Highlighted Event

Navigating U.S. Healthcare and USHIP: What Students Need to Know

Friday, April 3rd, 2:30-3:30 PM

Institute of Politics Living Room (5707 S. Woodlawn Ave.)

Navigate the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system at this welcoming student discussion and Q&A session! Refreshments will be served.

Hosted by Student Wellness and the Institute of Politics’ Student Advisory Board, this event offers a clear walkthrough of the Student Health Insurance Policy (U-SHIP).

Whether you have specific questions about your coverage or just want a better understanding of how healthcare works on campus and beyond, come join the conversation in a relaxed, supportive environment.

RSVP Here!

Drink Up: Why Hydration Matters and How to Prioritize It!

Simple Ways to Build Hydration Into Your Daily Routine 💧

Just like maintaining a healthy diet in college, it can be hard to prioritize staying hydrated throughout the day. Here are a few tips to help you drink more water:

Add Some Flavor!
- Not everyone enjoys plain water, and unfortunately, you still need it to function at your best. The good news is that there are simple ways to make it more appealing. Try adding flavor packets or fresh fruits like lemon or lime. While the dining halls primarily offer plain water, you can often find fresh lemons or limes at the salad or tea stations to "hack" your own flavored water.
Invest In a Water Bottle
- The closer your water is to you, the more likely you are to remember to drink it. Investing in a water bottle, especially one you love and can personalize, can help you prioritize hydration. UChicago even has a sustainability map that lets you find water bottle refill stations on campus, so you’re never wandering around looking for something refreshing.
Give Yourself a Challenge
- Sometimes, a challenge can be the best way to stay motivated. There are plenty of water bottles that track how much you’ve had, as well as apps that help you monitor your daily intake. You might even challenge a friend to reach a certain goal each day. UChicago Dining notes that their dining common cups hold 16 oz of water. Filling and drinking just four of these per day helps you meet the general guideline of eight 8-oz servings.

A Conversation with Nieshaa

Meet Someone from our Administration Team!

Nieshaa has been with Student Wellness since November 2013. She serves as the Manager of Patient Access. She finds joy in helping students connect with the resources they may need, and enjoys contributing to Student Wellness’ mission of prioritizing students’ access to resources, as well as providing a positive experience at UChicago.

She encourages students to really focus on balance this Spring Quarter. Hydration and rest are two small things that can make a big difference in maintaining a balanced lifestyle as a student and as an individual. She also advises students to make a plan for the quarter, organize their schedules, and set realistic goals to avoid burnout. Nieshaa emphasizes the importance of self-care. We are here to be students, but our well-being should always come first.

Outside of her role, she loves a good DIY project and decorating her space. Learn more about Nieshaa and the Student Wellness team below!

Learn More About Our Administration Team

Nieshaa Berry

Manager of Patient Access

Activity of the Week

What’s your perfect water bottle?

Let’s find out!

I’ve found that having a water bottle is one of the best ways to stay accountable and make sure I’m drinking enough water throughout the day. These days, there are so many options available that choosing one can feel overwhelming. It also means there’s something out there for everyone ⛲

Personally, I prefer bottles without a straw, but with so many brands and styles to choose from, it can be hard to decide what’s best for you. This quiz helps you plan out your day and figure out which type of water bottle fits your lifestyle best!

Take the Quiz!

Video of the Week

The Power of Water: Why Water is Essential to Survival

So why is water so important? Beyond being a gloriously refreshing drink on a hot day ☀️, it’s essential to our survival. This TED-Ed video dives into the nitty-gritty of why humans need water. The average adult body is made up of about 55-60% water, depending on various factors. Some organs have an even higher water content. The brain and heart are composed of nearly 75% water.

They explain why a body made mostly of water requires so much regular intake to function properly. It also answers common questions I have always wondered, like whether you can drink too much water and what happens when you don’t drink enough.

Watch the Video