Colleges prescribe nature to boost student wellbeing
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Across the United States, colleges are starting to offer “social prescriptions”, referrals to non-medical activities, to address a growing mental health crisis among students.
Cornell University pioneered one such program, NatureRx, which encourages students to spend time in nature to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Faculty members created NatureRx after recognizing the positive impact of campus gardens on their own wellbeing. Now, Cornell embeds nature activities into student health records and measures the results.
Physicians explain the physiological benefits of nature to students, framing it as a medical treatment. The university’s program has expanded to include guided nature walks and student-run clubs. Data from Cornell shows that over 85 percent of students who received a nature prescription reported improved mood and reduced stress. Beyond Cornell, over 120 colleges and universities have joined the Campus Nature Rx Network to build their own programs.
Other schools, like the University of Arizona and Stanford University, are partnering with companies like SocialRx to connect students with arts and cultural experiences. The University of Michigan and New York University are also developing innovative approaches, including undergraduate courses focused on social prescribing and programs using activities like basketball to address student wellbeing. These initiatives come as demand for campus mental health services increases and studies show rising rates of depression and anxiety among college students.
