Setting up the semester for success—together
Welcome back to campus, Tar Heels. As the semester begins, you may be feeling excited, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between. However you’re arriving to this moment, Campus Health is glad you’re here and ready to support you.
A new semester brings new routines, classes, and expectations. It also offers a chance to pause, reflect, and reset. You don’t need to aim for perfection. Instead, focus on goals that are realistic, flexible, and supportive of your health and well-being.
Looking Back to Move Forward
Before diving into the semester ahead, it can be helpful to reflect on last term—not to judge yourself, but to learn from your experience.
Consider the following questions:
- What worked well for me last semester?
- What felt especially hard or draining?
- When did I feel most supported?
- What’s one thing I’d like to approach differently this time?
Success isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about recognizing what supports your health, helps you recover from stress, and allows you to keep moving forward.
Setting Intentions (Not Pressure)
As you start the semester, consider setting one or two intentions rather than a long list of goals. Intentions work best when they reflect your actual time, energy, and priorities.
Examples might include:
- Establishing a more consistent sleep routine
- Reaching out for help earlier—academically, medically, or emotionally
- Checking in with yourself when stress begins to build
When setting goals, focus on specific actions you can take rather than long-term outcomes. Progress often comes through small, sustainable changes supported by reflection and care.
How Campus Health Can Support You
Campus Health is here to support your physical health and help you navigate care throughout the semester. Services include:
- Primary medical care for illness, injury, and ongoing health concerns
- Immunizations and preventive care
- Sexual and reproductive health services
- Referrals and coordination of care when additional support is needed
If you’re not feeling your best—or you simply want to stay well—Campus Health can be a helpful first stop.
Part of Healthy Heels
Campus Health is part of Healthy Heels, a collaboration to support your whole self. Healthy Heels includes:
CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services)
Individual counseling, same-day support, group therapy, workshops, and 24/7 crisis services.
Student Wellness
Wellness coaching, stress management, sleep support, and skill-building resources to help you navigate college life.
Heels Care Network
A coordinated set of campus resources to help you find support when life feels overwhelming—academically, personally, or emotionally.
These services are confidential, student-centered, and free or low-cost. You don’t need to wait until something feels urgent to reach out.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
College is full of transitions, and no one gets through them without support. Reaching out for care doesn’t mean something is wrong—it means you’re taking care of yourself.
Whether you need medical care, mental health support, wellness coaching, or help figuring out where to start, Campus Health and Healthy Heels are here for you.
This semester, remember:
- It’s okay to start slow
- It’s okay to ask for help
- It’s okay to not have everything figured out
Welcome back to campus. We’re glad you’re here, and we’re ready to support you this semester.