September 3, 2026

Wellness Resources @ Cal

Explore Campus, Health & Wellness

By Shae Cogswell
6 MINUTE READ
Post Views: 2,019

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Physical, Nutritional, and Mental Health Resources at UC Berkeley 

Do you know about all the wellness resources that UC Berkeley offers for undergraduate and graduate students? There are many more services and facilities than you might think. And yes, it is 100% possible to make time for health and wellness in your busy college schedule! 

Getting started: making time for health and wellness. Even though you might have a long day of classes, studying, and work, it’s important to carve out some time for your well-being. If you are struggling to fit in self-care, work toward your health goals, or manage your nutritional health, check out the Be Well Game Plan from University Health Services (UHS). This breaks down the various aspects that make up someone’s wellness, and includes practical tips that Berkeley students can implement in their daily life.

Physical Health Resources

Personal training with a friend is a great way to prioritize physical health! Photo courtesy of Student Affairs Communications.

These free resources can help you de-stress and find ways to work on your physical goals.

Let’s start with getting to know what’s available through Recreation & Wellbeing, or RecWell. The department is well-known for its main building, the Recreational Sports Facility (RSF), but the programs and tools extend well beyond what is available at the RSF. There’s something for everyone, wherever you are on your self-care path. Just make sure you sign the RecWell Activity Waiver, which you can find under “Recreation and Wellbeing Waiver” in your CalCentral tasks!

  • For those who want to work out in a class setting with an instructor, there are in-person group fitness classes at both the RSF and the RecWell Fitness Studio, located a block from the RSF on Shattuck Avenue. Class offerings range from yoga to  High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), and are free of charge for students and staff. 
  • If you are the adventurous type, RecWell offers a range of self-guided outdoor adventures for students to go out and explore nature in the Bay Area. From going to the Oakland Waterfront to hiking on Mount Diablo, there are a variety of different activities to explore!
  • For a person who loves the water, Berkeley has a wide variety of outdoor pools open for students. Whether you want to take a swimming class, do some laps to work out, or even swim for fun, there are four different pools available for use on campus. The Strawberry Canyon Pool is even open during the summer for students to lounge and swim recreationally.
  • If you are looking for the right recreational or sports facility for you, explore RecWell facilities across campus, including basketball courts, tennis courts, fitness and wellness centers, and a mind-body meditation and yoga space.

Additionally, students have access to multiple low-cost services and certifications, offered through both RecWell and UHS.

  • If you are looking for more guidance on your physical fitness journey, check out RecWell’s personal training program. You can work one-on-one with a trainer, or train with a friend — just follow these instructions to schedule your first session. 
  • If you are looking for a smaller group setting to work out, the RecWell Fitness Studio offers small group pilates reformer classes. Students can pay for one or two classes per week, and will learn to use pilates equipment with the guidance of a trained instructor.

Nutritional Health Resources

Salad bar at Café 3. Photo courtesy of Kevin Ho Nguyen.

Besides physical health, it is just as important to maintain nutritional health. Fueling yourself is a precursor to keeping up with coursework and exams!

  • For guidance on cooking nutritious meals for yourself, check out the Food is Medicine program, offered for free through UHS! By working with a dietitian, students can learn how to cook meals that are nourishing and support their health. UHS also offers numerous nutritious recipes and affordability tips to support students who are cooking for themselves.
  • If you have questions for a nutritionist, UHS has free Drop-In Nutrition Counseling where you can talk with a dietitian for 15 minutes over Zoom. 
  • For students who have a meal plan, check out Berkeley Dining’s nutritional tips for prioritizing health while eating in the dining commons on campus. 
  • UHS offers Medical Nutrition Therapy for those who have been referred by their medical professional or therapist. For those seeking treatment or help with an eating disorder, UHS can support you through their eating disorder clinic.

Mental Health Resources

Students relaxing in the sun on Memorial Glade. Photo courtesy of Adam Lau/Berkeley Engineering.

College life can often come with unexpected stress, and there are numerous mental health resources that UC Berkeley provides for students in need.

  • UHS offers many REST Zones around campus — furnished spaces designed to promote sleep and relaxation for students who need a quick nap or just a quiet space to unwind. Check out the REST Zone locations on Google Maps!
  • UHS provides a list of apps and online courses available for students to practice mental health skills. These resources are perfect for those who want to implement daily self-care, or learn more about tools for managing their own mental health.
  • The Recalibrate wellness website allows you to access mental health resources based on your emotions in the moment. The website is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it helpful to find the tips you need without feeling overwhelmed — resources are just a click away.
  • Berkeley Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) also offers numerous counseling options, including group counseling, brief individual counseling sessions for free, career counseling, and even couples counseling. CAPS is accessible for all students with both virtual and in-person options, and offers same-day or next-day individual appointments.   
  • The Graduate Wellness Center, located in Mulford Hall, is a satellite office for CAPS that provides resources and support specifically for graduate students. There are various types of counseling, workshops, and talks for all of your wellness needs.
  • UHS Student Mental Health & Wellness Support offers free teletherapy for students through Uwill. Registering for your first video appointment takes just minutes. After your first session, follow-ups can be video, phone, or chat sessions.
  • UHS offers a list of specialized resources to support the diverse student communities at Berkeley, helping students find affirming mental health care. UHS has helpful webpages for different student groups, with links to external student organizations and wellness services specific to each community.

Berkeley is here for you! 

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to health and wellness resources here on campus. Remember that regardless of what you are going through or where you are in your health and wellness journey, Berkeley is here for you, and you can start by exploring some of these websites and links to find the tools that are right for you. We hope this list helps you find something that will help you excel at taking care of your physical, nutritional, and mental health while you’re at Berkeley!

 

By Shae Cogswell, Class of 2029, majoring in English. Previously updated by Nina Takahashi, Class of 2026, majoring in film & media and minoring in Japanese and creative writing. An earlier version of this article was written by Samantha Herrera, Class of 2023, who majored in English and minored in Journalism and Creative Writing. Cover Photo courtesy of Student Affairs Communications.

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