The college experience can be a stressful one for students, especially around the holidays and finals. Having a university that can be there for the mental health needs of its student population is important and UCF has been acknowledged by The Princeton Review for this commitment.

Recently, UCF was named to The Princeton Review’s 2025 Mental Health Services Honor Roll. The honor roll features 16 institutions who have shown a strong commitment to their student’s mental health and well-being. Distinctions included overall administrative support for campus mental health and well-being through its policies including commitments to staffing and student support. The list also looked at the campus’ quality of life that is both healthy and attentive to overall well-being, and how well a school is empowering its students to address their own mental health through education programs and peer-to-peer offerings.

The Mental Health Services Honor Roll was developed for the benefit of students looking for, heading to, or currently enrolled in colleges; that they might see the types of services provided.

The Princeton Review noted UCF’s committed to mental health advocacy by providing reliable resources that students can access help and develop successful coping mechanisms through. Through programs such as Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), which is free to all enrolled students, UCF is able to assist with a wide range of free mental health services such as single, solution-focused sessions, short-term individual and relationship counseling, and crisis services. CAPS also provides mental health support on a variety of stressors ranging from panic attacks to academic difficulty. Students are also able to meet via anonymous screening, one-off counseling session, telemental video, or group therapy. CAPS also has drop-ins and scheduled appointments, and there’s a 24-hour hotline that will immediately connect them to a licensed therapist should they need it.

UCF’s events and course offerings to students were also noted by The Princeton Review. Paws-a-tively Events brings animals to campus to help reduce stress and improve mood. Field of Memories: Be Aware, Show You Care is designed to bolster awareness of suicide on college campuses. Students can attend classes like MIEA Intro to Mindfulness, a series of four 90-minute courses that teach mindfulness and meditation techniques. There are also free one-off hour-long monthly workshops conveniently held online, ranging from “The 7 Types of Rest” to “Managing ADHD Symptoms.”

The system of peer support was also spotlighted. With Togetherall, a free 24/7 online platform, students at UCF and elsewhere can anonymously connect and discuss anything that’s bothering them. It also provides self-assessment tools and always has trained professionals on hand. There are also student-run organizations that promote mental health awareness, such as Active Minds. Members encourage their classmates to fight the stigma of mental health disorders, recognize the warning signs, and take proactive steps to ensure they stay healthy. Students can also participate in To Knights, With Love, a campus chapter of the global organization More Love Letters. Created to help foster supportive, loving environments, the group crafts uplifting letters for their peers and leaves them around campus.

In addition to the services highlighted, there are also other resources to help students balance their schoolwork with opportunities to refresh and recharge.

Academic Support

If you are looking for some additional support with particular classes, check out Study Union now through Dec. 4. The office is open Monday to Friday from 7 to midnight, Saturday from 9 to midnight, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Special operating hours may apply according to the University’s academic calendar and scheduling policies.

Before and during final exam week, the Student Academic Resource Center will host multiple in-person and virtual final exam review sessions spanning a variety of academic subjects.

Academic Services helps you navigate state and university policies related to academic record changes, curriculum file management, degree audits and graduation requirements. For more information about any of these services, visit Millican Hall, room 161.

Mental Health Resources

It’s important to prioritize taking care of your mental health. Take advantage of these resources here at UCF to help you:

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): CAPS offers free mental health walk-ins, and their 24/7 crisis hotline can be reached by calling 407-823-2811 and pressing 5.
• Therapy Assistance Online (TAO): TAO is a self-guided interactive program that aids with managing anxiety, depression and other concerns.
• Togetherall: Togetherall is a peer-to-peer space to connect with others experiencing similar feelings in a supportive environment, with trained professionals on hand 24/7.

Well-being Services

If you are facing unexpected challenges, reach out to Student Care Services for wrap-around care and support. The office can be reached by calling 407-823-5607, emailing caremanager@ucf.edu and by submitting a Student of Concern form for yourself or a fellow Knight.

Wellness and Health Promotion Services offers wellness coaching to assist with your health goals and help you make lifestyle changes to optimize your well-being. Staff can help with nutrition, physical activity, stress management and more. Call 407-823-5841 to make an appointment.

Other UCF Resources

UCF has an abundance of additional resources available to you. Whether you need them now or down the road, please do not hesitate to reach out.

• Knights Helping Knights Pantry: available for Knights who need support with items such as food, clothing and toiletries.
• Student Legal Services: offers free legal advice, consultation and court representation in select areas of law that students encounter most often, including lease agreements and assistance.
• Emergency Funding: for those who are facing financial insecurity, contact Student Care Services for an application to be considered for emergency funds.
• Ombuds Office: provides all members of the university community with an independent, confidential and neutral place to share concerns and seek resolution.
• Report a Concern: use this website as a guide to report an incident or concern.