Explains how you can look after your mental health as a student, giving practical suggestions for what you can do and where you can go for support.
Student life is full of new and exciting experiences and there is often lots going on. It is important to take the time to look after yourself to help you cope with the changes in lifestyle. Some areas that you could focus on are:
For more ideas, check out Student Minds' Transitions resource.
You might feel like there is a lot of pressure to do well academically, as well as pressure to be sociable. In particular, mature students often say that they feel particulalry under stress if they are struggling financially and they have invested money in the course as part of a career change, which can create extra pressure to do well.
Try to build up strategies to manage stress before it gets too much, so it's easier to respond to additional pressure – for example, around exam times.
See our pages on managing stress for more information, or the Student Minds blog, to hear how other students have managed stress.
Looking after your physical health will help you stay healthy and maintain concentration to study well.
"Tiredness is one of the biggest problems with the student lifestyle and it can contribute significantly to my mood. I feel more emotional and less capable when I am tired."
You may face additional struggles looking after your diet and exercise if you have eating problems or a diagnosed eating disorder.
Take a look here as Mary talks about common misconceptions around eating disorders and how to make the student lifestyle work for you.
"Rugby was the one thing that always gave me some release from the whirlwind of my mind."
While alcohol is often associated with the student lifestyle, you don't have to drink if you don't want to. Students' Unions and student-led groups offer a range of social events and activities that are alcohol free. Remember:
For more information about alcohol, have a look at Drink Aware for information on alcohol support services, and our pages on the mental health effects of alcohol.
Illegal drugs can also have a serious impact on your mental health. See our pages on recreational drugs for more information, or see Frank for confidential information and advice.
"I felt like I was the only one not enjoying myself..."
This information was published in September 2018. We will revise it in 2021.
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