College life can get so busy – tests, papers, work study, meetings, and games – that it’s easy to let important things like nutrition, fitness, and sleep slide. Your energy dips, you yawn through class, your jeans tighten and stress creeps in.
ETSU understands. And we offer resources to help you get – and stay – on track with various aspects of your health.
Nutrition
Sure, you’ll occasionally grab fast food on the go when your schedule is tight, and ETSU has plenty of delicious (and healthy) options for that. But be intentional about good nutrition. Keep healthy snacks in your room and backpack, and make frequent visits to the Dining Hall, where you can choose from a variety of nutritious entrees and sides to create well-rounded meals. Learn more at ETSU Dining Services.
Fitness
Named a Top Adventure College in the Southeast, ETSU makes physical fitness fun and easy.
Campus Recreation and the Basler Center for Physical Activity (CPA) feature weights and cardio equipment, an indoor track, basketball/volleyball courts, an indoor climbing wall, a swimming pool, and studios for aerobics, indoor cycling, yoga and martial arts. Personal training is available, and group fitness classes include something for everyone.
The CPA’s Outdoor Adventure Center coordinates intramural sports and the Basler Team Challenge and Aerial Adventure Course. It also offers rentals of bikes, kayaks and other outdoor equipment for students to enjoy on their own or on organized adventures.
Check out the University Woods and Trail System for a calming, relaxing walk. And don’t forget – walking to class from your residence hall or the parking lot counts as exercise!
Off campus, opportunities for physical fitness abound. With new sidewalks and a bike lane, the recently completed West Walnut Street corridor allows easy access to downtown Johnson City, where Founders Park is also a great place to walk or run. Our location in the Southern Appalachian Mountain region provides lots of trails, and just a few blocks from campus at 116 Van Brocklin Way, Johnson City, is the trailhead of the Tweetsie Trail, a former railroad track now used for walking, running and biking.
Sleep
Skip the all-nighter. Missing sleep raises stress, hurts focus and impacts your health. Make your health the priority and get your zzzzs!
Mental Health
Juggling classes, studying, work, student activities and all that comes with being in college is a lot, so look for healthy ways to manage the stress. In addition to eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep, take a few moments each day to unplug, breathe deeply and decompress with a good book, time with friends, a favorite game or a hobby.
If you need help managing stress or navigating life’s concerns, just ask. Our ETSU Counseling Center is a great mental health resource, offering personal and group counseling, workshops, “Let’s Talk” drop-in sessions and more. The Counseling Center is located in room 326 of the D.P. Culp Student Center and may be reached at (423) 439-3333. Visit the center’s website at etsu.edu/students/counseling/ to learn more about its services and find helpful resources.
The Counseling Center also offers the BucsPress 2 help line. If you are in an emotional crisis and need to talk and feel supported, call (423) 439-4841, then press 2 for free, confidential crisis counseling over the phone.
Health clinic
Feeling under the weather? Has it been a while since your last physical? The University Health Center – operated by the ETSU College of Nursing and located in Nicks Hall, suite 160 – offers a range of medical services to ETSU students. These include acute care and sick visits, physicals, medication management, behavioral health and counseling services, men’s and women’s health exams, health education, allergy injections, vaccinations, screenings and more. Students paying a health service fee as part of their tuition may be seen without an office visit charge, although some fees apply. Visit the UHC website for complete information.
Dental clinic
When was the last time you visited your dentist’s office for a regular cleaning and checkup? The Dental Hygiene Clinic operated by the dental hygiene program in the Department of Allied Health Sciences is here for you in room 134 of Lamb Hall. Students can receive a thorough examination, dental cleaning, and more at no charge (nominal fees apply for sealants, copying X-rays to send to your dentist, and other items). Visit the clinic’s website to learn more.
