Where can I find support on campus?

Campus support and services

Leek - FMG000121 - Cesar G Deliverable (15) [R:\Website\Content\2021 Content\BIPOC Assets\Cesar Ghisilieri\Final Assets]

Post-secondary education can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. Whether it’s for your mental health, physical health, social activities or academics, finding the services you need when you need them can sometimes feel confusing. Here, Good2Talk offers a summary of the supports that may be available to you at your school to more easily find what you’re looking for!

Counselling or wellness centre / services

Here you’ll find professional counsellors and trained mental health professionals that provide free or low-cost confidential support. Some centres also offer education and various workshops to help you find balance and cope with what you’re going through.

Peer support

Here you’ll find educational resources and support provided by fellow students who are usually trained volunteers. Programming may include drop-in support and peer-to-peer wellness groups for mental health topics or to help you navigate the post-secondary experience more generally.

Residence services

Sometimes a part of campus life, these services support students living in residence and on-campus. This can include extra-curriculars, meals and student engagement activities, among other things.

International centres

International centres are a great resource to connect you with your campus and community, assist you with the transition to post-secondary and help with any challenges related to settlement and being a newcomer in Canada.

Student health services

Student health services centres offer free or low-cost medical services like health assessments, counselling, testing and treatments. These are provided by doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses and other medical professionals. They may also offer sexual health education and resources (e.g. contraception) and student-led education.

Accessibility services

Accessibility services can provide academic accommodations, adaptive technology and other disability-related supports and aids for students who need them.

Academic success services

These services provide support for adapting to campus life, academics and career assistance. This can include workshops to develop skills on topics like studying, writing, learning, time management, etc.

Indigenous services / student centre

These services share Indigenous knowledge and provide culturally relevant information and support to the campus community (including Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, staff, and faculty).

Sexual and gender diversity centres

Sometimes known as Pride Centres or a part of equity, diversity and inclusion offices, they offer 2SLGBTQ+-focused programming, advocacy committees and inclusive counselling services.

Black student advising / support

These services support Black, African, Caribbean campus communities and students that are a part of the Afro-diaspora. They may include peer or group support and advocacy activities for Black-identified students to connect with one another.

Sexual violence support

These services support survivors of sexual violence through coordination, accommodation and resources. They may also offer prevention and intervention programs to raise awareness of the prevalence of sexual violence.

Student unions or associations

Most campuses have at least one student union or association (some for graduates and undergraduates). Elected by the student body to represent them on a range of topics including policy and campus services, they organize many events on campus and sometimes go by “Student Life.”

Student clubs and organizations

Additional student organizations may operate independently from campus-led services. They may include clubs focused on a specific hobby, social cause, religion, culture, art form, etc. Check out what’s available on your campus or start your own club!

Some of the services and centres listed here may go by slightly different names. They also may be grouped together on your campus (i.e. sometimes health services, accessibility services, counselling and sexual violence support can be found in the same office). If you’re not sure where to start, search your school’s website or social media channels for one of the above listed services to help you navigate what you’re looking for. Good2Talk’s Student Support Directory may also be a helpful place to start. For any support, you can reach out to one of our professional counsellors or volunteer crisis responders 24/7. We’re Good2Talk whenever you need us!