As a university student, money is usually slim, and one may be unaware of the resources available or hesitant to seek medical advice in a location unknown to them. University also comes with its own challenges. From academic stress to new social environments, it is important to take care of your health. The University of Pretoria (UP) provides a range of services to support students’ physical and mental wellbeing. This article aims to provide you with an overview of the resources available to you with the hopes that you will use them to stay healthy at university.
Student Health Services (SHS) provides students with “accessible and comprehensive primary healthcare services”. By using these services, you will have access to medical doctors, professional nurses, optometrists, dieticians, and HIV counsellors. The services include medical examinations, diagnoses, and treatment (including prescriptions when necessary). SHS also offers support regarding sexual health and family planning, and they can help you understand and manage various chronic illnesses. In addition, they also offer free eye testing, dietary consultations, and confidential, free HIV testing and counselling.
SHS can attend to student emergencies and can refer you to specialists, relevant clinics, or hospitals if necessary. The team can provide you with information and/or advice on medical and lifestyle matters. To use these services, you need to book an appointment either via email (info.shs@up.ac.za) or by calling 012 420 2500 (but keep in mind that they do take walk-in emergencies). All consultations are currently free (although on their website they say this may change in the future), but you will need to bring your student card to access such services. Any written prescriptions you are given can be filled at any pharmacy at your own cost, and payment is required for specialised medical exams.
UP provides for your mental wellbeing by having provided a 24-hour, toll-free UP Careline, so in the event of any emotional situation where you are in need of support, you can dial 0800 747 747. There is also the Student Counselling Unit (SCU), which could assist you with the following: depression and mood disorders, thoughts of self harm, anxiety problems, adjusting to university life, sexual or other trauma, substance misuse or abuse, bereavement and loss, and family and relationship problems. They offer both face-to-face and online services, including booking consultations with registered counsellors, formal therapy with a psychologist, or more individualised mental health interventions such as podcasts (their BounceUP Podcast Series) and mental health workshops and events. To book a consultation, they have a Google form on their website (https://www.up.ac.za/student-counselling), and you can also send an enquiry to studentcounselling@up.ac.za.
These health services exist to support all students, providing you with professional care, confidentiality, and guidance. By taking advantage of these resources, students can prioritise their well-being, stay informed, and feel confident that help is always within reach.
Visual: Mpho Makwela
