Introduction
Health and wellness are essential to living a balanced, productive life, especially for students and professionals in demanding academic environments. At Drexel University, wellness is seen as more than just the absence of illness — it is a complete state of physical, emotional, social, and mental well-being. Drexel recognizes that a healthy student or staff member is better equipped to succeed academically and personally.
Finding the right wellness resources can be challenging for new students or faculty members. There are many programs, services, and centers spread across the university, and knowing where to start is crucial. This article serves as your complete guide to locating Drexel’s health and wellness resources — both online and on campus — so you can make informed choices about your well-being.
1. Drexel Health & Well-Being Website – Your First Stop
The Health & Well-Being hub on Drexel’s official website should be your starting point. This digital hub is a one-stop-shop for nearly every wellness-related service at the university.
Here, you can find:
- Contact information for student health and counseling services
- Wellness programs and events happening on campus
- Online resources for stress management, nutrition, and fitness
- Health education articles and videos created by Drexel experts
This hub is updated regularly, so students, staff, and faculty can stay informed about new programs, seasonal wellness campaigns, or urgent updates like flu shot clinics or COVID-19 information.
2. Counseling and Health Services (OCHS)
Mental health plays a key role in overall wellness. Drexel’s Office of Counseling and Health Services (OCHS) is one of the most important resources for students.
Services Provided
- Individual counseling for anxiety, stress, depression, and adjustment issues
- Group therapy sessions where students share and learn coping strategies
- Urgent care for mental health crises
- Peer Counseling Helpline available during evenings for those who prefer talking to trained peers
- Online self-assessments to help students understand their mental health needs
All services are confidential, and most are included as part of the student health plan. Students are encouraged to schedule appointments early in the semester to build a relationship with counselors before stress levels rise.
3. Student Health Center – Medical Support on Campus
Located conveniently on campus, the Student Health Center is where you go for general medical needs.
What They Offer:
- Sick care visits for common illnesses like flu or infections
- Physical exams for sports participation or internships
- Immunizations and travel medicine advice for students going abroad
- Sexual health services including STI testing and contraception
- Prescription refills and chronic condition management
Students with Drexel’s health insurance can often access these services at little or no extra cost. The center also educates students on preventive care — meaning you can get advice on staying healthy, not just treating illness.
4. Community Wellness HUB – Beyond Campus Care
Drexel’s Community Wellness HUB is an outreach program that extends wellness efforts to the surrounding Philadelphia community.
Why It’s Unique:
- Offers free or low-cost health screenings for community members
- Provides exercise classes and fitness challenges
- Runs nutrition education workshops to promote healthy eating
- Supports mental health awareness campaigns and mindfulness sessions
Students are encouraged to participate in HUB activities, which not only benefit their health but also connect them with local residents. This is especially useful for students in health-related programs who want real-world exposure to community health work.
5. “A Healthier U” – Wellness for Faculty and Staff
Drexel believes that wellness should include everyone — not just students. Its “A Healthier U” program is designed for employees and focuses on holistic health.
Program Highlights:
- Workshops on stress management, nutrition, and fitness
- Health challenges where employees earn points for exercising, eating healthy, or quitting smoking
- Financial wellness seminars to reduce money-related stress
- Online portals where staff can track their progress
Healthy employees mean a stronger, more productive workforce, so Drexel rewards staff for prioritizing their well-being.
6. College of Medicine Wellness Program
Medical students face unique challenges — long study hours, high-pressure exams, and emotionally demanding clinical rotations. Drexel’s College of Medicine Wellness Program is specifically designed for this group.
Program Benefits:
- Mindfulness and meditation sessions to reduce stress
- Resilience workshops that teach students how to handle academic pressure
- Peer support groups where students can discuss mental health struggles
- Community events to encourage networking and reduce isolation
This program aims to prevent burnout and prepare future doctors to practice healthy habits themselves — which will ultimately benefit their patients.
7. Nutrition and Dining Services – Eating Well on Campus
Nutrition plays a huge role in physical and mental well-being. Drexel’s dining services are designed to support healthy choices.
Features That Support Wellness:
- Balanced meal plans with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Vegetarian, vegan, and allergen-friendly options at most dining halls
- Nutrition facts displayed for every meal to encourage mindful eating
- Access to dining staff or dietitians for personalized advice
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. Drexel encourages students to learn about portion control, hydration, and how to create balanced meals that fuel their busy academic lives.
8. Office of Disability Resources – Accessibility and Inclusion
True wellness includes accessibility. Drexel’s Office of Disability Resources ensures that students with disabilities can fully participate in academic and campus life.
Services Provided:
- Note-taking support for students with learning challenges
- Adaptive technology and software for better accessibility
- Alternative testing arrangements for those who need extra time
- Mobility assistance and housing accommodations
This office promotes a culture of inclusion, making sure that every student can focus on their education without unnecessary barriers.
9. 11th Street Family Health Services – A Comprehensive Health Center
The Stephen & Sandra Sheller 11th Street Family Health Services is one of Drexel’s most comprehensive health facilities.
Available Services:
- Primary care and preventive screenings
- Behavioral health therapy and counseling
- Dental services
- Fitness programs and wellness classes
- Cooking demonstrations and nutrition education
This center is open not only to students but also to community members, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking for long-term health support.
10. HOPE Community Partnerships – Addressing Social Wellness
Health is not just physical — it also depends on social stability. Drexel’s HOPE initiative focuses on improving overall quality of life.
How HOPE Helps:
- Connects students and residents with housing support services
- Provides access to healthy food programs and resources
- Helps individuals find employment opportunities
- Coordinates medical care for those without insurance
This holistic approach helps create a safer, healthier community for everyone connected to Drexel.
11. Online Wellness Resources and Self-Help Tools
For students who prefer self-paced learning, Drexel offers online wellness tools:
- Guided meditation videos
- Time management courses to reduce stress
- Sleep hygiene resources
- Online screening tools for mental health
These digital resources are available 24/7, allowing students to work on their health even outside of business hours.
12. Student Wellness Events and Workshops
Throughout the year, Drexel hosts wellness events such as:
- Flu shot clinics
- Mental health awareness weeks
- Nutrition fairs
- Yoga and fitness pop-ups
Participating in these events is a great way to learn new habits, meet supportive peers, and stay motivated to care for your health.
13. Peer Support Networks – Wellness Through Connection
Peer-to-peer programs are a powerful way to build a sense of belonging and get mental health support. Drexel offers several peer mentoring networks where students can talk openly with trained peers. These mentors understand campus challenges firsthand and can provide both emotional support and practical advice about navigating university life.
14. Fitness and Recreation Centers – Physical Wellness Made Fun
Drexel’s recreation facilities include gyms, group exercise classes, swimming pools, and sports courts. Students can participate in intramural sports leagues, join fitness challenges, or attend yoga, Zumba, and spin classes. Staying active helps reduce stress and improves focus, making it easier to balance academics with personal life.
15. Stress-Relief Initiatives During Exam Weeks
Drexel takes special measures to help students during midterms and finals. The library often hosts “stress-less” events where students can interact with therapy dogs, attend meditation sessions, and enjoy free snacks or relaxation spaces. These initiatives help students recharge mentally and physically during high-pressure times.
16. Career and Professional Wellness Support
Career stress is a major concern for students nearing graduation. Drexel’s Steinbright Career Development Center supports professional well-being by offering resume reviews, mock interviews, co-op placement guidance, and workshops on managing workplace stress. This ensures students enter the job market with confidence.
17. Sleep and Rest Education
Poor sleep habits can harm academic performance and health. Drexel’s wellness programs emphasize the importance of healthy sleep schedules, offer workshops on managing screen time, and teach students how to create a calming bedtime routine. Adequate rest leads to better memory retention and reduced anxiety.
18. Financial Wellness Programs
Money-related stress is one of the biggest obstacles to student mental health. Drexel organizes sessions on budgeting, saving, and managing student loans. These programs empower students to take control of their financial future and prevent financial stress from affecting academic success.
19. Healthy Relationships and Social Well-Being
Emotional and social wellness is part of Drexel’s holistic health approach. The university hosts workshops on building healthy relationships, communication skills, and conflict resolution. These sessions are valuable for students learning to navigate friendships, family ties, and romantic relationships while maintaining personal boundaries.
20. Substance Abuse Education and Support
Drexel provides confidential resources for students struggling with substance use or addiction. The wellness team offers educational workshops on alcohol awareness, safe party practices, and drug prevention. There are also counseling services and support groups available for students seeking recovery.
21. Nutrition Counseling Services
Beyond dining halls, Drexel offers access to registered dietitians who can work with students one-on-one. This service is ideal for those with specific dietary needs, food allergies, or medical conditions such as diabetes. Personalized meal planning helps students fuel their bodies for optimal health and academic performance.
22. Mindfulness and Meditation Classes
Mindfulness is a growing focus at Drexel. The campus offers guided meditation sessions, stress reduction workshops, and even mobile apps recommended by the counseling office to help students practice mindfulness at home. These tools improve focus, emotional control, and overall happiness.
23. LGBTQ+ Health and Inclusion Resources
Drexel has specialized resources for LGBTQ+ students, including support groups, inclusive health services, and events celebrating diversity. The goal is to create a safe space where students can explore their identity and receive medical care without discrimination.
24. Accessibility of Virtual Resources
Many of Drexel’s health and wellness programs have moved online or offer hybrid options. Students can schedule telehealth appointments, attend virtual workshops, and access recorded lectures on wellness topics. This flexibility ensures that even remote learners benefit from the university’s resources.
25. Faculty Involvement in Wellness
Professors at Drexel are encouraged to support student wellness by understanding mental health challenges and promoting a healthy work-life balance. Some faculty members integrate wellness check-ins into their classes or share campus resources with students who seem stressed.
26. Student Stories and Testimonials
Hearing from peers who have successfully used Drexel’s health resources can motivate others to seek help. Many wellness programs share success stories about students who improved their mental health, developed healthy habits, or overcame stress by using campus services.
27. Importance of Early Intervention
Drexel emphasizes seeking help early before issues become overwhelming. Whether it’s a small health concern, academic stress, or emotional challenge, early action leads to faster recovery. This proactive approach is key to staying healthy throughout the semester.
Conclusion
Wellness is a journey, and Drexel University provides all the tools necessary to make that journey a success. From counseling and medical care to nutrition advice, fitness programs, and community partnerships, Drexel’s health and wellness resources cover every aspect of student and staff well-being.
By taking advantage of these services, you can maintain a healthier, more balanced lifestyle — which ultimately leads to better academic performance, stronger relationships, and a better future.
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