UMass Boston

Wellness Resources

What Wellness Means at UMass Boston

At UMass Boston, wellness means more than just staying healthy.

It’s about nurturing every part of your life, including your physical health, relationships, finances, academics, career, and sense of purpose. Our holistic approach is guided by the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, designed to help you thrive both on and off campus. Use this page to explore key campus services and tools available to support your personal well-being.

Dimensions of Wellness:

Emotional Wellness

Definition: Managing stress, developing resilience, and supporting mental health.

Featured Resources:

  • University Health Services Counseling Center: Free, confidential counseling and crisis support to help you manage stress, build resilience, and maintain mental health.
  • UMB-UR-Best: Peer-led mental health support and workshops promoting well-being, academic success, and culturally sensitive care.
  • Dean of Students Office: Personalized support and care coordination for students facing distress or crisis, connecting you to campus and community resources.
  • Ombuds Services: A neutral, confidential resource to help you resolve conflicts, navigate university policies, and reduce stress through informal problem-solving and mediation. This resource is for all students, staff, and faculty.

Physical Wellness

Definition: Prioritizing your body’s needs through active living, nutrition, and
preventative care.

Featured Resources:

  • University Health Services General Medicine: Confidential primary care and preventative services including immunizations, sexual health, wellness visits, and referrals to specialists.
  • Fitness & Recreation: State-of-the-art fitness facilities, group classes, intramural sports, and personal training to support an active campus lifestyle. This resource is for all students, staff, and faculty.
  • Dining Services: Healthy balanced meals with allergen accommodations and dietitian support to help you maintain nutritious eating habits.
  • Outdoor & Waterfront Recreation: Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and scenic trails to stay active and connected with nature on campus. This resource is for all students, staff, and faculty.

Social Wellness

Definition: Creating strong, healthy relationships and community connections.

Featured Resources:

  • Student Activities: Connect with peers through student organizations, campus events, and leadership programs that build a vibrant, inclusive community.
  • Multicultural Affairs: Celebrate diversity and foster inclusion with cultural centers, events, workshops, and support for student diversity groups.
  • Student Leadership & Community Engagement: Develop leadership skills and give back through volunteering, service programs, and community-building initiatives.
  • Housing & Residential Life: Experience community living with social events, resident support, and programs designed to foster connection in the residence halls.

Financial Wellness

Definition: Developing healthy financial habits and effectively managing personal resources.

Featured Resources:

  • Financial Aid Office: Personalized support for navigating FASFA, scholarships, loans, and financial aid programs to help fund your education.
  • Student Employment: Find on-campus that offer income, professional experience, and networking opportunities to support your financial goals.
  • U-ACCESS: Access emergency food, housing help, and essential supplies to address immediate financial and basic needs.

Intellectual Wellness

Definition: Engaging your curiosity through learning, creativity, and academic
exploration.

Featured Resources:

  • Center for Academic Excellence: Tutoring, coaching, and mentoring to build study skills, time management, and academic success.
  • Healey Library: A rich resource hub offering study spaces, research support, technology access, and extensive collections.  This resource is for all students, staff, and faculty.
  • ACES (Academic & Career Engagement & Success): Academic and career advising to help explore majors, develop skills, and plan your future.
  • Ross Center for Disability Services: Ensures equitable access to learning through accommodations, assistive technology, and advocacy, helping students overcome barriers to academic success.
  • Student Support Services (TRIO): Personalized academic and career support for eligible students, including tutoring, advising, and financial guidance.

Occupational Wellness

Definition: Finding purpose and fulfillment in your career and studies.

Featured Resources:

Environmental Wellness

Definition: Living in harmony with your surroundings and practicing sustainability.

Featured Resources:

  • Campus Planning & Sustainability: Leading UMass Boston’s green initiatives with waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable campus planning to promote a healthier environment. This resource is for all students, staff, and faculty.
  • Police Department/Public Safety: Ensuring a safe campus through 24/7 patrols, emergency response, safety escorts, and crime prevention education. This resource is for all students, staff, and faculty.
  • School for the Environment: Academic programs and research focused on sustainability, climate change, and environmental stewardship.
  • HarborWalk & GRACE Trail: Enjoy a scenic walking path designed for relaxation, reflection, and connection with nature on campus. This resource is for all students, staff, and faculty.

Spiritual Wellness

Definition: Exploring meaning, purpose, and connection to something bigger than
yourself.

Featured Resources:

  • Interfaith Campus Ministry: Spiritual care and support through chaplain services, meditation spaces, and interfaith dialogue that nurtures meaning, purpose, and community. This resource is for all students, staff, and faculty.
  • UHS Koru Mindfulness: Guided mindfulness sessions to reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost wellbeing for students. This resource is for all students, staff, and faculty.

UMass Boston’s Commitment to Wellness

Wellness at UMass Boston goes beyond campus programs – it’s woven into our research, community partnerships, and commitment to health equity.

Our broader initiatives include:

  • Climate & Environmental Health Research: Addressing public health challenges in urban coastal areas through sustainable innovation.
  • Bridging Health Equity Gaps: Expanding access to care and wellness resources across diverse communities through research and advocacy.
  • Student-Centered Learning Environments: Creating programs and services that foster academic achievement and emotional wellbeing.
  • Community Engagement & Partnerships: Collaborating with organizations such as:
    • Boston Public Schools Mental Health Initiative
    • Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center
    • Stone Living Lab & Coastal Resilience

Get Involved & Stay Connected

We encourage students, faculty, and staff to explore wellness programs, connect with supportive communities, and discover new ways to enhance your wellbeing. We're here to support your journey.