Intellectual well-being

Expanding one’s knowledge, improving skills, and engaging in stimulating and creative activities

Students in a classroom listening to a lecture

As a university student, intellectual opportunities are abundant through coursework, research opportunities, and campus clubs and events. Strive to balance intellectual well-being outside of academic settings such as through cultural and artistic experiences, community involvement and hobbies.

The importance of intellectual well-being doesn’t end once you graduate and continues to be supported through practicing critical thinking, stimulating curiosity and engaging in life-long learning. Taking care of your intellectual needs may lead to long-term benefits like improved cognition and memory.

Support your intellectual well-being

Participate in activities to stimulate your mental capacity such as crosswords, Sudoku, word searches or reading.

Learn a new skill such as speaking another language, playing an instrument or sewing.

Keep a journal to organize your thoughts and reflect on current life events.

Practice critical thinking by engaging in personal and classroom discussions and asking questions.

Embrace lifelong learning to gain knowledge from others and be open to new perspectives.

Reflection

  • Am I confident in my ability to find solutions to my problems?
  • Am I confident about my academic major decisions, and is my degree consistent with my values?
  • Am I interested in learning new things and confident that I can learn new skills?
  • Do I engage in intellectually engaging activities and explore, learn, and utilize the activities in the classroom and beyond?
  • Do I feel that my education is a priority?
  • Do I feel challenged by my academic career?
  • Am I able to manage my academic workload?

Intellectual well-being resources

Academic Advising Counseling Services Disability Resource Center Extended Studies First in the Pack Honors College Math Center McNair Scholars TRiO Scholars Tutoring Center Undergraduate Research University Studies Abroad Consortium Writing Speaking Center