Supporting Your Student Through the Transition to University Life

The first few weeks of university are filled with new experiences, new friendships and exciting events such as OWeek and Homecoming. Once the energy of September starts to settle, many students begin to feel the pressure of upcoming assignments, midterms and managing their responsibilities independently.

This is a normal part of the transition to university. If your student seems stressed, overwhelmed or uncertain, encourage them to connect with the many resources and supports offered by Student Experience, listed below.

Supports & Opportunities

Academic Supports

• Support with writing, learning strategies, exam preparation, time management, peer assisted learning and accessible education for students with disabilities. 

Career Development

• Explore career paths through 1:1 career appointments, employer networking events, Career Fair and the Career Summit.

Experiential Learning & Leadership

• Experiences beyond the classroom that prepare students for leadership and employment opportunities, including experiential learning, the Western Co-Curricular Record, Strengths Peer Coaching and the Western Peer Leader program.

Health & Wellness

• Physical and mental health appointments, group wellness, wellness education and spiritual support. 

Sports & Recreation

• Drop-in fitness, group fitness classes and recreational sport clubs. Students can attend regular season Western Mustangs home games for free! 

Hear from Aamna about her Transition to University

Safety Measures during Homecoming Weekend

Western is planning for a safe and fun celebration this year on Homecoming (Saturday, September 26). The Student Fan Festival (Western’s official Homecoming event for students) will provide an opportunity for students to celebrate Homecoming safely on campus with free entry to the Western vs. McMaster football game with 25+ free food trucks, spirit station, photo station, games and giveaways.

Three Care Hubs will operate across campus on Homecoming starting at 10 a.m. offering students welcoming spaces where they can access mental health support, wayfinding, nourishment, and crisis resources. The Care Hub at Sunset Street and University Drive will be operating until 2 a.m.  

If your student is planning on celebrating Homecoming this weekend, here are some safety tips to share with them: 

• Charge your phone and have a full meal before going out.
• Plan your night, tell a friend where you are going, use the “buddy system.”
• Bring a reusable water bottle and fill up at the campus water stations.
• Download the Alert WesternU emergency notification system for alerts in the event of imminent danger, campus evacuation or closure, weather emergencies (such as tornadoes), or critical university status updates. 
• Respect your friends, your neighbours, and the community.
• If you choose to consume, please do so responsibly. Ask for help if you need it.

Finding Belonging & Building Connections

As routines settle after Orientation Week, some students may find it challenging to maintain connections and build community on campus. Encourage your student to get involved, meet peers with shared interests and build their sense of belonging through: 

• Launch Peer Mentorship - connects students with upper-year student mentors from their faculty. 
• Clubs – students can meet peers who have similar interests, passions and cultural backgrounds through one of the many clubs at Western. 
• Western Recreational Sport Clubs - a great way to stay active, meet new people, try something new and have fun! With options ranging from badminton, table tennis, fencing, judo, dragon boat and more – there's something for everyone. 

Preparing for an Appointment at Health & Wellness Services

Students should have the following ready before booking or attending an appointment: 

• Their Western student number and student card. 
• A valid health card (OHIP or other provincial cards) or health insurance information (such as UHIP for international students). 
• Current contact information, including their phone number, email address, and emergency contact details. 
• A brief description of the reason for the appointment to help ensure they are booked into the appropriate type of service. 

For academic accommodations, forms, or documentation requests: students should bring any required forms and supporting documents. They should complete their portion of the paperwork before the appointment whenever possible. Forms may be subject to a fee. 

Before the Appointment: 

• Arrive at least 10 minutes early 
• Be prepared to verify personal information and insurance coverage 
• Allow extra time to locate the clinic if it’s their first visit 
• Review appointment confirmation email for important information, including late arrival and no-show policies.  

A note for parents: Under privacy legislation, Health & Wellness Services communicates directly with students regarding their health care. Encouraging your student to book their own appointments, understand their insurance coverage, and actively participate in their care is an important part of supporting their transition to university.

Need Care Outside Clinic Hours? 

If your student is in need of care outside of the Student Health Clinic’s operating hours, please direct them to one of the walk-in clinics in the London community or a hospital. If your student has Purple Care, they also have access to 24/7 virtual care.  

Important Dates

September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), a non-instructional day.

October 10-18: Fall Reading Week

Explore Key Resources

Discover important services across campus that support your student.