Whether you’re feeling a little homesick, concerned about your increasing workload, or the whirlwind of Freshers’ Week has left you weary, there’s 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.
Read our earlier article to help overcome homesickness.
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 Students’ Union society, or make plans to attend one of the numerous Students’ Union or University 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.
Sport and Wellbeing is offering free Pilates classes for all students this semester. Pop down to one of their sessions:
Mondays at 19:00 – 19:45 in Wessex Halls SCR room (from 15 October – 3 December)
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 fuelling ourselves with nutritious food, we can help to improve our overall wellbeing.
The Students’ Union Market sets up on the Redbrick every Monday during term time, and Thursdays outside of term time, 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, including several self-help guides that are free to download or view online.
If you’ve found it a bit of a struggle to adapt to moving away from home, there is a useful guide available here to help you with the transition.
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!) 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
The Student Life team are available 24/7 and are your first point of contact if you are struggling and need someone to talk to. They can be contacted on 02380 598180 or at: [email protected]. All students are also able to access support face-to-face by visiting their nearest Halls of Residence.
There is also the option to attend a Student Support Drop-In where you can speak with an Advisor about the support available to you. Please see the drop-in webpage for details of times and locations.
If you are unable to attend a drop-in session, Enabling Services also run a Live Chat service, available Monday to Friday, 14:00 – 16:00 during term time.
Another option is the Students’ Union Advice Centre, which offers students free, independent, confidential advice and representation in a friendly and relaxed environment. The Advice Centre can be found on Level 3 of Building 40 on Highfield Campus.
Taking charge of your wellbeing is an important step towards shaking the post-Freshers’ blues, and will stand you in good stead for your time studying here at our University.
