We know that good health is a foundation of your general well-being in and out of school. It is important to take care of yourself not just physically, but mentally as well.

So, below we have put together 10 things you can do for your well-being that will help you handle anything college life throws at you.

Ten things you can do for your well-being

Try these tips to keep your balance, or re-balance yourself_^*.

1. Value yourself:

Treat yourself with kindness and respect and avoid self-criticism. Make time for your hobbies and passion projects. Plant a garden, take dance lessons, learn to play an instrument or become fluent in another language... just do something that makes you happy!

2. Take care of your body:

Taking care of yourself physically can improve your well-being. Make sure you:

• Eat nutritious meals. (Visit the Good Food Market or the Student Association's Student Nutrition Access Program (SNAP) for low-cost access to fresh produce!)
• Avoid smoking. George Brown is a smoke-free environment.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Exercise. Find exercises you can do at home or visit us on-campus and take advantage of the college's Fitness Centres!
• Get enough sleep.

3. Surround yourself with good people:

People with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network. Make plans with supportive friends, family members or seek out activities where you can meet new people. At George Brown, you can join or start a student-run club based on your personal interests, social movements, or your field of study.

You can also sign up for a Let's Connect workshop to spark new friendships with like-minded peers!

4. Give your time:

Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else. You'll feel good about doing something tangible to help someone in need — and it's a great way to meet new people. At George Brown we pride ourselves in the number of volunteer opportunities we offer our students, both on and off campus. Join our Volunteer Squad or one of the academic volunteer teams!

5. Learn how to deal with stress:

Like it or not, stress is a part of life. Everyone gets stressed out. Sometimes stress creates obstacles to accomplishing our goals. Taking time out for yourself is a crucial element of thriving at school!

Practice good coping skills: research and try stress reduction strategies, exercise, take a nature walk, play with your pet, try journal writing or meditative colouring as a stress reducer.

6. Quiet your mind:

Try meditating or mindfulness. Relaxation exercises can improve your state of mind and outlook on life. In fact, research shows that meditation may help you feel calm. The college offers free mindfulness workshops and videos for all students throughout the semester.

If you’re at St. James Campus and need some peace and quiet, visit the Calm Zone at 200 King St. E. (SJA) room B121. Hours are usually within late morning to early afternoon. The Calm Zone is a low-light space where students can relax, study, engage in quiet conversation with friends or take a quick nap. Our Calm Zone space is staffed with Peer Mentors, who are students with the lived experience of balancing work, life and school.

7. Set realistic goals:

Decide what you want to achieve academically, professionally and personally, and write down the steps you'll need to realize your goals. Aim high but be realistic and don't over-schedule. Connect with peer supports when you need them. You'll enjoy a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-worth as you progress toward your goal.

You can also keep an eye on our Orientation & Transition events for workshops on goal-setting during the semester.

8. Break up the monotony:

Although your routines make you more efficient and enhance your feelings of security and safety, a little change of pace can perk up a tedious schedule. So do something spontaneous, and recharge yourself!

9. Avoid alcohol and other drugs:

Keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid other drugs. Sometimes people use alcohol and other drugs to "self-medicate" but in reality, alcohol and other drugs only aggravate problems.

George Brown College is a smoke-free organization and we are committed to compliance with federal and provincial legislation that regulate the use of both legal and illegal substances, such as alcohol, cannabis and other drugs. But, at the same time, we acknowledge the risks associated with substance use; and that members of our community may have complex and varied histories and relationships with substance use and addiction. We are committed to developing programs and policies that reduce potential harm to students, while providing resources and support that facilitate your participation in your studies at the college.

10. Talk to someone:

You are not alone. We are here to help you every step of the way. We have great free resources available to you through WeSpeakStudent.com, and our counselling office. All you have to do is reach out!

*Adapted from the National Mental Health Association/National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare and University of Michigan.

As a student, you may experience a range of mental health issues that may result in significant barriers to achieving your personal and academic goals. George Brown’s Counselling and Student Well-being Services offers a wide range of free and confidential services and programs that may be able to assist you. Let our professional counselling staff support you in learning to solve problems and develop ways to attain your goals – in your education and in your life.

Through our counselling services, we can:

• Teach you how to solve problems and develop ways to attain your goals.
• Explore academic and non-academic issues because they all affect your success. 
• Arrange ongoing support with a community referral if short-term counselling cannot address your concern.

Counselling services also include workshops and groups that can help you to get more from your education.

Counselling and advising are free and confidential, available for all full-time students who are currently enrolled.

Visit the Counselling website for more information and to book an appointment. You can also contact them by phone or email for more information.

George Brown stands with, and in support of all Black students and employees. The College acknowledges the systemic racism Black, Indigenous and other racialized people face. The journey ahead involves listening to hard conversations, self-reflecting on our own biases and complicity, and creating real change within the community.

The Office of Anti-Racism, Equity and Human Rights Services (OAREHRS) promotes fairness, equity, accountability and transparency at George Brown College.

Our office manages human rights complaints, advises and raises awareness on equity and inclusion. The OAREHRS team is responsible for matters that fall under the following GBC policies, and the relevant legislations that govern those policies: Human Rights, Discrimination & Harassment Policy; Sexual Harassment & Sexual Violence Policy and Protocol; AODA Accessibility Policy; and Freedom of Expression Policy.

Ways we can help you:

• 2SLGBTQIA+
• Anti-Racism
• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
• Freedom of Expression
• Human Rights
• Sexual Violence Response
• Student Self-Identification Survey

Please contact diversity@georgebrown.ca for any inquiries. All of our services are confidential.

Doing the Work: An Introduction to Anti-Racism e-course

All new full-time George Brown College students will be enrolled in our e-course Doing the Work: An Introduction to Anti-Racism on Brightspace. The self-directed 90+ minute course explores the ideas, language, concepts and discourses related to race, racism and anti-racism. It's unique in that it was created by us, for us. We strongly encourage you to complete the course as soon as possible. Plus, you'll get a badge of completion on your Student Experience Record!

Learn more about the e-course and why it's so important to complete it.

As a member of the George Brown community, you have a right to study, live and work in an environment that is safe from sexual violence. But what does that mean?

Sexual violence, by definition, is any act targeting a person’s sexuality, gender identity or gender expression. It’s something that can actually happen, be attempted or be threatened. It can also be physical or psychological, in-person and online. The legal definition is broad, and it includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, voyeurism and sexual exploitation. The definition includes digital behaviours such as cyber-assault, taking unwanted photographs, distributing or displaying sexualized digital images and cyber-harassment. Most significantly, an act of sexual violence is against a person’s consent.

Quite simply, the word ‘yes’ equals consent. The person initiating sexual contact is responsible for ensuring that there is ongoing consent to all sexual activity — yes, that means every step of the way. And if the person is drunk, high or unconscious, consent can’t be obtained. And consent isn’t consent if it’s coerced, or within a relationship with a power imbalance, such as a boss or teacher.

Consent has to be clear, vocal and affirmative. Consent comes first.

Sexual violence is never the fault of the person who was assaulted or targeted. Having a culture that promotes consent and respect is the responsibility of everyone at GBC, and we all have a role to play. That’s why the revised Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Policy helps GBC to support survivors by making information, options and supports clear, and provides a process to address complaints fairly.

Check out some videos the OAREHRS team has put together to start the conversation.

Awareness

Bystander Intervention

Consent Culture

If you have experienced sexual violence, know that you are not alone. Help is available at George Brown College. To contact the Sexual Violence Response Advisor, phone 416-415-5000 ext. 3450, email svra@georgebrown.ca or use this form to start a conversation.

Please note that all Anti-Racism, Equity and Human Rights Services communication will be through your official George Brown College email.

For more information:

• Learn more about the Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Policy, Programs and Supports on the college’s website to get access to the resources available to you.
• Contact George Brown College’s Sexual Violence Response Advisor directly at 416-415-5000 ext. 3450 or email them at svra@georgebrown.ca.
• Contact Public Safety and Security at 416-415-5000 ext. 8000 or dial 0 from any college phone.
• Contact your Residence Life Coordinator 416-761-8000 if you live in Residence. If they are not available, dial 0 from a residence phone and front desk staff will connect you to the right resources.
• Call 911 for police or medical help if you are off-campus.

Remember, consent comes first.

In modules 1 through 6 you learned a lot about the college. You learned about the college's values, and how you can get started, connected and supported at the college.

In the next module, you will find a quick access list of resources that have been mentioned in this online orientation, as well as more information for international students.