Whether you are feeling slightly homesick, concerned about your increasing workload or the whirlwind of Fresher’s Week has left you weary, there is no denying that the first few weeks of term might leave you feeling a bit low.
The good news is that there are lots of simple things that all of us can do to help ourselves feel better and brighter about settling into the routine of University life.
Get Involved
Participating in campus life is one of the best ways to normalise and establish your new routine. It’s not too late to join a Union Southampton society, or make plans to attend one of the numerous events being held every week on campus.
Seek out activities that you enjoy doing and set aside time to explore new opportunities.
Move Your Mood
Offering a natural mood-boost, physical activity can help us to relax, release stress and maintain our physical and mental wellbeing. Why not take a walk to campus when the buses are busy? If you own a bicycle, consider cycling for some of your regular, short journeys.
This semester, Sport & Wellbeing are offering a series of free Pilates classes in Halls on Mondays and Tuesdays for all students.
Fuel your body
Most people are familiar with the phrase ‘you are what you eat’, but it is important to remember what this really means. Our minds and bodies are intertwined, and by fueling ourselves with nutritious food, we can help to improve our overall wellbeing.
The Union Southampton Market sets up on the Redbrick every Monday, selling fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, fish, cheese, olives and more – all for a reasonable price.
Online resources
The Enabling Services website is full of useful materials and resources that may help with further support and advice.
A new offering this year is their online workshop entitled: ‘The First Few Weeks: Coping with Homesickness’, which you can access here at any time.
Finances
It can be difficult managing your finances for the first time, but creating and sticking to a budget will help you to avoid unnecessary stress relating to a sparse, or (hopefully not!) an empty bank account.
Student services offer a budgeting resource, complete with money saving tips and useful tools.
In addition, the University offers financial support and advice which could help students facing financial hardship.
Have a chat
If you find yourself struggling with student life and would like to speak with someone, Enabling Services offer a daily drop-in, which runs every Monday – Friday between 13:00 – 15:00 in the Student Services Centre (B37) (term time). This is an opportunity to speak with an Advisor about the support available to you.
Unable to visit Highfield Campus? Enabling Services also run a Live Chat service, available Monday – Friday, 14:00 – 16:00 (term time).
Another option would be Union Southampton Peer Support, which is a confidential listening service delivered by students for students.
Taking charge of your wellbeing is an important step towards shaking the post-freshers blues, and will stand you in good stead for all of your time studying at the University.
