As the civil climate grows more volatile, balancing academic and personal life has become increasingly difficult.
In these times, reaching out for help is an act of courage. UMass Boston provides a multitude of on-campus resources that support physical, mental, and socio-emotional well-being. In times of need, these spaces allow us to support each other and rebuild a sense of community.
There is no reason to be alone in the dark — but every reason to stick together.
On the second floor of Campus Center, the office of Urban & Off-Campus Support Service, or U-ACCESS, works to combat on-campus hunger and systemic poverty. Open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., its food pantry provides students with necessities such as groceries and hygiene products.
The office also offers SNAP assistance, financial literacy workshops, and free laptop rentals for those in need. To get involved, visit Campus Center Suite 2401 Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Another valuable resource is the Writing Center, which supports undergraduate and graduate students through academic consultation. It provides one-on-one tutoring at any stage of the writing process for anything from academic essays to professional resumes. It also facilitates writing groups that build self-accountability and establish productive routines. For students in need of writing advice, visit www.umb.edu/writingcenter to schedule an individual appointment.
Fulfilling academic obligations under emotional distress can be overwhelming and may even seem impossible. The Counseling Center provides professional counseling services for those experiencing fear and anxiety during times of social upheaval.
Students of all enrollment statuses can make an appointment by calling (617) 287-5690 or emailing [email protected]. For immediate assistance, visit their office on the second floor of the Quinn Building Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or contact their 24/7 crisis line at 855-634-4135.
If one-on-one counseling doesn’t feel right for you, a wellness support group may be a comforting alternative. Such safe spaces allows students to connect with peers, share experiences and develop healthy coping strategies together.
KORU Mindfulness equips students with healthy coping skills such as guided meditation, mindfulness practices and breathing exercises. Visit UHS Campus Health & Wellness on UMBeInvolved for details on drop-in hours.
AARO Self-Care Chat happens every Monday from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on the third floor of the McCormack Building. Led by the Asian American Resource Office, it welcomes all students regardless of cultural or ethnic background and provides a safe space for meaningful conversations about mental health.
The Behavioral Addictions and Substance Use Peer Support Meetings take place on the first floor of Campus Center in Suite 1215 every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. These meetings provide a supportive environment where individuals can share their experience, discuss concerns and access resources related to addictive behaviors and substance use. Meetings are available both in-person and online.
Men’s Circle is a bi-weekly group meeting Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. in East Residence Hall Room 0167 beginning Oct. 2. The circle offers a supportive environment to explore how masculinity affects both personal well-being and community care. Register by emailing [email protected].
TogetherAll is an anonymous online platform where users connect with one another in a safe and judgement-free environment. To register for an account, visit account.v2.togetherall.com.
