Student Wellness Services
Access a range of wellness services to support your physical & mental well-being.
Welcome to UCT Student Wellness Services Aiding All Aspects of Your Well-being
At the Department of Student Affairs, we recognise that maintaining your health is just as crucial as your academic success. The Student Wellness Service (SWS) is dedicated to providing comprehensive health and counselling services.
Emergency Contacts
Book a Medical Service
From routine consultations to specialised care, we cover all aspects of your health
Mental Health Support
Support services to assist you in navigating emotional and psychological challenges.
About Student Wellness Services
Promoting Holistic Health and Wellness for All UCT Students
Explore the comprehensive health and counselling services, designed to support your well-being throughout your academic journey. Learn about our medical services, mental health support, and wellness programmes that cater to the diverse needs of all students.
Professional Healthcare
Proactive Mental Health Support
Dedicated to Holistic Student Well-being
Medical Services
Our team of accredited healthcare professionals provides a wide range of medical services aimed at keeping students healthy and informed. From routine clinical consultations to specialised care, we cover all aspects of student health, including:
- Primary Care
- Chronic Condition Management
- Physiotherapy and Travel Health
- Preventative & Reproductive Care
- Minor Surgical Procedures
Mental Health Support
Our Counselling and Psychological Support services are designed to assist you in navigating personal, emotional, and psychological challenges that may impact your academic and personal success. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals is here to offer support through a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to meet your individual needs.
- Individual Counselling
- Group Counselling
- Crisis Intervention
- Virtual Counselling Options
- Specialised Referrals
Pharmacy Services
Designed to ensure all students have convenient and reliable access to medications and professional pharmaceutical advice. Our on-campus pharmacy is staffed by knowledgeable pharmacists who are committed to supporting your health needs.
- Medication Dispensing
- Health and Medication Advice
- Repeat Prescriptions
- Specialised Medications
For a collection of repeat medication (strictly for students who have an existing prescription at the Pharmacy), please use the online booking system.
Tel.: 021 650 7321
Emergency Contacts
Our Emergency Contact Information section provides vital contact details and guidance for various urgent situations. Whether you need immediate medical assistance, mental health support, or other emergency services, this comprehensive resource ensures you have quick and easy access to the help you need, any time of the day.
24-hour Hospital Emergency Units:
| Hospital Name | Address | Area | Contact Number (Switchboard) | Contact Number (Appointments) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Groote Schuur Hospital | Main Road | Observatory | 021 404 9111 | 021 404 5566 |
| Life Claremont Hospital | 245 Main Road | Claremont | 021 670 4300 | |
| Vincent Pallotti Hospital | Alexandra Road | Pinelands | 021 506 5111 | |
| Kingsbury Hospital | Wilderness Lane | Claremont | 021 670 4000 | |
| Rondebosch Medical Centre | 85 Klipfontein Road | Mowbray | 021 685 8706 | |
Ambulance Services:
State: 10177 or Private: ER24 084124
For further information, see:
Mental Health & Counselling
UCT Student Careline: Call 0800 24 25 26 or text 31393 (toll-free from a Telkom line / SMS call-back service).
- 24/7 telephonic counselling, advice, referral, and general support for students facing mental health challenges or contemplating suicide.
- Advises and refers students to both UCT resources and external mental health services.
- Please use the Careline while waiting for appointments at the Student Wellness Service.
- This service is provided by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).
SWS Crisis Line for Psychiatric Emergencies (after hours): 021 650 1271
Higher Health Counselling: 0800 36 36 36
For more, view the Emergency protocol for a student in a mental health crisis on campus.
Sexual Assault:
UCT Office for Inclusivity & Change (OIC)
Tel: 021 650 3530 or 072 393 7824
UCT Campus Protection Services (CPS)
Tel: 021 650 2222/3 (24-hours)
Reproductive Health:
The Marie Stopes Clinic
Tel: 0800 11 77 85 (toll-free)
- Safe abortions
- Contraceptives
- Pregnancy care
- HIV and STI testing
- Women’s wellness & Pap smears
Emergency Contraception: The "morning after pill" is available at pharmacies, emergency hospital units or via Marie Stopes Telemedicine Services.
Pharmacies:
Webb & Savoy
34 Cnr Main & Durban Roads, Mowbray
Tel: 021 689 8923
Mon–Sat: 08h00–21h00; Sun: 09h00–21h00
Rustenburg Pharmacy
Fountain Square, Main Road, Rondebosch
Tel: 021 686 3997
Mon–Sat: 08h30–22h00; Sun: 09h00–22h00
Clicks Pharmacy
Fountain Square, 23 Main Road, Rondebosch
Tel: 021 689 8973
Mon–Sat: 08h30–19h30
Poisons Units:
24-hour Emergency Number: 0861 555 777
Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape
Red Cross Hospital: 021 685 5111 (office hours)
Tygerberg Hospital: 021 938 6084 (office hours)
The Peer Intervention Programme at Student Wellness Service (SWS) focuses on counselling, health and wellness, academic support, and social-emotional adjustment, with professional social workers and UCT postgraduate students providing psychosocial support, academic guidance, and advice through individual counselling.
Student Wellness Services FAQs
Answers to common questions about your wellness while striving for excellence.
Practice mindfulness, take regular breaks, and seek counselling when needed.
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Basic consultations and mental health support are typically provided free of charge to UCT students, but additional fees may apply for specific tests or external referrals.
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Yes, walk-in services are available for students with high-risk symptoms during office hours. However, a confirmed booking is required for other services.
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SWS offers mental health support including counselling, access to the UCT Student Careline, and mental health apps like Panda and Vimbo.
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Plan meals in advance, choose affordable staples, and avoid processed foods.
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Join a peer programme and establish a consistent bedtime routine and limit screen time before bed.
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Reach out to SWS for support, and try breathing exercises or journaling.
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SWS offers support for substance use and addiction, including counselling and access to relevant resources on managing and overcoming addiction.
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Tips & Topics
Dive into our Wellness Insights Library for valuable resources and guides on a healthier lifestyle or overall wellness.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Adjustment to university life | Download |
| Alcohol abuse | Download |
| Communicable diseases | GMCD Guidelines | Isolation Precautions | Infection Prevention |
| Chickenpox | Read More |
| Contraceptives | Contraceptive Methods | Hormonal Contraceptives | Contraceptive Tool |
| Depression | Download |
| Grief and loss | Download |
| Growing up... and going away | Download |
| HIV | HIV and AIDS | HIV and STIs |
| Identity | Download |
| Influenza | Flu Season 2024 | Influenza FAQs |
| UCT Student Careline | Read More |
| SWS Offerings (2024) | Read More |
| Ollie Health Group Therapy | Read More |
| Panda Mental Health App | Read More |
| Vimbo Mental Health App | Read More |
| Holistic Physiocare | Read More |
| Psychiatric Emergencies Flowchart | Read More |
| UCT Student Mental Health Policy | Read More |
| Stay healthy during exams | Download |
| Stress management | Download |
| STI’s (sexually transmitted infections) | Read More |
| Substance addiction | Download |
| Substance use, abuse, and dependence | Download |
| Trauma | Download |
| TB (Tuberculosis) | Read More |
Frameworks & Protocols
Key Student Policies and Guidelines
Explore essential student policies and guidelines covering funding, mental health, housing, and governance.
