Student Resource Guide for Mental & Physical Health

Taking care of your health and well-being is essential for a successful and enjoyable student experience. Victoria offers many resources to support your physical and mental health, from walk-in clinics and counselling services to fitness centers and outdoor activities. This section provides practical information on accessing healthcare, finding mental health support, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle while balancing your studies. Whether you need help navigating the local healthcare system or tips for staying active and managing stress, you’ll find valuable resources here to support your well-being.

For more information on cultural adjustment and support, visit our International Student Advisory section.

Emergency & Crisis Support

Many different forms of emergencies can occur. Get help if you or someone else is in immediate danger, or at risk of harming yourself or others. Call 9-1-1 or visit your nearest emergency room.

Physical Health Resources

Maintaining physical health is key to overall well-being and performance. From general healthcare to fitness and wellness, these resources can help you stay in good shape.

Downtown Victoria Urgent and Primary Care Centre

UPCC provides accessible, same-day medical care for non-life-threatening conditions, helping patients who do not have a family doctor or need urgent attention outside of regular clinic hours. They offer services for minor injuries, infections, chronic disease management, and other general health concerns, ensuring students receive timely care when needed. Provides walk-in medical care for non-life-threatening health concerns.

Address: 1107 Pandora Ave. Victoria, BC
Website: https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-locations/hospitals-health-centre-locations/downtown-victoria-urgent-and-primary-care-centre

Island Sexual Health Clinic

Island Sexual Health is A trusted provider of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, offering education, STI testing, birth control options, and supportive care. Birth control, STI testing, and sexual health education.

Address: 3960 Quadra St, Victoria, BC
Website: www.islandsexualhealth.org

Crystal Pool & Fitness Centre

Offers affordable gym facilities, swimming, and fitness programs to promote overall health and wellness.
Address: 2275 Quadra St, Victoria, BC
Website: https://www.victoria.ca/parks-recreation/recreation/crystal-pool-fitness-centre

Maintaining Mental Health

Taking care of your mental health is essential, especially in a demanding field like the performing arts. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns, there are resources available to support you.

Here2Talk is a free, confidential mental health support service available to all post-secondary students in British Columbia, including international students. It offers 24/7 access to trained counsellors through phone or online chat, providing a safe space for students to discuss mental health concerns, stress, anxiety, depression, or any other challenges they may face while studying. Whether you’re dealing with academic pressures, adjusting to life in a new country, or just need someone to talk to, Here2Talk provides support in multiple languages and is easily accessible from anywhere. The service is designed to help students navigate their mental health needs and connect with resources to improve their well-being during their studies.

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Substance Use: Health & Harm Reduction

At VADArts, we take a health-focused and evidence-based approach to substance use. While abstinence is ideal, we recognize that a portion of individuals will still choose to use substances. Our approach focuses on substance use health and harm reduction, providing non-judgmental support and resources to help students make informed decisions while emphasizing safety, education, and personal well-being.

The Academy follows the province and our local health authority’s guidance around harm reduction. This includes educating our students, staff and faculty about available resources, emergency protocols, and the inherent risks involved with substance use.

AVI Health & Community Services

Island Sexual Health is A trusted provider of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, offering education, STI testing, birth control options, and supportive care. Birth control, STI testing, and sexual health education.

Address: 3960 Quadra St, Victoria, BC
Website: www.islandsexualhealth.org

If you’re going to use drugs, please test them to make sure they’re as safe as possible. Drug checking services can determine a sample’s main active ingredients, fillers or cutting agents, any unexpected drugs, and the presence of fentanyl.
Learn how and where to test your drugs at substance.uvic.ca.

Need More Help?

If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to Victoria Academy of Dramatic Arts Student Support for guidance on accessing mental and physical health resources in the community. Your well-being matters, and support is always available!