The University of Iowa has a host of units and departments to explore on campus. Student Wellness offers appointments, programs, and services to support student well-being at no extra cost. Dive in to learn more.
Appointments
One way that Student Wellness offers support to students is through one-on-one consultations. The transition to college can be challenging for some students, and these appointments can be a great way to get some help. Appointments can be made for substance use support, tobacco and e-cigarette support, nutrition, fitness, sleep, stress management, and wellness coaching. Appointments are never an attempt to shame a student for habits, and harm reduction and evidence-based practices are employed to make students feel as comfortable as possible.
Appointments for alcohol and drug support are confidential, and general consultations and self-referrals are free of charge. These appointments can provide individualized information and advice on substance use. Student Wellness does not offer treatment for substance use, but an appointment can be a first step for a community referral if necessary.
Similar to alcohol and drug support appointments, Student Wellness provides support to those trying to quit or get information on tobacco and e-cigarettes. At an appointment, students can discover information and strategies on how to quit, and can obtain a free, supply of nicotine replacement therapy, including the patch, lozenge, or gum.
According to the 2025 National College Health Assessment data, 24.6% of University of Iowa students cite sleep difficulties as an academic impediment. Luckily, Student Wellness has Refresh, a sleep program offered through app or email form. For support with engaging in the app, meet with a Refresh consultant to assist with motivation through the program, and offer additional strategies and referrals if needed.
If you are looking for a judgement- free zone to explore fitness or dietary questions, Student Wellness offers fitness and nutrition support for students. Similarly to other appointments, these are opportunities to meet 1-on-1 with our professional staff to define goals and set strategies to achieve them. Student Wellness believes in health at every body size and shape, and appointments follow that by staying away from diet culture and shaming.
The transition to college can be overwhelming. Between adjusting to a new schedule or even a new home, Student Wellness has appointments for stress management or wellness coaching. Stress management appointments can help students understand strategies to cope with common stressors, like relationships, relaxation, and time management. Wellness coaching is an opportunity for students to work with a staff member to achieve wellness goals, while understanding wellness in several aspects of life.
Programs and Workshops
Want to experience Student Wellness in a low-stakes, group environment? Student Wellness workshops provide an amazing opportunity to get hands on experience with wellness practices, at no extra cost to students. Workshops are typically held for either two or four weeks, with sessions once a week. Sessions are usually about 75 minutes each.
Wanting to learn how to incorporate meditation, mindfulness, and stress management into your busy college schedule? Mindfulness Basics uses evidence-based practices that are easily adapted into the life of a student. The workshop meets in person, but daily mindfulness homework provides added structure. Intro to Mindfulness is taught in two parts. Unable to commit to a two week workshop? The Intro to Mindfulness Silent Retreat may be right for you! The three-hour retreat gives participants a sampler of several mindfulness techniques, like yoga, meditation, intuitive eating, and affirmations.
One of the newest workshops to the game is Habit Hacks! The Habit Hacks workshop is based on the book Atomic Habits by James Clear, and all participants receive a copy at no extra cost to complete the workshop. Habit Hacks helps students identify and implement habit strategies that work for them. This workshop is perfect for students wanting to add a new habit or get rid of an old one.
Lots can change in college, including eating habits. The Intuitive Eating seminar series, Nourished at Iowa, is a non-diet approach to understanding the connections between food and wellness. If you struggle with guilt around food, diet culture, and caring for your body, attending a seminar is an amazing first step.
Looking to get outside? Try Earthmind! Earthmind is perfect for students who would like to unplug from the stresses of school, work, and life. Each session has a different focus, ranging from brewing herbal tea to reflecting by the river.
Light Therapy
Winter in Iowa can be tough, amongst snow, chilly weather, and windy gusts, mental health can begin to suffer as the days get shorter and shorter, and the sun shows up less and less. For some, this can manifest in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). With or without a diagnosis of SAD, students can check out light therapy boxes at the Wellness Suite in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. Students may check out light boxes for one month-long periods for no cost. The box gives off bright light to mimic natural outdoor light, and it requires no prescription to get.
Collegiate Recovery Program
A collaboration between Student Wellness, University Counseling Services, and the Office of the Vice President for Student Life, the Collegiate Recovery Program offers recovery-based social spaces and events. Success, Not Excess is the support group under the Collegiate Recovery Program, meeting each Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the IMU. This is a supportive space for students seeking changes in their alcohol or other substance usage.
Safer Sex Supplies
Student Wellness offers multiple flexible ways to acquire safer sex supplies, including external (including XL, snug fit, and latex free condoms), internal (female) condoms lubricant and dental dams. Safer sex supplies can be picked up from the Student Wellness Vending Machine, which is located near the Hawkeye Room on the ground floor of the Iowa Memorial Union.
Want to keep up with all things Student Wellness? Follow Student Wellness on Instagram @uistudentwellness, on Facebook at University of Iowa Student Wellness, and check out the website here.