It’s officially Freshers Week, and what an exciting time for new students studying at university. While this is the start of something amazing, it can also be quite challenging. We understand that going to university can be a scary experience, but we want you to get the most out of the experience.
Here are some tips on how you can look after your mental health from a former university student now working within a mental health organisation.
Prioritise self-care!
This is the main tip I could give anyone who is beginning their studies or starting a new academic year there. Making sure to take time for yourself, whether it’s activities you like to do, or just having a little pamper here and there, it really does make an impact in your overall mental health. Ensure you also get enough sleep and replenish as much as possible. University can be tiring, and the workload can sometimes get a little heavy. Make sure you’re looking after yourself.
Stay connected with family and friends.
Having a support network throughout university is important as sometimes it gets a little much. If you have moved to study and are living away from home, designating time to speak to family and friends can be really important. There are also times within the trimesters that you could visit home. Having plans to look forward to can sometimes make things seem that little bit more bearable. Try making new connections at university also. There are groups and societies you can join to help make friends and freshers week is the perfect time to meet new people.
Make sure to manage stress as best as you can.
There is multiple ways in which can help manage stress. Some things include breaking your study up into sections, so they are manageable, taking regular breaks and designating time for mindfulness. I know a lot of students take on the 30:10 rule which I implemented throughout exam periods. This just consists of doing focused work for 30 minutes and then having 10 minutes to scroll on your phone or have a little break. Some people who struggle to study for long periods of time can also do the 20:20 rule. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. There’s a lot of people feeling the same way around you and talking about it could really help.
Use university resources.
They’re there to help so make sure you’re utilising everything they have to offer if it’s something you need. Most universities have a space in which you can speak to someone about any feelings you’re experiencing. Make sure to ask about these resources even if you don’t need them at that moment. Knowing that they’re there can help you in the future.
Stay organised.
Organisation is important when studying and having an organised work space, planner/timetable, and study times can help you to stay on track and focus on specific tasks. When organising time for studying, it’s important to implement regular breaks and even having something planned after with friends or within a society can push you to finish tasks on time.
Overall…
Make sure you’re making the most of university life. It’s such an exciting time and it goes by so quickly. Make sure to take it all in and have fun while doing it. We hope you have the most amazing time studying and if there is anything we can do to help, you can get in touch at www.heymind.org.uk
