UHS Monthly Student Newsletter

December 2025

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UHS December 2025 / January 2026 Calendar 🗓️

12/1: Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month

12/1: SHIP Spring 2026 Waiver Period Opens

12/1: SHEP Tabling on Sproul for World AIDS Day, 11 am to 1 pm - Learn more

12/2: Pet Hugs at Memorial Glade, 12-1 pm - Learn more

12/4: Virtual Drop-in Nutrition Counseling, 12:30-1:30 pm - Learn more

12/5: Virtual Drop-in Nutrition Counseling, 12:30-1:30 pm - Learn more

12/5: Sexpert Education Clinic, 12 - 3 pm - Learn more

12/8-12: RRR Week at UC Berkeley

12/11: Virtual Drop-in Nutrition Counseling, 12:30-1:30 pm - Learn more

12/12: Virtual Drop-in Nutrition Counseling, 12:30-1:30 pm - Learn more

12/13-14: Last UHS Service Weekend for Fall 2025 - View Hours webpage

12/15-19: Finals Week at UC Berkeley

12/16: UHS Closes Early at 3 pm - View After-Hour Care 

12/18: Virtual Drop-in Nutrition Counseling, 12:30-1:30 pm - Learn more

12/18: Conflict During the Holidays Workshop via Zoom, 3:30 - 5:00 pm - Sign up

12/18: UHS Pharmacy - Last day to submit a new prescription or refill request, 5 pm

12/19: UHS Pharmacy - Deadline for picking up all prescriptions, 12 noon

12/19: Virtual Drop-in Nutrition Counseling, 12:30-1:30 pm - Learn more

12/19: Self-Care for the Holidays Workshop via Zoom, 3:30 - 5:00 pm - Sign up

12/21: Winter solstice! After the winter solstice, the days will gradually start to get longer

12/23: UHS Closes Early at 3 pm - View After-Hour Care

12/24-1/4: UHS Closed - View After-Hour Care 

12/31: SHIP ends for Fall 2025 graduates - Learn more

1/1: SHIP Spring 2026 Waiver Due (No Fee Deadline)

1/5-1/16: UHS services resume, reduced staffing in some departments - View Hours webpage

1/15: SHIP Spring 2026 Waiver Due ($75 Fee Deadline). No SHIP waivers accepted after 1/15.

Spring 2026 SHIP Waiver Period Now Open! 📣

Spring 2026 Waiver Periods & Deadlines:

• Waiver Period without a Fee: Dec 1, 2025, to Jan 1, 2026.
• Waiver Period with a $75 Fee: Jan 2, 2026, to Jan 15, 2026.

Waivers are valid only for the spring 2026 semester. Waiver applications will not be accepted after January 15, 2025. Please note: If you submitted a waiver for fall 2025, you do not need to submit a new waiver for spring.

End-of-Year Reminders 🔔

Overnight Oats 🥣

This easy overnight oats recipe is a nutritious make-ahead breakfast that's perfect for busy mornings. Heat up before eating to enjoy a warm breakfast!

Ramen Reinvented 🍜

Want a quick and easy meal during finals week? Add veggies and protein to packaged ramen to turn it into a nutritious and delicious bowl of noodles.

RRR and Finals Week Affirmations 💪🏼

This is tough, but so am I.

I can do hard things.

I am going to figure this out.

I am capable, and I will get through this.

I will take things one step at a time.

I will strive for progress, not perfection.

I am allowed to ask for help.

Rest is both necessary and productive.

I am choosing to focus on what I can control.

I am so much more than my grades.

I inhale clarity and exhale stress.

I will be present and calm today.

It is okay if things don't go as planned; I can be flexible and find another way.

It doesn't need to be perfect; it just has to get done.

I will show myself patience and grace throughout this process.

I will focus on what's important, and let the rest go.

Stop. Breathe. Reflect. Choose. ✅

The next time you encounter a stressful situation, try these steps:

• Stop what you are doing and the continuous flow of thoughts for a few seconds.
• Breathe deeply, feeling your abdomen rise and fall, releasing any tension as you exhale.
• Reflect on what is going on. Can you do anything productive to improve this? Ask yourself rational questions and think of rational answers. Be kind to yourself.
• Choose how you are going to react in a manner that serves you.

Visit the UHS website for more stress management tips.

Studying Method: Pomodoro Technique 📝

The Pomodoro Study Method is a popular time-management technique that will help you stay motivated, avoid distractions, stay focused, and get more done:

• Choose a task to be accomplished.
• Set a timer for 25 minutes.
• Work on the task until the time is up.
• Take a 5-minute break.
• Repeat this 25/5 cycle four times, and then take a longer break at the end (15 to 30 mins)

Visit the UHS website for more RRR Week/Finals tips.

Using SHIP During Winter Break 🏥

Did you know you can use SHIP while on winter break? SHIP provides coverage to students beyond the Tang Center across California, out of state, and while traveling abroad.

• Review the How to Use SHIP webpage to learn how to find off-campus in-network providers.
• Review SHIP dental, vision, and other benefits for provider info.
• Use Teladoc for online video appointments as another way to access care.
• Review the Using SHIP abroad handout if you need care outside the US.

Any questions? Email SHIP at ship@berkeley.edu or Wellfleet Member Services at UCBcustomerservice@wellfleetinsurance.com.

Winter Break Food Resources 🍽️

For some students, the holidays can be a particularly challenging time for securing adequate food resources, especially when campus dining halls and cafes close. However, many options near campus will allow you to eat consistently and stretch your budget.

Visit our student recipes and resource webpage to find:

• Where to find free meals in the community
• How to access emergency funds on campus for food assistance
• Budget-friendly meal options near campus

Managing Holiday Stress ☃️

The holidays can be stressful for everyone to some extent. Preparing can be overwhelming for those who actively participate in celebrations. Many people may feel out of sync with the hustle and bustle of the season. Those who do not celebrate may feel excluded or imposed upon.

Whatever your situation, here are some strategies to deal with holiday stress & blues:

• Acknowledge intense feelings: It's hard to cope with difficult emotions if you don't acknowledge them. Cope by talking, exercising, writing, etc. Avoid or limit situations that stress or upset you. Remember, the holiday season will soon be over.
• Try not to isolate yourself completely: Plan ways to connect with others. Consider volunteering at a local organization or plan ways to connect with your support system or community. Start your own traditions that you can look forward to.
• Don't overlook your needs: Take care of your wellness needs by eating, sleeping, getting sun, etc. Don't overwhelm yourself by doing too much. Give yourself plenty of rest and quiet time.
• Get support: All students can book a free UHS counseling appointment by calling (510) 642-9494. For after-hours support, please call the 24/7 line at (855) 817-5667.

You can check out the UHS website for mental health resources.