University is one of the most exciting and rewarding times of your life – but it also comes with a lot of change.
Moving away from your family and home comforts while adjusting to university life, the academic workload and your newfound independence can be overwhelming. Learning how to look after your mental health is key to staying focused and motivated throughout your studies.
There is a lot you can do to take care of your own wellbeing – engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet and ensuring you get an adequate amount of sleep are just some of those.
However, if you do find yourself struggling, it’s important to seek support when you need it. Whether that's confiding in friends and family or utilising your university's support and wellbeing services.
Speaking from personal experience, here are some of my tips for taking care of your mental health and wellbeing during your studies.
Be disciplined
I didn’t consider the impact of my lifestyle when I started at university; it became the norm to order a takeaway with friends, stay up late and then sleep the next day away. I realised just how damaging this was to my mental health when I found myself stuck in a rut, dealing with anxiety, struggling physically and isolating myself. That was when I first reached out for help from Leeds Trinity.
There are practical steps you can take to manage and alleviate stress. For example, time management is crucial. I don’t just mean getting to a 9:00am lecture on time, but actually setting priorities and breaking down larger tasks into more manageable parts. By setting (and sticking to!) a routine, you’ll be able to balance your work and your personal time.
Socialise
Developing new friendships or joining clubs and societies is a huge part of your university experience. As scary as it may be, throwing yourself into the deep end and getting involved offers an opportunity to meet new people who could transform your time at university. Who knows, they could even become lifelong friends!
Reach out for support
When I needed help, I contacted the Leeds Trinity Mental Health and Wellbeing team. They offered so much advice and support, from attending wellbeing workshops to weekly counselling. They are an incredible network that were truly there for me throughout my struggles.
It's okay to feel overwhelmed at times and remember that it's not a race to have everything figured out. Every student is navigating a very similar path to you – so while it might be challenging, you are certainly not alone.
If you do need support and would like to talk to someone, you can contact Leeds Trinity’s Mental Health & Wellbeing service at studentwellbeing@leedstrinity.ac.uk. Other Student Support services are also available to support with all aspects of student life – more information is available online.
Lucy-Jade Atterbury is a Broadcast Journalism student in the School of Digital and Screen Media at Leeds Trinity University. Lucy is also a Digital Ambassador, producing content for the University about her experiences and studies.