Self Help

Hydration
Water is arguably the most important component of the body, as it is essential to every level of the metabolic process. The human body is made up of roughly 50 to 60 percent water. Water transfers nutrients into your body, helps in breakdown and utilization of those nutrients, and helps removes toxins and waste products. 

Daily Recommendations Daily Recommendations 

Increasing your Intake Increasing

Fitness
Fitness involves keeping the body moving in order to maintain health and wellness. This can involve a variety of activities and should ideally be something you can enjoy with friends. Check out the weekly activity recommendations and other fitness resources to help you maintain an active and healthy life. 

Exercise Recommendations Exercise Recommendations 
Campus Recreation Campus Recreation | USF St. Petersburg Campus 

Alcohol
Social media might have you thinking college = non-stop parties and red Solo cups, but real life at USF is a different story. Most first-year Bulls aren’t drinking at all, and over 25% have never had alcohol. You’re not alone if you choose to stay sober. In fact, you’re in great company. Do college your way, no pressure, no judgment. 

Counseling Services

USF Alcohol Policy

There’s a lot of conversation, both in the news and on campus, about cannabis use. While it may be perceived as more natural compared to other substances, it’s important to recognize that cannabis can still lead to dependence and that can negatively impact academic performance, motivation, and mental health. At USF, over half of students have never used marijuana and than a quarter believe there is significant risk in using marijuana regularly. ur home, office, school and/or in a vehicle:

The Facts
Take a Cannabis Tolerance Break

Hookah and tobacco may seem different but both are harmful. One hookah session can equal the smoke of 100 to 200 cigarettes, delivering nicotine and toxic chemicals that damage your health. All tobacco products are addictive and costly but quitting can help you breathe easier, sleep better, and save money. 

Hooka Facts
Tobacco Free at USF
Thinking about Quitting? Start Here

USF has a medical amnesty policy which means USF will support your responsible action of calling for emergency medical assistance and, despite the unlawfulness of the situation (like underage drinking or illegal drug use), will not take disciplinary actions against you or the person for whom you sought medical attention. 

Medical Amnesty Policy

Creating balance while you are at college can sometimes seem like an impossible feat. Making sure you have time management skills and knowing what you want out of your college experience can make all the difference in finding the perfect balance between school, work and socializing. 

8 Dimensions of Wellness
College can feel overwhelming, but balance is possible. The 8 Dimensions of Wellness—emotional, physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, financial, and environmental—offer a roadmap. With time management and clarity on your goals, you can build a life that’s not just busy, but balanced and fulfilling. It’s not about perfection—it’s about what matters most to you. 

Explore the Wellness Wheel

Anxiety
Feeling anxious before a test or walking alone at night? That’s normal, and sometimes even helpful. But if anxiety sticks around, causes chest pain, constant worry, trouble sleeping, or fear of going out, it could be more than stress. You’re not alone, many students feel this way, and help is available. Don’t wait to reach out. Support can make a big difference. 

Counseling Center Resources
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety and the College Student
Coping Strategies

Depression
Depression is very different from the occasional blues. It is a serious medical illness that involves the brain. Depression has physical and emotional symptoms that cannot be wished away. There are different types of depressive disorders, each with its own symptoms and treatment options. The good news is that depression can be treated and people can recover. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, please know that you are not alone. 

Counseling Center Resources
Resources for Students
How to Help a Friend
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay

Stress
College is stressful—no surprise there. Classes, jobs, money, and relationships can pile up fast. Some stress is normal, but when it builds up, it can hurt your health, mood, and focus. Too much stress can lead to headaches, anxiety, stomach issue, even worsen asthma. Ignoring it won’t help, but learning to manage stress can make a big difference. Support and tools are out there, use them. 

Counseling Center Resources
Exercise and Stress Management 
Stress Management 

Campus Safety
College students can stay safe on campus by practicing common safety tips. You should always be alert and know your surroundings. You should try to stay in areas with a lot of people and let at least one person know where you are going. For more tips and information on staying safe, visit the links to the right. 

University Police
Tips on Crime Prevention
Victim Adovcacy & Violence Prevention Services

Sun Safety
USF students should practice sun safety at all times in the Sunshine State. Avoiding harmful UV rays is almost impossible, but you can take steps to protect your skin. Tanning and sun bathing are dangerous behaviors which can lead to cancer and premature aging. Please protect yourself and follow the sun safety tips found to the right. 

Medical Services
Dangers of Tanning

Health Promotion Services provides comprehensive and medically accurate sexual and reproductive health education to the campus community. Stop by our stations for free sexual health resources outside of the Wellness Center at SLC2200. 

Safer Sex
If you choose to be sexually active, being informed is important. Understanding protection, consent, and personal risk helps you make the best decisions for your well-being. Visit our stations for free condoms, dental dams, gloves, lubricants, menstrual products, and educational materials. Located at SLC 2200 

RA Request for Sexual Health Items
Medical Services
Sexual Health Q&A
Sexual Health 101

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) which are also commonly referred to as STDs, are common in college students. One in two sexually active people will get an STI by the age of 25, and most won’t know it. Many STIs are asymptomatic, meaning they don’t show any symptoms. Getting tested is important to maintaining your general wellness in college. Check out the resources USF and the community have to offer. 

Medical Services 
Common STI's
STI Fact Sheet

Healthy Relationships
Relationships in college are vital to maintaining personal wellness. During college, you will experience relationships with your roommates, professors, classmates, parents, yourself and of course with romantic partners. Keep your relationships healthy and long-lasting by devoting time and effort to them. Check out the links below for more information on maintaining healthy relationships. 

Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention Services
Counseling Services
Healthy Relationship Resources

Sleep Hygiene
Sleep isn’t a luxury in college—it’s a game-changer. Between late-night studying, socializing, and scrolling, students often run on empty. But quality sleep is more than rest—it boosts focus, energy, and academic success. Developing good sleep habits can make a big difference. A better night’s sleep means a better you—mentally, physically, and in school. 

Sleep Tips
Creating the Perfect Sleep Environement 
Napping 101

Science of Sleep
Sleep isn’t just rest—it’s brain fuel. College students often sacrifice sleep for studying or socializing, but sleep helps your brain process info and reset. Without enough, focus, mood, and learning suffer. Poor sleep links to lower grades and higher stress. Healthy sleep habits—like a consistent schedule, winding down, and less screen time—boost your health, grades, and college experience. 

Stages of Sleep Video
Myths and Facts about Sleep
What Happens when you Sleep?

College life feels like a race against time. Between classes, jobs, and assignments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Solid time management isn’t just about to-do lists—it’s about creating balance. Planning helps you stay on top of tasks while protecting time for meals, sleep, and socializing. Managing your time well boosts productivity, focus, and reduces stress. Make time for work—and for you. 

Counseling Services
Time Management Worksheets
Any.do Time Management App
Pomodoro Method

Stress Managment
Stress is a regular part of life that will never go away. The key is to learn how manage your stress so that it remains a positive force in your life, instead of a negative one. A wellness approach to stress management can help you prevent stress from becoming overwhelming & debilitating. 

Stress Management Skills 
Campus Recreation
Counseling Services
Mental Wellness Apps
Stress and Sleep

Goal Setting
Chances are, you have set goals at some point in your life. But have you always achieved your goals? Next time, consider making SMART goals. Check out the links to the right to help you set and accomplish the goals you have. 

SMART Goals
Student Success Center