Brave Wellness

Brave Wellness is your go-to resource for health and well-being at UNC Pembroke. We’re here to help you feel your best mentally, physically  and emotionally so you can make the most of your time on campus. Whether you need tools to manage stress, want to explore self-care strategies or are looking for wellness-focused events, we've got you covered.

What We Offer

Wellness Resources
Find guides, handouts and toolkits on everything from sleep and nutrition to mindfulness and mental health. UNCP provides easy-to-access information that helps you stay balanced and informed.

Signature Events & Campaigns
Throughout the year, UNCP hosts interactive events like De-Stress Fest, Pony Palooza, and other wellness events designed to give you opportunities to connect, recharge and learn in fun and supportive environments.

Workshops & Outreach
Student Health Services, Counseling & Psychological Services and Campus Recreation all offer educational sessions and collaborate across campus to support a culture of well-being.

A UNCP student participating in Pony Palooza

Why It Matters

College life is exciting—full of new opportunities, people and experiences. But it can also feel overwhelming at times. At UNC Pembroke, we’re here to help you stay grounded through it all. From mental health resources to wellness programs and supportive communities, you’ll find tools to manage stress, maintain balance and build healthy habits that last far beyond college. We want you to thrive, not just in the classroom, but in every area of your life.

Discover how UNCP supports your whole journey—inside and outside the classroom.
Explore the Brave Experience
Students in a yoga class

Wellness Tips

A student in UNCP's welding program

Occupational Wellness

Explore career paths that align with your strengths.
College is the perfect time to discover what kind of work excites you and what doesn’t. UNCP offers tools and guidance to help you find a path that fits your goals and values.

Practice healthy work-life balance early.
Learning to set boundaries between school, work and personal time can help prevent burnout and boost your overall well-being. Start building those habits now.

Keep moving. Your body (and brain) will thank you.
Even a quick walk between classes or around campus can help clear your mind, improve focus and reduce stress.

Learn to handle conflict with confidence and respect.
College is a great place to develop your communication skills. Whether in group projects or future jobs, addressing issues calmly and professionally is an important life skill.

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Career Center

Handshake

The Graduate School

UNCP students launching a small rocket

Intellectual Wellness

Make time for fun—just because.
Not every skill or activity needs to go on a résumé. Pick up a hobby simply because it brings you joy. It's a great way to de-stress and stay balanced.

Read for growth and enjoyment.
Try setting a personal goal to read a few books each month. Whether it’s fiction, self-help or something thought-provoking, reading helps sharpen your mind and broaden your perspective.

Push your limits in healthy ways.
College is full of opportunities to step out of your comfort zone. Seek out challenges that help you grow—academically, socially and personally.

Learn on the go with podcasts.
Whether you're walking to class or winding down at night, podcasts are an easy way to dive into topics that interest you—anything from wellness and world issues to pop culture and true crime.

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Mary Livermore Library

Writing Center

Accessibility Resource Center

Center for Student Success

Students from UNCP's class of 2025 posing for a picture

Social Wellness

Create meaningful connections.
Strong relationships, whether with friends, mentors or classmates, can encourage personal growth and mutual support. Surround yourself with people who help you thrive.

Develop healthy conflict resolution skills.
Learning how to navigate disagreements with respect and maturity is key to building lasting relationships—in college and beyond.

Build a support system you can count on.
Having people who keep you grounded, motivated, and accountable makes all the difference. UNCP offers plenty of spaces to find your circle.

Get involved and give back.
Joining student organizations or participating in service opportunities helps you connect with your campus and community—and makes a positive impact along the way.

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Involvement Opportunities

Fitness & Recreation

Leadership, Learning & Community

 

UNCP students learning about finance

Financial Wellness

Spend wisely and live within your means.
Learning to manage your money starts with covering your essentials first, like bills, food and housing. Set aside savings when you can and leave room for unexpected expenses.

Protect your financial information.
Keep your bank accounts and financial tools secure with strong passwords. Review your account info regularly to make sure everything is accurate and up to date.

Create a monthly budget and stick to it.
Budgeting helps you track where your money goes and keeps your spending in check. It’s one of the most important habits you can build in college.

Stay on top of debt.
From student loans to credit cards, managing debt responsibly is essential. Understanding your obligations now can help you avoid stress later.

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Financial Aid

Braves Resource Center

UNCP students on a boat trip

Environmental Wellness

Slow down and connect with your surroundings.
Take a moment each day to be present, breathe in the fresh air, notice the trees and appreciate the wildlife around campus. Mindfulness starts with awareness.

Ditch the disposables.
Carry a reusable water bottle or cup you enjoy using. It’s a small change that makes a big impact on reducing waste.

Reduce, reuse, recycle—creatively.
Recycling isn’t just about bins. Repurpose materials like cardboard or plastic into creative projects and be mindful of what you toss out.

Save water with simple habits.
Something as small as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth helps conserve water and protect natural resources.

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Campus Garden & Apiary

Housing & Residence Life

UNCP students particiapting in a cultural fashion show

Cultural Wellness

Learn to live respectfully with people from different walks of life.
College brings together students from a variety of places and backgrounds. Developing mutual respect and understanding helps you build strong relationships wherever life takes you.

Take time to learn about different lifestyles and experiences.
Whether it’s through reading, conversation or coursework, gaining insight into how others live can help you grow as a thoughtful and well-rounded individual.

Travel when you can.
Exploring different parts of the country, or even the world, can give you a fresh perspective and help you better understand how others live and what matters to them.

Attend events that help you see the world in new ways.
Look for campus and community programs that highlight traditions, customs, or ideas that may be different from your own. It’s a great way to stay curious and connected.

CAMPUS RESOURCES

American Indian Heritage Center

Global Engagement

Student Organizations

An F45 class at UNCP

Physical Wellness

Stay active in ways that work for you.
Aim to move your body 3 to 4 times a week with activities that suit your interests and needs. Whether it’s lifting weights, HIIT workouts, walking, biking, swimming, dancing, yoga, or playing recreational sports like basketball or soccer—choose what you enjoy most.

Prioritize good sleep habits.
Getting enough restful sleep each night is essential. Avoid long naps during the day so your nighttime sleep stays on track.

Keep up with regular health checkups.
Don’t skip annual doctor visits. If cost or insurance is a concern, there are affordable healthcare options available—UNCP can help guide you.

Eat in a way that supports your unique body. Stay hydrated.
A balanced diet looks different for everyone, influenced by culture, metabolism, and personal needs. Listen to your body and nourish it accordingly.

Stay hydrated.
Drink plenty of water every day to keep your body functioning at its best.

Recognize and manage stress.
Stress can impact your body and mind if left unchecked. Learn to notice signs of stress and consider tracking vital signs to better understand how your body responds.

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Fitness & Recreation

Student Health Services

UNCP students in a yoga class

Spiritual Wellness

Spiritual wellness is personal and it looks different for everyone.
For some, it’s rooted in religious beliefs; for others, it may come from a sense of purpose, reflection or connection. There’s no single path.

Take time to reflect.
Whether it’s a major life event or a quiet moment in your day, reflection helps you process experiences and grow from them.

Live by your values.
Knowing what you believe in—and staying true to it—can guide your choices and help you feel more grounded.

Surround yourself with people who respect your beliefs.
Whether through conversation, shared experiences, or quiet understanding, being around others who support your values can strengthen your sense of self.

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Counseling & Psychological Services

Student Organizations

A UNCP student hugging a mini pony at a De-Stress Fest week

Emotional Wellness

Create a life that reflects you.
There’s no one-size-fits-all path. Your experiences, interests and goals make your life meaningful in your own way.

Be open to change—it’s part of the journey.
Life moves quickly and often unexpectedly. Building flexibility and a positive mindset can help you navigate whatever comes your way.

Know when to seek support.
Everyone faces challenges. It’s okay to talk to someone, whether that’s a counselor, mentor or trusted resource, when you need extra support or perspective.

Build emotional awareness.
Learning how to understand and express your feelings in a healthy way is an important skill. It helps with relationships, decision-making and managing stress.

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Counseling & Psychological Services

CARE Team

Wellness Ambassadors

The Wellness Ambassadors program empowers students to take the lead in promoting health and wellness across campus. These student leaders provide education, outreach and peer support through events and campaigns that focus on mental, emotional and physical well-being.

Ambassadors Help With

  • Educating peers about topics like stress management, nutrition and mental health
  • Leading workshops and wellness campaigns
  • Connecting students to on-campus resources
  • Creating a culture of health through peer-to-peer engagement

Request a Presentation

Student Health Services (SHS) offers educational presentations to support the health and wellness of our campus community. Whether you're a faculty member, student leader, or staff advisor, our team is happy to speak to your class, student organization, residence hall or campus group.

We offer presentations on a variety of topics, including:

  • Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training
    (5–35 participants required)

  • Sex Ed 101

  • Nutrition at UNCP

  • Relationship Goals

  • Let’s Talk About Consent

  • Stress & Sleep Hygiene

Don’t see what you’re looking for? We’re happy to customize a session to fit your group’s needs—just let us know in the request form.

Please submit requests at least 2 weeks in advance. Double-check your contact information so we can follow up with you directly.

Submit a Presentation Request
Image of a stethoscope