Sept Self-Care Tips and More

UHS Monthly Student Newsletter

September 2026

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UHS September 2026 Calendar 🗓️

9/1: Health Opportunity Fund (HOF) starts - Learn more

9/1: Pet Hugs outside Moffitt Library near Press Cafe, 12-1 pm - Learn more

9/1: Introduction to the Practice of Mindfulness & Meditation - Learn more

9/3-4: Nutrition Drop-In Counseling, 12:30-1:30 pm - More info

9/4: Application due for the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) - Learn more

9/5: Cal vs UCLA football game - View party safe resources

9/7: UHS Closed (Administrative Holiday / Labor Day) - View After-hours care

9/9: Empowerment through Expression Workshop - Learn more

9/10: World Suicide Prevention Day - Look for the Signs

9/10-11: Nutrition Drop-In Counseling, 12:30-1:30 pm - More info

9/11: Alcohol and Other Drugs Harm Reduction Group - Learn more

9/14: Disordered Eating Process & Skills Group - Learn more

9/14: Campus Memorial at California Hall, 12 pm - Learn more

9/16: Holistic Sleep Wellness Workshop at 3:30 pm via Zoom - Learn more

9/17-18: Nutrition Drop-In Counseling, 12:30-1:30 pm - More info

9/18: Graduate Men’s Support Group - Learn more

9/21: Chronic Health Conditions Support Group - Learn more

9/21-25: National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW) - Learn more

9/21-25: Sexual Health Awareness Week (SHAW) - Learn more

9/23: National Hazing Prevention Week Tabling Event, Upper Sproul Plaza, 12-2 pm - Learn more

9/24: Understanding Self and Others - Learn more

9/24-25: Nutrition Drop-In Counseling, 12:30-1:30 pm - More info

9/27: Oski’s Birthday!

9/29: Introduction to the Practice of Mindfulness and Meditation - Learn more

9/30: Black Womxn's Sister Circle - Learn more

9/30: Healing from Trauma (EMDR group) - Learn more

Don't Forget to Review Your SHIP Benefits: SHIP 2026-27 Coverage Started on August 1! 🏥

Starting August 1, students with the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) will switch to Aetna Student Health for medical coverage, replacing Wellfleet.

Aetna's nationwide Open Choice PPO network covers most providers outside of University Health Services. Our vision plan with VSP and dental coverage with MetLife remain unchanged. Virtual medical and mental health services are now offered by CVS Virtual Care, rather than Teladoc. More details are on the SHIP benefits webpage. Contact the SHIP office if you have any questions.

NEW: Food is Medicine Referral Program! 🍽️

Food is Medicine is a fun, practical program at UC Berkeley that teaches students to cook nutritious meals and learn how food can support health and well-being. Participants get three free, hands-on cooking classes with a registered dietitian that combine evidence-based nutrition education with practical cooking skills.

Instead of simply hearing advice like "Eat healthier," you'll learn how to do it yourself by making tasty, easy meals that fit your lifestyle, helping you turn healthy eating recommendations into everyday habits.

Classes cover topics such as heart health, blood sugar, gut health, and brain fueling, while teaching simple recipes that are easy to recreate at home. Whether you're new to cooking or want to get better, Food is Medicine helps you feel confident in nourishing yourself, one meal at a time.

Ask your UHS provider for a referral, and feel free to contact sminkow@berkeley.edu with questions. We're excited to cook with you!

Apply to the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) 🙋🏽

If you are interested in student health, consider joining the UHS Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC). Members provide feedback on UHS accessibility, programs, services, and emerging student needs. Looks great on resumes! Plus, UHS provides members with meals during the meetings. Applications are due on 9/4.

Reach Out to Your Peer Health Workers! 👥💬

Here's a quick tip for new students: contact a peer health worker trained by UHS Health Promotion. They can help with first aid (bandages, etc.), safer-sex supplies (condoms, etc.), and finding your way around UHS. They're also available to listen whenever you need support. Visit the UHS website to find your health worker.

September is Sexual Health Awareness Month 💜

Sexual health and sexuality are relevant to all of us - whether you’re a sexual novice, a sexpert, or abstinent. During Sexual Health Awareness Week (Sept. 21- 25), stop by the Sexual Health Education Program (SHEP) table on Sproul Plaza and get FREE safer sex supplies.

Curious about the sexual health resources available to you on campus? UHS provides medical appointments, healthy sexuality coaching and education, STI testing, low-cost safer sex supplies & contraceptives, and more! For more information and resources, please visit our website at uhs.berkeley.edu/sexualhealth.

Free Services at UHS for All UC Berkeley Students! 🐻💛

The following UHS services are free for all UC Berkeley students regardless of insurance:

Mental Health Services: Individual and Couples Counseling, Group Counseling, Let’s Talk Consultations, Career Counseling, Anonymous Mental Health Screenings, and more!
Health Promotion Services: Health coaching sessions, Sexual Health Education Clinic, Rapid HIV Testing, Health Worker Program support, light therapy lamps, massage chairs, and more!
Nutrition Services: 15-minute nutrition consultations, cooking demos, presentations, and more!
Advice Nurse: All UC Berkeley students can speak with the 24/7 advice nurse by calling (510) 643-7197.
Plus: UHS departments host free events and workshops. Find tips and more in the monthly UHS student newsletter. Resources available via tabling. Join us for Pet Hugs. Follow us on social media for giveaways and timely updates!

Social Health & Wellness: Finding Your Community at Berkeley 👥

Social support is essential to our overall health and well-being. It's not always easy, but finding your community at UC Berkeley can help you develop a sense of belonging and lead to long-lasting friendships.

In addition to student clubs, there are numerous ways to make connections on campus. You may not know it yet, but there really is a place for you at Berkeley. Need some tips and advice? Find resources at uhs.berkeley.edu/socialhealth.

Start of the Semester Affirmations 💪🏽

I am ready and excited to learn something new.
I am thankful for the opportunity to learn new things.
Mistakes and setbacks help me learn and grow.
I belong in every room that the universe puts me in.
I will focus on my priorities and let go of things that are beyond my control.
There is no reason to compare myself to others.
The goal is not perfection; the goal is growth.
I will ask for help when I need it.
Getting my degree will not be easy, but it will be worth it.

Find wellness resources at uhs.berkeley.edu/bewell.

Feeling Homesick? 🏠

You are not alone. Many college students feel homesick from time to time. It is both normal and temporary. View tips to help you deal with the emotional ebb and flow of adjusting to college life: uhs.berkeley.edu/homesickness.

Transition Stress ➡️

Attending college is a huge transition for most students. It is normal to feel stress during transitions, and each person will experience different stress cycles. Stress management tips available at: uhs.berkeley.edu/stress.