A student at Cornell University, during a guided nature walk, paused and remarked, "This is the first time I've actually touched grass," according to DailyGood. The statement, made amid the campus's gorges and botanic gardens, highlights a growing concern: students are increasingly disconnected from the natural world, a factor contributing to a mental health crisis on college campuses.
In response, universities across the United States are adopting social prescribing, a practice originating in the United Kingdom where physicians issue formal referrals—documented in electronic health records—for activities such as spending time in nature, engaging with art, physical movement, or community participation. These referrals serve as a complement to traditional counseling and medication.
At Cornell, the approach has yielded measurable results. Last year, more than 2,200 students received nature prescriptions, and 88 percent of them reported an improved mood. At Stanford University, a dedicated care navigator facilitates connections to pottery classes, dance workshops, and live performances; 80 percent of students who participated reported better mental health.
These programs underscore a fundamental insight: that belonging, beauty, and sensory engagement are not optional luxuries but essential components of well-being. The student who touched grass for the first time was not exaggerating—she was describing a return to something vital.