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Information about student health resources (including immunization requirements) is available at the NYU Student Health Center.
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Wellness Exchange & Counseling and Wellness Services
Supporting Our Individual and Collective Wellbeing: NYU Resources
9/9/2024
Dear NYU Community,
As we head into a new academic year, we wanted to echo President Mills’s warm welcome and acknowledge that we are living in a time that has been anything but easy for many of us—both here on campus and out in the world. The NYU community continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, dedication, and support for each other, even when life’s challenges can test our collective strength.
Wellbeing is just that—a collective responsibility. We must take care of ourselves and each other so that each of us feels supported and valued. To that end, we would like to offer some concrete steps to maintain your wellbeing as we study, work, and engage with one another this year. We also encourage you to explore the resources linked below to guide you in supporting yourself and others through difficult times.
1. Prioritize Your Mental Health
Your mental health matters. When you are healthy and well, you can focus on your academic and professional goals. Students can find 24/7 mental health support through the Wellness Exchange and can learn stress management tips and find opportunities for mindfulness and reflection. Faculty and staff can find support through the Work Life office and the Employee Assistance Program.
2. Stay Connected and Build Bridges
Belonging has two elements, both bonding and bridging. Both are key to your wellbeing. NYU offers many opportunities to connect with others, both with similar interests and to inspire new ones, including over 300 clubs and organizations. Faculty, staff, and students can be part of NYU In Dialogue events and programming designed to bring community members together to listen and engage across differences.
3. Balance Work and Rest
It’s easy to fall into a pattern of overworking, so it’s important to know your limits and set boundaries. Take breaks, get enough sleep, and do things that bring you joy and relaxation. Students can use a Museum Access Pass for free access to local museums. Community members can use NYU ScholasTix for discounts on entertainment.
4. Get Active
Movement is key to your physical and mental health. Whether it’s a walk around campus, a yoga session, a fitness class at the gym for students, or getting a workout at one of the NYU Athletics Fitness centers for students, faculty, and staff, find time to move your body.
5. Be Kind to Yourself and Others
Practice kindness and patience with yourself and those around you. Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on someone’s day. Learn more about emotional regulation and healthy relationships. And you can find out more about meditation, mindfulness, and other initiatives on campus that promote compassion and wellbeing through MindfulNYU.
6. Ask for Help
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you are struggling academically, connect with academic support or the Student Success office. Faculty, staff, and administrators can find support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and professional development opportunities through Human Resources. Faculty seeking to help a student in academic or emotional distress can find guidance through the Student Success office or the Wellness Exchange.
7. Listen to Your Body
Take steps to protect your physical health: eat well, get your flu and COVID-19 shots, and seek medical care when you are not well. If you are feeling physical pain, don’t ignore it.
8. Give Back
Participating in volunteer or community events increases your sense of purpose, and enhances your wellbeing and that of others. NYU offers many volunteer opportunities for students and administrators.
As we embark on this new academic year, let’s create a community that is stronger together. NYU has always been a place of learning, growth, and innovation, a global university that builds bridges. This year, let’s make it a place of healing, support, and community.
We wish you all a healthy, successful, and fulfilling year ahead.
Warm regards,
Zoe Ragouzeos, Ph.D., LCSW
Vice President, Student Mental Health and Wellbeing
Michelle Piekutowski
Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer