Top tips for looking after your mental health at university

The links between improved mental well-being and increased academic success are well documented, with research demonstrating that people who feel better, perform better.

During your time at university, there may be some elements of student life that bring challenges, such as exams, coursework, feeling homesick or financial uncertainty.

While everyone will find different aspects of university life difficult in different ways, there are some universal steps that can help you to manage your well-being and squeeze the maximum value out of your student years. 

Acknowledge and understand potential stresses 

University students can face unique pressures including living away from home for the first time, managing budgets, health and well-being and forming new friendships and facing new academic challenges, which is why it is important to understand these and find ways to manage them. Simply acknowledging that these pressures exist can be the first step towards finding balance. 

By finding the root cause of your stresses, you can seek the right help or establish a plan to help reduce your pressures. Take time to identify what aspects of your experience might be affecting your well-being – or have the potential to – and explore ways to enhance each of these areas. 

Create a balanced daily routine 

A good routine can help to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Consider planning your day to include time for studying, eating, exercising, and relaxing. Finding balance can prevent you from feeling exhausted and having a regular schedule can also help your mind stay calm and focused. Remember, a routine does not have to be rigid. Allow yourself some flexibility to adjust plans as needed, finding time for fun and spontaneity in your day too. 

Build strong relationships 

Being social is important for mental health, so consider joining clubs or societies to meet people with similar interests. Making friends will provide you with emotional support and help to reduce feelings of loneliness. Talking about your feelings with friends can also be very helpful as they may be feeling the same or can provide an alternative perspective on a situation. 

While it may feel like a challenge, try to say yes to things. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone will help you to form new friendships and make valuable connections, while building confidence and self-satisfaction. 

For example, at the University of Derby, we have a Residence Life programme, designed to help students settle into their surroundings and widen their networks. From sports tournaments to quiz nights and cookery classes, there are plenty of activities to “say yes” to, and there are likely to be similar initiatives at whichever university you are studying at.

Eat well and keep active 

It is well established that our physical health has a significant impact on our mental well-being, so try not to neglect this when considering how you are feeling.

Eating a balanced diet, sleeping well, drinking enough water and exercising regularly are especially crucial. Exercise, in particular, can lift your mood and relieve stress so consider activities such as walking, cycling or joining a sports club. Even small changes, like taking the stairs instead of the lift or going for a walk during breaks, can positively impact your mood and energy levels.

Sometimes it might feel hard to find the time for exercise or to cook nutritious meals with deadlines approaching, but neglecting these might increase your stress levels, so try to strike the right balance.

Take advantage of nature 

Spending time in nature can be very soothing. Research from our Nature Connectedness Research Group at the university shows that developing a strong connection with nature can significantly enhance happiness and life satisfaction. Whether you go for a walk in a park, study outside or simply enjoy the fresh air, being outdoors can reduce stress and improve your mood.

Celebrate your achievements 

Be sure to acknowledge your accomplishments, big or small. Whether it is submitting an assignment or doing exercise when you did not feel like it, celebrating these moments can boost your confidence and motivation. It can also be worth keeping a list of these achievements to reflect on and celebrate your progress over time.

While rewarding yourself for your own successes, it is also important not to compare your lives with those of others. Everyone is on a different journey and facing their own challenges, so try to avoid making comparisons that may make you feel worse, often irrationally.

Be kind to yourself 

The way you talk to yourself matters. Practise being kind and patient with yourself, especially during tough times. When things do not go as planned, remind yourself that it is OK. Writing in a journal can also help you express and understand your feelings. Journaling can be a powerful way to track your mood, recognise patterns, and develop a deeper understanding of your mental health journey.

Don’t be afraid to seek support 

It is OK to ask for help and you will likely feel better for doing so, if you are finding university life particularly challenging. Look at the student support pages on your university’s website or seek advice from the available well-being teams who will be able to help you on your journey.

Here at the University of Derby, our Student Services teams offer a range of support, ensuring you can receive the right guidance and advice at the right time. This includes self-help tools and apps, counselling and mental health support via our specialist staff. In addition, our Student Life team offer help with aspects such as anxiety and exam stress. We also have an on-site GP as well as faith-based support.

Your university will likely offer counselling services that are private and designed to support you. It is important to normalise reaching out for help, as doing so can provide tailored strategies to improve your mental health.

Do what’s right for you 

By finding balance, seeking support and embracing self-care, you can better manage stress and enjoy your time at university.

Ultimately, everyone’s university journey will be different, so what works for one student may not work for you. Identify what works best for you and introduce these elements into your student life.

Things may change over the course of your journey too, so regularly checking in with yourself and making necessary adjustments puts you in the driver’s seat and will help you thrive throughout your entire university experience and beyond.