Health and wellness of students, in particular promoting and ensuring mental-health is a priority of the University and the Department. There are many resources. The SGS Graduate Wellness Directory provides a comprehensive list: https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/resources-supports/wellness-portal/ Some of the major resources are listed below. If you find yourself having a tough time managing your anxieties and would like to talk to someone, feel free to contact the Graduate Office (gchair@physics.utoronto.ca). We are available through phone, zoom, etc., and we can also connect you with relevant resources.
Student Mental Health Web Portal
No matter where you are on the mental wellness continuum, from being proactive about your mental well-being to feeling stressed or needing urgent help, U of T is here to support you. We are actively engaged in your mental well-being and want to empower you to discover the resources you need to feel and do your best. Whether it’s a bad day, a break-up, a life changing event or an urgent crisis, we are always here and can help you take your first step on your mental health journey.
Navi: U of T's Student Mental Health Wayfinder
U of T students now have a more streamlined way to discover mental health resources and supports. Navi, short for navigator, is a chat-based service that acts as a virtual assistant for students wanting to learn more about the mental health supports available to them at the University of Toronto.
Health and Wellness Centre
The Health and Wellness Centre at 214 College Street offers a wide range of services for U of T students and their partners. Physician services include comprehensive medical care, counselling and referrals. Nurses provide health-related information and a range of services including dressing care, immunizations and travel education. Diagnostic lab services are also available. Most services are free of charge provided you have an OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) number or UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) coverage. For further information, call 416-978-8030 or visit the Health and Wellness Centre website at http://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/hwc.
My SSP
My SSP provides international students with immediate and/or ongoing confidential, 24-hour support for any school, health, or general life concern at no cost to you. You can call or chat with a counsellor directly from your phone whenever, wherever you are. My SSP support is available in many languages. The number is 1-844-451-9700 and they even have a smartphone app. For more information, see https://studentlife.utoronto.ca/service/myssp/.
Accessibility Services – St. George
For those eligible, Accessibility Services provides advocacy and support for students with hidden or obvious disabilities and works to facilitate the inclusion of students with disabilities into all aspects of university life. Services include assessment for a learning disability, alternative test and exam arrangements, note taking, on-campus transportation, adaptive equipment and assistive devices, information and resource materials, and liaison within the University and with off-campus agencies. For further information, call 416-978-8060 (TDD: 416-978-1902) or visit the AS website at http://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/as
Academic Success Centre
U of T and Academic Success Centre offer a variety of services and supports specifically for graduate students. For example, you can book an appointment to talk to a Learning Strategist. For further information, call 416-978-7970 or visit https://studentlife.utoronto.ca/asc/graduate-students. They also have online chats regularly.
Athletics and Recreation
The Athletic Centre, Goldring Centre, Varsity Centre and Hart House offer a wide range of athletic activities throughout the year. Hart House also organizes a variety of social and cultural events, including concerts, shows and art exhibitions. For more information on the multitude of programs, classes, facilities and services available to U of T students, contact any of the facilities:
Athletic Centre at 416-978-5845
Hart House at 416-978-2452
Goldring Centre at 416-946-0400 (http://physical.utoronto.ca/FacilitiesAndMemberships/goldring-centre-for-high-performance-sport.aspx)
Varsity Centre: (http://physical.utoronto.ca/FacilitiesAndMemberships/Varsity_Centre.aspx) Ice Skating, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball. Ultimate Frisbee is in Back Campus East Field.
There are Physics teams in various intramural leagues on campus, including winter ice hockey, summer soccer, volleyball, basketball and autumn ultimate Frisbee.
The Graduate Student Union (GSU) gymnasium is also available for bookings by any graduate student for one hour periods. For further information, please visit http://www.utgsu.ca/athletics.
We now have a ping-pong table in the Graduate Student Lounge (MP110). For more information, please contact PGSA.