Top Tips for Mental Wellbeing at University

Former Member

With Fresher's Week underway or thereabouts, many of you here at @The Mix will be starting uni for the first time. I remember just how nerve-racking those first few weeks were, especially given that I was dealing with an undiagnosed mental health issue at the time. Not knowing what support there is, or if you even need it, can be very stressful. 

In this thread, it would be great if everyone commented with their top tips for staying mentally well at uni. Make sure to share everything from online resources to self-care exercises! 

Azziman

Hey

This is a great idea - I'm sure a lot of people will find this useful!

I'll start - be organised! Make sure that your flat/hall is kept clean and tidy, and spend some time making everything neat. Having a clean and tidy place to stay helps to put your mind at ease. But also, be organised when it comes to your time. Of course, be sure to spend time at society events, socials, friends etc as having a social life is important, but make sure you leave yourself enough time to get the work done - don't leave things to the last minute!x

Much love

Former Member

I always tried to make sure my room was a calm space for me, I'd definitely recommend decorating your room with some trinkets that make it feel like your space. I also always made sure it was clean and tidy so when I felt overwhelmed with coursework and exams I had a place to go that resembled order 

Former Member

I think finding the balance between spending time alone as 'me time' and socialising is so important as both are vital for positive mental health at University. Whilst time alone can be great, it is important not to isolate yourself which I found out from feeling very lonely at times in University. Making sure you discover the right balance for you, and sticking to it despite exams stress etc, is a really valuable life skill to learn at University. 

Former Member

These are all really great suggestions guys!

I think my top tip would be to get in touch with your university's wellbeing services (especially important if you have a preexisting mental health issue) asap! Just knowing that there's support available if things get tough is a real asset.

JustV

I didn't go to uni so I don't have much lived experience to offer in these threads.

For some people, there's a massive expectation of gaining independence when they go to uni. Obviously that can be a super liberating thing and you should make what you want of the transition, but don't neglect yourself in the process. Lean on friends and family when you need to and, as @Past User rightly pointed out above, look into what support your uni provides so you know what's available to you. Universities tend to be pretty good at looking after their students. A good starting point might be to find your Nightline.

I'd also second everything else that's already been said about looking after your personal spaces and keeping up some sort of social life. Isolation can be a real killer in these situations.

As a sidenote, I take my hat off to y'all who are at uni. It's not an easy thing to undertake. Good luck to anyone starting this September.

Former Member

Make time for yourself is my top tip!

I spent a lot of my first year at uni making ZERO time for myself and putting everybody else/going out drinking etc first. The best thing I've learned now is that people/experiences come and go but you've always gotta live with yourself and try and be happy with yourself - so think about what you like to do for yourself, not for anybody else, and do it!!!

Former Member

If you're living away try to leave your room especially on days you don't have lectures and if you don't live close enough to visit home on weekends. Even for something small like going for a walk. Sometimes when you spend a lot of your time in your room it can feel daunting and it can make you feel worse mentally in the long run bc it can feel like you don't do anything. That's based on my experience anyway

Most uni's have a well being team or counselling team so that's definitely worth checking out. If your uni doesn't have one but has a faith centre you could see if you can talk to someone there even if you are not religious. 

Joining clubs and societies is a great place to make new friends

Former Member

My tip is : if you are struggling with studies, being away from home, basically anything, reach out for support. It's the one thing I regret not doing sooner. My university had a health and wellbeing team that you could book a meeting with if you needed to, I had meetings with them about mental health in second year and they referred me to the university mental health team.

Always reach out if you find yourself struggling, don't try to deal with it completely alone!

Good luck all you Freshers this year! Hope you are enjoying your time at university.

Former Member

Great tips everyone! I love the emphasis on getting support, whether that's making an appointment with your university's wellbeing team or making sure you have a network of friends and peers. 

Another tip that I probably have ignored in the past is exercise! Join a sport's team, head to the gym or even just walk to the shops but make sure to be active for at least 30 minutes every day. I can't stress enough how much better you'll feel just getting out of your room and into the fresh air.