10 ways to look after your mental health at university

A good way to care for your mental health is by establishing a support network, so you never struggle in silence. If you have a pre-existing mental health condition, we recommend disclosing it to your university – as they’ll be able to signpost you to the best student well-being and mental health support services.

Even if you haven’t got a pre-existing condition, having that trusted network is still important. This could be your family and friends back home – remember they’re only a call or text away! And, if you feel comfortable doing so, we recommend reaching out to your new uni friends or flatmates – after all, you’re all in the same boat, and are likely experiencing similar emotions about moving away from home and tackling ‘adulting’ for the first time.

There’s lots to keep up with at university, but it’s important to find a stress-busting outlet that works for you – this could be running, yoga, painting, or simply setting aside time to watch your favourite TV show. You could also consider downloading a mindfulness app, such as Calm or Headspace.

What’s more, if sport’s your thing, it’s worth thinking about getting involved with a university team, as it’ll not only help boost your mood, but will also help you settle in and make new friends with similar interests.

Remember that it’s completely natural to miss home in the first couple of weeks (and, indeed, that odd pangs of homesickness can even appear throughout your uni life). Don’t put extra pressure on yourself by feeling guilty or embarrassed, or comparing yourself to others.

University is packed with new experiences – people to meet, events to attend and places to explore. But remember that you don’t have to say ‘yes’ to everything. If you take on too much, you risk burning out. Remember to set aside that ‘me time’ from tip #2!

Another way to enhance your mood is by surrounding yourself with a calm and welcoming environment. Your university room is the perfect place for this – a relaxing haven away from busy lectures and student life. Check out our recent blog about ways to stamp your personality on your uni room – things like cosy bedding, photos of loved ones and warm lighting will help create the perfect space for any downtime.

Remember to look after your body! Try to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, as this can help boost your mood, energy levels and immune system. For culinary inspiration, check out our top simple student meals.

Exercise can also lift your mood – from going for a walk, doing some yoga, or even having a good dance around the flat! And finally, make sure you're getting enough sleep – which brings us nicely onto the next tip…

We know, we know – partying is part of the student experience. But we recommend keeping an eye on your consumption levels. Remember that alcohol is a depressant! We recently wrote about some fun drink-free night-out activities for you and your flatmates to get stuck into – food crawl, anyone?

Soaking up some natural light can have a huge effect on your mental well-being! According to mental health charity Mind, spending time in nature can improve your mood, reduce feelings of stress and even improve your confidence and self-esteem. Plus, it’s a good excuse to explore the green spaces in your new university town or city!

If you’re feeling anxious about the pandemic, it’s important to take care with where you find your news and health information. Social media is a brilliant way of keeping in touch with loved ones, but it can also be used to spread misinformation. Reliable information includes:

• The UK Government website

• NHS website

• BBC News