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We have same-day or pre-booked appointments with physicians, nurses, and practitioner partners that provide primary health services related to:

• Same Day care for episodic issues like injuries, infections etc.
• Sexual health (STI screening tests, birth control, PAP tests )
• Medical and Mental health concerns

 We also provide:

• Information about local travel clinics (SWC does not provide travel medicine services)
• information about off campus primary care resources when SWC is unable to accommodate 

Appointment capacity is very limited and so the booking times are usually several weeks long.  If you already have a regular health care practitioner, please continue to see them for most concerns. 

Sexual health

We offer sexual health services and information to people of all genders, identities, orientations and abilities.

Sexual health visit

A sexual health visit may include:

• health history
• review breast/chest exam
• pelvic exam
• pap smear
• testicular and/or prostate exam
• vaccinations such as HPV, HEP A and HEP B
• birth control information
• STI testing, treatment and prevention information
• PrEP – pre-exposure prophylaxis for those at elevated risk of HIV exposure
• healthy relationships counselling
• any other concerns or questions you might have

Contraception/birth control

We offer consultation on a full range of birth control options. We can provide trial samples of many birth control products and/or prescriptions.

• IUDs: we offer IUD education, prescriptions and insertion (both hormonal and copper IUDs).
• Emergency contraception (EC): EC is available in the clinic. It should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Talk to a nurse about your best options and timing for emergency contraception.
• Barrier methods: we provide a range of free condoms. We also offer information about barrier methods for preventing STIs and as a form of birth control.

Pregnancy testing & counselling

We offer on-site pregnancy testing and counselling. Our practitioners can discuss pregnancy, conception and contraception options, resources and support.

The SWC does not offer maternity care. We refer pregnant students to OB-GYNs or midwives as needed.

Community resources

Public health & immunization

We offer immunization reviews where you can make sure you are up to date with your immunity.

Not sure if you are up to date or how to find your records? Check out tips for  or make an appointment to speak with a nurse.

For information about immunization preventable diseases and immunizations, go to .

Vaccines

The vaccines we offer include (subject to availability):

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• HPV (Gardasil 9)
• Influenza (flu)
• Meningitis (Meningococcal C, quad and B)
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
• Pneumococcal (pneumonia)
• Polio
• Td, TDaP (tetanus/diphtheria and tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis)
• Chicken pox (Varicella)

For students living in on-campus housing, information regarding recommended vaccines is available in English and in French.

Some vaccines are free (depending on eligibility) and some have a cost. Talk to the Student Welcome Team or a nurse to find the costs for any vaccines you need.

Flu immunization clinics

UVic Student Wellness offer flu immunizations every flu season. Please check with our Student Welcome Team in the fall for more details.

Travel vaccinations

We do not supply travel vaccines. We encourage students to access a specialized travel clinic.

Travel vaccination is important to help reduce and manage your risk of illness during your journey. Consultations should take place eight weeks before departure and include a discussion about immunizations, preventative medications and specific health information.

When seeking travel immunizations:

• get your  and bring them to the consultation
• confirm your travel itinerary and bring it with you
• check  for country-specific travel information

Victoria travel clinics

International students

It’s important to make sure that you have health insurance that covers the period of time that you will be in Canada. If you need health care for ongoing conditions, it is important to ensure that your transition of care is as smooth as possible prior to your arrival in Canada. Talk to your health care provider to plan for prescription refills, ongoing testing and follow-up. You may need to bring previous medical records with you, or arrange for a transfer of medical records. We encourage you to phone the Student Welcome Team prior to your arrival to enquire about appointment availability and assistance in finding the most appropriate option to support your ongoing medical needs.

SWC health care is private and confidential. Translation services are available upon request; please request translation when making your appointment if required.

Staying active

Exercise is good for your physical and mental health. Physical activity reduces stress, reduce the risk of some diseases, and can help with feelings of depression and anxiety.

provides physical activity facilities for all UVic community members.

The Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA) offers:

• fitness and weight centre
• climbing wall
• group fitness classes
• personal training
• squash and racquetball courts
• dance space
• yoga studio
• intramural leagues and clubs
• an indoor fieldhouse for drop-in and informal rec
• inclusion programming (blind soccer, wheelchair basketball)

CARSA membership is included with tuition payments

are a great way to get exercise and meet people. Exercise classes such as yoga, bootcamp, Pilates and personal training options are also available.

Some other options for being active on and around campus include:

• walking or running around Ring Road or the many trails on campus
• walking the trails in Mystic Vale or Finnerty Gardens
• exploring Cadboro Bay beach near campus

Eating

A healthy diet will support your mental and physical health. UVic Food Services has dining information to help you make healthy dietary choices on campus.

UVic’s registered dietitian is also available to help you learn how to make healthier choices on campus. They are available for free one-on-one counselling.

Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential to a sharp and clear mind. It can be tempting to stay up late to study, but being sleep deprived makes it difficult to focus and can impair learning.

Sleep deprivation is associated with difficulties concentrating and higher rates of depression and anxiety. It has also been linked to other health concerns like cardiovascular problems, diabetes and cancer.

Try go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. A consistent sleep pattern allows your body to adjust to a stable sleep-wake cycle. This reduces daytime drowsiness and enhances energy levels throughout the day.

Try to avoid having caffeine after 2 p.m. Caffeine makes it difficult to fall asleep and reduces the amount of REM sleep you get. REM is a stage in the sleep cycle where your deepest cognitive processing normally occurs.

More resources

is a mindfulness meditation app that can help you clear your mind.

has meditation and relaxation resources.

Eating disorders

Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders. Eating disorders have symptoms such as compulsive exercise, laxative use and restricting food intake.

Don't wait until you have all the symptoms of a clinical eating disorder to get help. Reach out for support if you are concerned about disordered eating.

You can find more information from . You can access their Regional Eating Disorder Liaison (250-519-7700 ext.17117) for help in locating resources.

Substance use

We advocate a harm reduction approach to substance use (alcohol and drugs), if you choose to consume them. Substances can have impacts to your physical and mental health so it’s important to understand the risks and make informed choices.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Do you think you have issues with alcohol or substances?
• Are your academics or relationships affected?
• Are other people expressing concerns?
• Do you have difficulty with control?
• Do you put yourself at risk?

Consider how to keep yourself safe if you plan on using alcohol or drugs:

• Decide in advance how much you’re going to drink.
• Eat food before drinking.
• Keep an eye on your drink at all times.
• Plan a ride home.

If you’re concerned about your substance use, reach out to a counsellor or health practitioner for support.  Our practitioners are open and willing to discuss substance use concerns. They support those in recovery and can share resources to help you or your friends. They also have information about Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings held near campus.

More resources

UVic Harm Reduction Centre aims to help UVic students to make more informed and safer choices around sex and substance use.

has activities to help you think about your own substance use.

is a tool to help you anticipate your blood alcohol content over the time you expect to drink.

helps users get a full picture of their alcohol consumption.

Events