University life can be exciting but also overwhelming at times. Whether you’re dealing with academic pressure, loneliness, identity-related stress, or just having a rough week, you’re not alone and you don’t have to go through it alone.

Here’s a guide to the many mental health and wellness supports available to University of Waterloo students, both through WUSA and campus-wide services.

WUSA Resources

Community Care

WUSA is here to support your mental well-being through a network of student-driven services and partnerships. Our Community Care Resources page is a great place to start if you’re unsure where to turn. It includes a full list of emergency contacts, on-campus options, and peer support services.

Empower Me: 24/7 Mental Health Support

All Waterloo undergraduate students have access to Empower Me through WUSA. It’s a free and confidential mental health and wellness service available 24/7.

• Connect with professionals (psychologists, life coaches, social workers, and more)
• Get support for stress, relationships, identity, grief, and more
• Available via phone or app in multiple languages

Call 1-833-628-5589 (Canada & US) or visit the Empower Me site to get started.

Peer Support Networks

Sometimes, what you need most is someone who gets it. These peer-run groups create spaces where students can talk openly, find solidarity, and feel heard.

Mates

Mates is a dedicated service that prioritizes student well-being and supports students through challenges they’re facing.

• Confidential one-on-one support with trained student volunteers.
• Great for managing stress, anxiety, loneliness, or academic pressure.
• Booked sessions and drop-ins are available online and in-person.
• Peer-to-peer conversations focused on listening, not fixing.
• Especially helpful for students experiencing low mood, loneliness, or anxiety.

📍 Location & Contact: Visit their office in SLC RM 3102, stay connected through Instagram @UWMates, shoot them an email at mates@wusa.ca or visit their website.

RAISE (Racial Advocacy for Inclusion, Solidarity, and Equity)

• Mental health resources through a racialized lens
• A safe space by and for racialized students
• Programming that centers mental health and identity-based stress
• Workshops and dialogues on navigating racism, cultural expectations, and trauma
• Peer support through a decolonial, intersectional lens
• Safe spaces and programming for BIPOC students

📍 Location & Contact: Visit their office in SLC 3207, stay connected through Instagram @UWRaise, shoot them an email at raise@wusa.ca, or visit their website.

Glow Centre

• Canada’s oldest 2SLGBTQ+ student organization
• Offers peer support drop-ins, safer spaces, and referral support
• Mental wellness support for queer, trans, and questioning students
• Events that build identity-affirming community and reduce isolation
• Community-based mental health support, referrals, and peer spaces

📍 Location & Contact: Visit their office in SLC 3103, stay connected through Instagram @UWGlow, shoot them an email at glow@wusa.ca, or visit their website.

Women’s Centre

• Peer support with a focus on gender equity and feminism
• Drop-ins and confidential conversations
• Topics include mental health, gender-based violence, body image, reproductive health, and more
• Drop by the lounge space to chat, decompress, or attend a wellness event

📍 Location & Contact: Visit their office in SLC 3104, stay connected through Instagram @uwwomenscentre, shoot them an email at womenscentre@wusa.ca, or visit their website.

ICSN (International & Canadian Student Network)

• Peer support for international students adjusting to life in Canada
• Hosts meetups, socials, and workshops focused on culture shock, loneliness, and transition stress
• Encourages friendships and mental wellness through community connection

📍 Location & Contact: Visit their office in SLC 3203, stay connected through Instagram @uwicsn, shoot them an email at icsn@wusa.ca, or visit their website.

University Resources

Campus Wellness & Counselling Services

• Professional counselling available to all students
• Book short-term therapy or get help connecting with external resources
• Counsellors available for culturally specific or identity-affirming care

After-Hours Support

Mental health doesn’t work on a 9-to-5 schedule. If you need support in the evening, on weekends, or over breaks, this page connects you to local and national crisis services available when campus is closed.

Remember: Reaching Out is a Strength

You’re not expected to handle everything on your own. Whether you’re looking for a one-time chat, regular support, or crisis help, there’s a service that can meet you where you’re at. Start where you feel safe and know that help is always available.

Maliha Karim 

Communications Coordinator Co-op