Seasonal affective disorder
Feeling S.A.D.? Struggling with seasonal affective disorder, or S.A.D., is not uncommon during the winter months. Check out these tips from fellow Mustang Victoria Pham ’23.
Caring for the whole Mustang
The new year is a great time to add in some healthy habits – not just short-term resolutions but real ways to help you prepare for the busy semester ahead. At SMU, we care about your whole well-being. Whether that’s taking part in intramurals to stay active, learning new stress-relief strategies to keep calm, or finding a spiritual home on campus, take a peek at the resources below to find what works for you.
Mental health is just as important as physical well-being for Mustangs. SMU has a number of mental health apps and self-help resources available to students:
- SMU Counseling for in-person or virtual services.
- SMU Teletherapy by AcademicLiveCare for on-demand video appointments with medical professionals.
- Campus Well, a health and well-being blog written for students, by students.
Find your favorite spot
There are tons of places to relax on campus, whether you're grabbing a coffee at the Starbucks in Fondren Library or camping out with a good book under a tree on the Boulevard. Use the interactive map to find your next favorite spot, or venture off campus for some fresh air on Katy Trail.
Furry friends on campus
From support animals hanging around campus during finals week to the beloved pets of our Faculty in Residence, SMU knows that having pets around can help students cope with the stresses of academic life.
Mustangs don’t haze
SMU is committed to hazing prevention on and off campus. Learn more about this initiative here.
Addiction help
Substance abuse and recovery resources are available for students. Stuyvie Coleman ’21 sought the support he needed during his time as a student, and now as an alumnus, he works to secure funding for additional student resources. Read more about his impactful work.
Staff support
It’s not just students who have access to resources! Each May, the SMU Staff Association hosts Staff Appreciation Week, which includes a slew of activities from fitness scavenger hunts and spin classes to goat yoga and therapy ponies!
We all know that moving your body can be a great way to help manage stress – and finding new activities can be a great way to meet people from across the campus! Through the Dedman Center, students can take advantage of so many opportunities:
- Intramural sports including basketball, indoor soccer, flag football, table tennis, wiffleball, sand volleyball, tennis and dodgeball.
- Group fitness classes and personal training for a variety of fitness options and styles.
- SMU Outdoor Adventures for activities such as zip lining, mountain biking, camping, rock climbing and backpacking.
- Club sports including baseball, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, rowing, polo, triathalon, rugby, soccer, tennis, ultimate frisbee, volleyball and water polo.
- State-of-the-art aquatics for those who love to swim laps
Become a Wellness Champion!
The SMU Wellness Champion Program is made up of students who are passionate about health and wellness. They become leaders on campus regarding nutrition, physical activity, mental health, drug and alcohol prevention and so much more. Applications open during the spring term.
Dr. Bob Smith Health Center
The Dr. Bob Smith Health Center is your on-campus resource center for flu shots, COVID-19 vaccinations, well or sick appointments, pharmacy services and more.
Everyone is welcome at SMU — you don’t have to be Methodist or even religious to find your place here. And since college is a great time to explore what you believe, take advantage of some of the resources below.
The Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life, housed in Hughes-Trigg Student Center, is available for spiritual guidance, care and connection for students of all faiths and traditions.
Center for Faith & Learning
The University’s Methodist identity is embodied in the center’s commitment to integrate intellectual life and spiritual life. Through scholars cohorts and the annual symposium, students and community members are invited to think theologically about the issues of the day.
Spiritual Life Mentors
A Spiritual Life Mentor is assigned to each Residential Commons to offer a listening ear for residents as well as supporting holistic wellness through opportunities to explore faith and religious life.
Perkins Chapel
Perkins Chapel is not only one of the most popular wedding venues in Dallas, but it’s also home to Wednesday and Thursday worship for the SMU Perkins School of Theology and Sunday Mass through SMU Catholic Campus Ministry.
Thriving campus ministries
SMU offers more than 20 religious life partners, representing Christian, Jewish and Muslim traditions. If you don’t see your faith represented, the chaplain’s office is always available to discuss starting something new. Check out a sampling of those partners here:
- Kairos Christian Prayer & Communion — Among the opportunities for Christian observance on campus is Kairos, a weekly gathering for prayer and Eucharist/Holy Communion. Coffee and tea are served.
- Catholic Campus Ministry — Catholic Campus Ministry at SMU offers a home away from home for students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Committed to being a profound presence on campus, they strive to form servant leaders who live out their Catholic faith professionally and personally.
- Muslim Students Association — The SMU MSA offers weekly prayer gatherings, meetings, and various holiday celebrations throughout the year.
- Hillel at SMU — The Jewish community at SMU represents more than 350 students who gather regularly for Shabbat dinner, holiday celebrations, and socializing, including Bagel Mondays with Rabbi Heidi Coretz.
- Hindu Life at SMU — The chaplain’s office works closely with the South Asian Student Association to support Hindu religious observance, including a Diwali celebration each fall.
SMU cares about the mental, physical and spiritual well-being of our students, faculty and staff.
Learn more about SMU.
