USC at USC: Understanding Self Care at USC
College life can be stressful, but USC is here to help! The university prides itself on fostering a supportive community centered on wellbeing for all students. That’s why we provide a number of wellness programs and resources, some of which are highlighted below.
How can you bring mindfulness into your daily life? What are ways to be open and aware, while practicing kindness and compassion toward yourself? With Mindful USC, students can learn about the practice by registering for classes and retreats at different levels of experience. Or they can drop in to a meditation group to practice guided mindfulness. Mindful USC even consults schools, clubs and organizations to create custom workshops.
Occupational Therapy Lifestyle Redesign Program
College is a wonderful time for personal growth and gaining independence. In order to help students create healthy habits, the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy offers the Lifestyle Redesign program. Centered around sleeping, eating, exercising and socializing, occupational therapists collaborate with students to develop practical routines that help them meet their goals in class, at work and throughout their lives.
Office of Religious and Spiritual Life
The USC Office of Religious and Spiritual Life supports and promotes programs across campus that deal with morality, spirituality and religion. They help students connect with groups and organizations and with confidential counselors who can provide guidance. There are several locations for worship and reflection throughout campus, including the University Religious Center, which offers students a place for prayer and meditation.
Student Health – Counseling and Mental Health Services
USC students have access to some of the most robust mental health services on a college campus for new and continued care needs. Student Counseling, made up of over 70 licensed clinical professionals, offers individual therapy services available in the student’s mode of choice—text, phone call, video meeting or in person. “Let’s Talk’ drop-in sessions provide a quick 30-minute meeting to talk through a quick issue without an intake process. Workshops on sleep management, stress and other common challenges facing college students are hosted throughout the week. All USC students also have access to a 24/7 hotline for crisis support, including confidential advocate services. And this is all covered by a student’s Health Center Fee.
Embedded Mental Health Counselors
USC even has therapists available within specific academic departments and cultural centers. These “embedded” counselors can offer confidential support that is tailored to specific communities and student populations. They can also provide broader wellness workshops, lead mental health discussions and offer custom resources to USC departments, schools and organizations.
Students can practice their om by signing up for free yoga classes! They can learn more about the benefits of yoga and ongoing activities held throughout campus with Yoga USC.
Final Thoughts
At USC, we offer proactive ways for students to care for their overall wellness and easily accessible resources to provide extra support in times of need. The college experience features so many opportunities for personal development and change. We want all of our students to have what they need to make the most of their journeys and always feel that USC has them covered!
Written by: Anne Aubert-Santelli, Associate Director - USC Office of Admission