Transitioning to college life is a critical period that can be full of adversities. Many college students face stress and other health problems because of these challenges. We understand how these challenges might increasingly affect students who are living outside of home, which is why we are outlining strategies and helpful resources below to take care of your health.
SUS services are offered by the Basic Health Unit (UBS), which also offers services from the Equipe de Saúde da Família, where patients have access to primary health care through appointments with family care, gynecology and pediatrics. In São João del-Rei, available locations can be found through this link.
Urgent care units (UPAs) are open 24/7. The service is free, but be prepared to wait a long time, depending on the severity of your case.
In case of emergencies, go to the Emergency Care Unit (UPA) 24h. UPA is responsible for evaluation, risk classification, and for transfering more serious cases to Hospital Nossa Senhora das Mercês or to Santa Casa de Misericórdia.
If you are experiencing an emergency that needs immeadiate medical attention call:
192 - Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU)
Provides urgent and emergency care through ambulances anywhere you need. The team is composed of doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, and paramedics.
193 - Fire Department
Can be contacted to assist with fires and other accidents. The team provides pre-hospital care to trauma victims at various levels, ex: bone fractures, car accidents, etc.
190 - Military Police
Should be contacted when you are in need of urgent assistance. They can be called when experiencing or witnessing a crime such as assault, theft, or any other instance of illegal activity.
UPA is part of the Brazilian national health system which operates 24/7 and works together with the network of fixed pre-hospital services for emergencies. It provides care to patients with severe and non-severe clinical conditions and for surgical and traumatic injuries. The UPA also stabilizes patients, conducts their initial diagnostic evaluation, and refers those who need further treatment. In case of an emergency, call SAMU or go to a physical location.
R. Mal. Ciro Espírito Santo Cardoso, 173 - Caieiras
Open 24/7
Phone: (32) 3373-4111
National Health Card (CNS) - Identifying documents of SUS:
Contains: Personal data (name, mother`s name, date of birth. etc), contact information (phone number, address, email), CPF and ID number.
CNS is your identification to link you to the SUS database.
It also helps with the acquisition of medicines in the Popular Pharmacy Program.
The Citzen Health Portal allows people with a CNS number to access the SUS database.
AME is the result of a partnership between UFSJ and the Health Department of São João del-Rei.
The health center, located at the Dom Bosco Campus, offers specialized and free clinical care to the population of the city and surrounding region in the areas of Pediatrics, Nephrology, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, and Outpatient Surgery. Medical students provide care to patients under the supervision of professors from the Medical School.
The clinic operates Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with appointments scheduled upon referral by a physician from a Basic Health Unit (UBS). UFSJ students may request appointments without a referral from the UBS.
Source: https://ufsj.edu.br/ascom/boletim1497.php#N1. Accessed on June 18, 2025.
CEM is part of the President Tancredo de Almeida Neves University Center (UNIPTAN - Afya) and offers free medical and dental care to the population of São João del Rei through the Unified Health System (SUS) in partnership with the city government.
The services are provided by students from the university center's health area, always supervised by a professor specializing in the respective medical field.
Attention: CEM does not respond to emergencies, only to pre-scheduled appointments. Depending on the medical area, it might have low or no availablity, so try to schedule it in advance.
To check the specialties offered and obtain more information regarding appointments, consultations, and necessary documentation:
Look for the center
Av. Oito de Dezembro, 99 - Centro (From 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.)
Or call
Phone: (32) 3371-7384
Hospital de Nossa Senhora das Mercês is a philanthropic hospital situated in São João del-Rei that offers services to 51 municipalities within Minas Gerais. It is the only hospital in the area that qualified in high complexity orthopedics, clinical dentistry, and has 20 ICUs and 15 long-term care units.
If you are using SUS, in case of emergency you should go to UPA first so that you can be referred to a hospital. If you have health insurance, you can have direct access to hospital services.
To check the specialties offered and obtain more information about appointments and consultations, see the information below:
Praça Barão de Tremembé, 31 - Centro
Open 24 hours
Phone: (32) 3379-2800
Santa Casa de Misericórdia provides health and social care services. This institution operates hospitals, outpatient clinics, specialized clinics, intensive care units, and rehabilitation centers, and offers support programs for individuals with substance dependencies in various cities. This is considered one of São João del-Rei's highly specialized hospitals. Besides that, they offer clinical appointments where it is possible to pay out of pocket or with health insurance.
If you are using SUS, in case of emergency you should go first to UPA so you can be referred to a hospital. If you have health insurance, you can have direct access to Santa Casa's emergency room.
To check the specialties offered and obtain more information about appointments and consultations, see the information below:
Av. Tiradentes, 389 - Centro
Open 24 hours
Phone: (32) 3379-2000
São João has various options to obtain necessary medicines. Below are a few sugestions:
Araújo, Drogasil, etc. (More options are shown on the internet)
The Popular Pharmacy Program - PFPB of Brasil is a Federal Governmental Program that strives to provide Primary Healthcare Medicines.
For more information: https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/acesso-a-informacao/acoes-e-programas/farmacia-popular/farmacia-popular
The first step to good mental health is finding ways to take care of yourself while at home.
Below are some links for good mental health practices:
Mental Health Unit
Offers individual and group psychotherapy, open from 7:00-5:00 from Monday to Friday.
R. Carvalho Resende, 123 - Centro, São João del Rei - MG, 36300-032
(32) 3371-4619
University Support Network: PROAE
The Deanery of Student Affairs offers several mental health resources for undergraduate students transitioning to a new environment, including Programa Acolher and group therapy, among others.
Programa Acolher e outros projetos
Federal Government Support Networks
For urgent care, there are 24-hour support networks available as listed:
MoviMente Group
This group offers therapeutic discussions and collective practices for emotional regulation. Psychology students from UFSJ organize it, accompanied by a professor.
SPA UFSJ
The Psychology program offers free therapy to all UFSJ students and guides you to professionals affiliated with the course who provide individual therapy at a lower cost. It is important to note that there is a waiting list.
Medita IF
An extension program from IF Sudeste MG that promotes group meditation both in person and online. The in-person meetings are held weekly at Dom Bosco campus.
Other Programs
Explore other programs, such as groups and extension projects, offered by UFSJ Psychology students. These are usually open to the community.
UFSJ Psychology Extension Projects
DailyStrength
Online support groups for a variety of mental health conditions, which allow members to share stories and provide mutual support.
DailyStrength: Online Support Groups and Forums
Escuta Aqui
A platform that offers online therapy to university students, along with specialized care and affordable prices.
Terapia Online | escutaaqui | Saúde Mental
There are many resources online to help you take care of your mental health when you are getting used to living in a new place.
Instagram:
Tips and plans to take care of your mental health. The profile shares information on how you can establish healthier routines to improve your quality of life.
Writer and illustrator who talks about mental health,
Mental health awareness for women.
Helping everyone access mental health services at accessible prices.
Youtube:
Videos about stress and anxiety.
Ansiedade no presente e no futuro | Dra. Ana Beatriz Barbosa Silva | TEDxFortaleza
LABIRINTO - Um documentário sobre saúde mental na Universidade
Normalidade: O que é estar bem na era do adoecimento mental | Manoel Vicente De Barros | TEDxCuiabá
Podcasts:
Podcast "Mamilos" – Episódio: Saúde mental nas universidades
TikTalks – Saúde Mental no Ensino Superior
CEMUFCast – Saúde Universitária em Foco
The main challenges students face on a day-to-day basis at university.
Listen on Spotify
The Happiness Lab
Scientific reports that study what really makes us happy.
10% Happier
Meditation and how we can find inner peace.
Meditative Story
Combines personal stories, guided meditations, and original music to promote personal reflection and relaxation techniques.