🌻Weekly Wellness Newsletter - Spring Quarter - Week 1💚

Tips to Start the Spring Quarter off Strong!

Spring Quarter, Week 1

Kick off your first week back with a burst of creativity! Drop by the Art Open Studio to decompress, catch up with friends, and dive into our featured Scratch Board workshop.

Uncover vibrant colors hidden beneath the surface as you carve your own intricate patterns and custom illustrations.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking for a mindful break, you'll leave with a one-of-a-kind handmade bookmark to use in your new semester’s reads. Come make your mark and start the year inspired!

Spring quarter is officially here! Hopefully, everyone enjoyed a well-deserved break. Now, it’s time to ease back into the rhythm of academics and get into the groove. Below are some tips to help you transition smoothly and start the quarter strong.

Give Yourself Grace
- Especially during the spring quarter! When things are wrapping up for many students, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by assignments, post-year plans, and everything else life brings. Look into the Academic Skills Assessment Program if you want to tackle academic hurdles like procrastination and test anxiety. You can schedule individual appointments to develop strategies for staying accountable as the quarter gets busier.
Set Short- and Long-Term Goals
- Look into Academic Coaching at UChicago. Whether you’re someone who plans out every detail or prefers to go with the flow, having a few goals in mind can make a big difference. Setting intentions for the day, week, or quarter can help you stay accountable and organized, especially as things start to pick up and your schedule gets busier.
Ask for Help, We're Here For You!
- It’s always okay to ask for help. Try to reach out before things start to feel overwhelming. UChicago Student Wellness offers a variety of therapy and support options if you’re interested in exploring resources or working through any challenges you may be facing.

Alexandria has been with Student Wellness since 2017. She serves as a Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse and is especially interested in adolescent and young adult mental health, as well as how mental health providers can deliver more culturally informed care. She enjoys meeting and getting to know students and values everything she learns from them, from cultural practices to research topics. These conversations often inspire her to explore topics more deeply, and she finds it rewarding to see students grow and evolve throughout their time at UChicago.

Following a break, Alexandria offered advice for students heading into the spring quarter. She emphasizes that taking breaks during the quarter is incredibly important. These don’t have to be long or heavily planned, just intentional moments that allow you to unwind and recharge, and that you make a point to protect and prioritize. She recommends reading a book, meeting someone for coffee, or doing anything that brings you joy and helps you invest in yourself outside of academics.

Outside of Student Wellness, Alexandria loves a good cup of coffee, though she’s not too particular about the kind. Learn more about Alexandria and the Student Wellness team below!

Spring Forecast: What Will Spring Bring?

Despite the official start of spring, Chicago’s weather always does its own thing. ⛄But, we’re not letting the last of the cold weather ruin the vibe. Maybe there’s one last burst of snow before we head into Summertime Chi, but until then, we can try to keep the spring energy alive!

Take the quiz to discover what this season has in store for you. Will you pick up a new hobby or meet a lifelong friend? Tap in and see what your spring might bring! 🌸

New Quarter, New Beginnings: Your Guide to Staying Motivated and Moving Forward

Getting back into the swing of school after a break isn’t always easy. Let’s be honest, final quarter procrastination is very real. For some, you are one step closer to graduation, while others will be walking the stage in just three months! No matter where you are, motivation, or the lack of it, can make a big difference in how you set yourself up for success.

This TED-Ed video breaks down what motivation really is and what drives us forward. Hopefully, this quarter brings exciting, engaging experiences you can look forward to, but there will also be moments when motivation is harder to find. So how do you keep pushing toward success when your motivation is a bit of a low? Watch the video to find out!