre is extremely excited to have introduced Home-cooked at Mac in the Fall 2022 and Winter 2023 terms. Thank you to the McMaster Okanagan Committee for funding this program, supporting its development, and maintaining their endearing commitment to our community’s health and well-being. What is Home-cooked at Mac? There are [...]Read More...| Student Wellness Centre
GradChats is a biweekly casual, virtual space for graduate students to connect across shared experiences of a general theme. A graduate student from the SWC’s Graduate Wellness Team will be co-facilitating the drop-in each week. Students who join will be able to walk away with new ideas on how to understand and deal with the [...]Read More...| Student Wellness Centre
Cooking Classes Learn cooking skills in a relaxed and interactive environment. These cooking sessions will provide the opportunity to explore and practice topics related to cooking skills, knife skills, meal planning, nutrition, and food safety. Join us to learn useful kitchen skills and meet new people who are looking to learn as well. All skill [...]Read More...| Student Wellness Centre
In a safe and supportive small group setting, participants will learn effective ways to cope with intense emotions. This group will focus on understanding the roots of painful emotional experiences and provide practical strategies to prevent, reduce, and manage these feelings. Registration for DBT Group is currently closed. [...]Read More...| Student Wellness Centre
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for delivering workshops, providing evidence-based health information, and promoting resources [...]Read More...| Student Wellness Centre
Facts & Tips for Staying Safe Outdoors What are ticks? Ticks are arachnids that bite humans and animals because they need blood to grow and survive. Adult female ticks also require blood to lay eggs. Ticks are dangerous and should be taken seriously, as they can carry bacteria, parasites, and viruses. In Canada, ticks are [...]Read More...| Student Wellness Centre
Wellness@Mac is a series of articles that explore health and wellness topics relevant to student life, designed to engage and support students in their well-being. The articles also aim to explore the diverse lived experiences and systemic challenges that can influence health and well-being, helping students better understand how identity, culture, and social context shape [...] Read More... The post Wellness@Mac: June Issue 2025 appeared first on Student Wellness Centre.| Student Wellness Centre
It is officially summer – which means warmer weather and more time spent outside. Whether you are heading to the beach, biking through your neighbourhood, camping under the stars, or simply soaking up the sunshine, it is important to keep your health and well-being top of mind. From sun protection and hydration to food safety [...]Read More...| Student Wellness Centre
Navigating your gender identity can be stressful and affect your mental health. This article explores Gender Dysphoria; what it is, understanding where it stems from, its identifiers, when to seek support, and how to seek support. What is Gender Dysphoria Gender dysphoria (GD) is the distress that may be caused by the misalignment between one’s [...]Read More...| Student Wellness Centre
Comprehensive pregnancy information, options, and resources tailored to support every step in your journey. Through providing these resources in the McMaster and Hamilton community, we want to encourage you to feel empowered and informed.| Student Wellness Centre
You can book your initial appointment by calling 905-525-9140 x 27700 or visiting reception. Together we will explore support options and decide on your pathways to receive support. Before meeting with our mental health team, we ask that students fill out the forms below. This can be done online 24 hours prior to appointment [...]Read More...| Student Wellness Centre
