The start of the spring semester was about six weeks ago. By this point in the semester, students neglecting the little things is quite common — little things that set the foundation of student lives, like self-care. But how can students prioritize that if they feel burned out?
Jeanine Bensken, a health educator leading the Stress Management Program at the McKinley Health Center, emphasized the challenges of routine changes.
“Students experience issues adjusting to new schedules and time management that could involve sleep, food, physical activity, socializing, academics and other areas of wellness,” Bensken said.
To help students navigate challenges, McKinley offers services for support. Bensken highlighted that McKinley provides “lab, radiology and pharmacy onsite,” along with a Mental Health department and the 24-hour Dial-a-Nurse phone line.
She also pointed to Health Education services that see students for one-on-one appointments and peer-led outreach efforts that can connect students with stress-management resources across campus.
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Bensken also encouraged students to proactively monitor their well-being during busy academic periods.
“I strongly encourage students to know their baseline and keep in touch with friends to seek help and resources early,” Bensken said.
She emphasized the importance of connection. Tools like the daily self-care assessment given during Stress Management Peers sessions provide students with simple check-ins and practical ideas.
Alongside the effort of McKinley programs, RSOs play a role in promoting wellness. Ethan LaFlamme, president of UIUC IMPACT and sophomore in AHS, described the RSO’s mission as introducing students to self-care in an accessible way.
“IMPACT approaches self-care through an introductory setting,” LaFlamme said. “We help to inform the student body on what resources are available to them, as well as providing workshops to help them adjust to their new routines and responsibilities.”
LaFlamme also emphasized the importance of identifying healthy outlets early in the semester.
“One practice that we highly recommend is to identify a channel that individuals can alleviate stress,” LaFlamme said. “Whether it be going to the gym, joining a club … just finding something that makes them happy and can brighten up their day when they need it most.”
According to LaFlamme, the beginning of the semester can set the tone for the months ahead.
“It is extremely important for students to prioritize self-care during the first few weeks because it sets the foundation for the entire semester,” LaFlamme said. “If you start off on a poor routine, the likelihood of people having the time when coursework picks up to build that routine is not likely.”
From a student’s perspective, Katie Waugh, freshman in the Division of Exploratory Studies, emphasizes that building healthy habits early helps her stay grounded throughout the semester.
For Waugh, sleep is the foundation of her self-care routine. Rather than sacrificing rest to stay up late studying, she views consistent sleep as an investment in her productivity and mental clarity.
“I personally prioritize self-care at the start of the semester by always making sure to get enough sleep every night,” Waugh said.
When stress builds, Waugh turns to her support system. She noted that the most helpful resources have been her academic adviser, her friends and peers on campus and her parents. These resources help her stay organized academically while also maintaining emotional balance.
Waugh also recognizes that college requires intentional effort to balance different aspects of life.
“I obviously put my academics first, however, but remember to prioritize my social/emotional health,” Waugh said.
While academics remain her top priority, Waugh understands that neglecting social or emotional well-being can negatively impact her success in the classroom. She thinks that self-care and academic achievement are closely connected.
Students don’t have to navigate challenges alone; the University offers many resources for students to stay healthy and feel supported.
When students choose to prioritize their well-being alongside their ambitions, they can build the resilience, clarity and balance to succeed.
