University marks a time of independence and discovery, with many students due to leave home for the first time and experience living away from their families. Whilst this can be an exciting time it’s also a time of change and major upheaval which can be daunting or lonely. It’s not uncommon to feel homesick, worried about money, anxious about meeting new people, and of course, overwhelmed with course deadlines, which can be made harder by being away from families and friends who would usually provide support.
As such, Danielle Panton, Mental Health Nurse at Bupa UK Insurance has shared her top five tips for university students on how to take care of their mental health during this time:
- Be open with your university
If you’re struggling with things like stress, anxiety, or a lack of support then make sure you reach out to your university. They’re likely to have helpful resources such as counselling services which often don’t require you to make an appointment with your GP or have a formal diagnosis. Your university can also help organise arrangements for your course work such as extended deadlines which can help reduce academic pressures.
- Get into a healthy routine
Making time for exercise will boost mood, fitness, self-esteem, sleep quality and energy. This can be as simple as walking to class, or it could be joining a gym or uni sports team. Your university may even have partnerships with local gyms or leisure centres which means you could get a discounted rate if you join.
- Keep a healthy diet
Cooking can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before but it’s important to keep a healthy balanced diet to fuel your body. Cooking meals in bulk and having them over a number of days or stored in the freezer can be a cost and time-effective way to eat healthily. You can also find plenty of recipes online that cater to your skill level or take into account factors like cost, dietary requirements, and cooking time.
- Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep
A healthy routine which includes plenty of sleep will keep your immune system strong and help you fight off colds and fresher’s flu! It can also reduce your stress levels and help you look after your mental wellbeing.
- Talk it out
Sometimes just talking about how you feel can provide a sense of comfort and relief. Try setting aside time each week to speak to your family and friends from back home either over the phone or through a video call. You may also find that fellow students feel the same way. Try looking into the kinds of peer support your university offers, these can be groups on campus, in your halls, or on your course and give you the chance to speak to other students who are experiencing similar emotions.
For more information and tips on staying healthy and accessing support at university, please see here for Bupa’s Student Survival Guide.
