Every day, LAU’s counselors help students make the most of university life by empowering them to manage their workload, extracurricular activities and personal concerns. 

 

For second-year communications major Carly Aziz, the service “is not only important, but a must, especially during these hard times.”

 

Counseling is helpful for resolving a full range of challenges, no matter how “small” or serious they may seem (see the list below for examples).

 

“We have assisted students in getting to know their campus, getting involved, staying active on campus, and taking advantage of new opportunities,” said Joumana Haddad, principal counselor on Byblos campus.

 

“This has helped them meet new people with similar interests and alleviated their feelings of homesickness and loneliness,” she added.

 

The past three years have been particularly taxing on students, who have borne their fair share of financial hardship, a pandemic and disruptions to their campus life. 

 

According to Nathalie Medlege, lead counselor on Beirut campus, “a lot of students are noticing that they are having difficulties and are aware of the importance of their mental health. Even if they have enough support from their surroundings, they know they need to supplement it, so they come to us and talk about it.”

 

Faculty, too, have become increasingly aware of students’ need for support, adds Medlege, and take it into consideration. 

 

Free and Confidential

 

Counseling services are free of charge and strictly confidential. They provide a safe environment for students experiencing difficulties, whether on the personal or academic level. The counselors’ offices are easily accessible and conveniently located close to the student lounge.

 

“I think all institutions should consider adding this to their offering, as it normalizes seeking help and goes to show that the university is invested in students’ wellbeing, and not just their academic achievements,” said Aziz.

 

Mission: Empowerment

 

The counselors aim to empower students by giving them the tools they would need to overcome immediate as well as future difficulties. 

 

Second-year multimedia journalism student Lyne Samury finds counseling very helpful. “My counselor provides tactics and tools to help me solve problems on my own,” she noted. 

 

Both counselors agreed that “it is important to seek help when needed, especially when it is available,” for there is no health without mental health.

 

Get some tips and more information on LAU’s counseling services here.

 

15 Things You Can Discuss with a Counselor: