UHS Monthly Student Newsletter

November 2025

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UHS November 2025 Calendar 🗓️

11/1: National Gratitude Month - Learn more

11/1: UC Flu & COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements due - Learn more

11/2: Daylight Saving Time Ends (Fall Back)

11/3: Drop-in Flu Vaccine Clinic (Ongoing) - Learn more

11/3: Drop-in COVID Vaccine Clinic (Ongoing) - Learn more

11/4: California Statewide Special Election - Learn more

11/4: Drop-in Flu Shot Clinic at Haas Pavilion, 12-4 pm - Learn more

11/5: Holistic Sleep Wellness Workshop at 3:30 pm via Zoom - Learn more

11/6: Stress Awareness Day - Learn more

11/6: Virtual Drop-in Nutrition Counseling, 12:30-1:30 pm - Learn more

11/7: Virtual Drop-in Nutrition Counseling, 12:30-1:30 pm - Learn more

11/7: UHS Mural Contest Deadline - Submission Form

11/11: UHS Closed: Academic & Admin Holiday (Veterans Day) - View After-Hours Care

11/13-19: Transgender Awareness Week - View resources

11/13: Virtual Drop-in Nutrition Counseling, 12:30-1:30 pm - Learn more

11/14: Virtual Drop-in Nutrition Counseling, 12:30-1:30 pm - Learn more

11/17: "Conflict During the Holidays" Workshop, 3:30-5 pm via Zoom - Register

11/18: Drop-in Flu Shot Clinic at Haas Pavilion, 12-4 pm - Learn more

11/19: Holistic Sleep Wellness Workshop at 3:30 pm via Zoom - Learn more

11/20: Virtual Drop-in Nutrition Counseling, 12:30-1:30 pm - Learn more

11/20: "Self-Care for the Holidays" Workshop, 3:30-5 pm via Zoom - Register

11/21: Virtual Drop-in Nutrition Counseling, 12:30-1:30 pm - Learn more

11/21: Free Rapid HIV Testing from 12-3 pm - Learn more

11/26: Non-Instructional Day at UC Berkeley - Learn more

11/27-30: UHS Closed: Academic and Administrative Holiday - View After-Hours Care

Flu & COVID Vaccines at UHS 💉

Flu Vaccines: Drop-in flu shots are available M-F, 9 AM to 12 PM and 1 to 4 PM, in the Travel/Immunization Dept., and during Primary or Urgent Care visits. Flu shots are free for SHIP students and $57 for non-SHIP students. Bring your Cal 1 Card. Clinics are first-come, first-served. More info: uhs.berkeley.edu/flushots

COVID-19 Vaccines: Drop-in COVID shots are available at the Travel/Immunization Dept. and during primary care visits. COVID-19 vaccines are covered for students with SHIP, and cost $308 for Pfizer and $236 for Moderna for non-SHIP students. More info: uhs.berkeley.edu/covidshots

UC Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Policy: Per the UC Vaccine Policy, students, faculty, & staff should either get the latest Flu and COVID-19 vaccines and update records in MyUCBerkeleyHealth by November 1, 2025, or submit a declination. More info: uhs.berkeley.edu/ucvaccinepolicy

Light Therapy Lamps at UHS 💡

Roasted Veggies with Balsamic 🍠

Roasted veggies are a perfect side dish for meal prep and weeknight meals. Chop your veggies of choice and roast them, then toss them with a balsamic dressing.

White Bean, Tomato & Feta Salad 🥗

A simple yet satisfying salad perfect for lunch or dinner. Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber, which help you feel full. Try it on top of your favorite toasted bread!

Over-the-Counter Products Are Available at the UHS Pharmacy! 💊

It’s that time of year again—the dreaded cold and flu season. UC Berkeley students can purchase a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) products at discounted prices from the UHS Pharmacy, with no prescription required. Remember, all UC Berkeley students are welcome to use the UHS Pharmacy, regardless of insurance coverage. As a reminder, students who have access to HOF funds may use them for OTC products.

For the full list of products, visit uhs.berkeley.edu/overthecounter.

Reminders about Celebratory Food from Our Nutritionists 🍽️

You might find yourself getting many messages about eating habits at social gatherings during this time of year. Keep in mind, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to eating! Here are some friendly reminders from our nutritionists:

• Holiday meals are a few of the many meals you will have throughout the year. Not every meal you have can and will be nutritionally “perfect.”
• Engaging in cultural celebrations and foods can nourish us not only physically but also mentally and spiritually.
• No matter how you eat today, your body deserves and needs fuel tomorrow and the next day. 

Be kind to yourself as you try to navigate this holiday season. Learn more about nutrition resources at UHS.

Setting Boundaries With Family During the Holidays 💬

Setting boundaries with family can be tough! However, healthy boundaries help keep relationships safe, respectful, and supportive.

So, how do you create healthy boundaries? To establish and maintain them, you should: 1) Define your boundaries, 2) Clearly communicate your limits with family (including via text if that's easier than in person), and 3) Speak up for yourself when needed.

Some examples of boundary-setting phrases include:

• “I appreciate your concern/interest, but I am not interested in talking about that right now.”
• "I feel overwhelmed when we discuss my grades, so I'd appreciate it if we could focus on other topics during dinner".
• "School is going well, but I'd rather focus on enjoying the day. How is the pie?"
• “Thanks for inviting me. I can only stay for [30 minutes/1hour, etc].”
• “I’m not able to commit right now, but I will think about it and get back to you.”

Setting and expressing boundaries can be challenging. If you need help with setting boundaries, you can schedule a free appointment with a UHS Health Coach to discuss better ways to communicate your needs or attend the upcoming "Conflict During the Holidays" Workshop.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness ❄️

Many people experience short periods of feeling sad or not like themselves. Sometimes, these mood changes are tied to the seasons. Many feel "down" or have the "winter blues" when days get shorter during fall and winter, and feel better in spring when longer daylight hours return.

Light therapy and vitamin D treat winter-pattern SAD, while psychotherapy and antidepressants help with depression overall, including both winter- and summer-pattern SAD. If you believe you are affected by SAD, contact your Primary Care Provider to discuss the benefits and risks of different treatments and find the best option for you.

Learn more about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Try it Out: Gratitude Practices 🤗

Research shows that gratitude practices boost mental well-being and can lead to lasting changes in perspective. Practices include keeping a gratitude journal, saying gratitude affirmations, and more. Try one of the examples listed on our Be Well webpage.

Write it Out: Journal Prompts 📝

Feeling overwhelmed? Use this prompt to understand your stress: What are your main sources of stress? Write them down to clear your mind. Approach with curiosity and without judgment to boost self-awareness. Can you take steps to manage your stress?