World Mental Health Day is 10 October and it’s a good reminder that your mental health deserves just as much attention as your deadlines, lectures and social life.
Uni life can look quite perfect from the outside. You see nights out, new friends, cute student accommodation and people seem to be having the best time on TikTok and Instagram. But the reality? Uni can also mean homesickness, feeling overwhelmed, struggling to make friends, worrying about money, missing your family and
wondering how you’re supposed to get through another essay.
And if you’re feeling any of that, you’re definitely not the only one.
Feeling the seasonal blues?
As autumn is around the corner, the days get shorter, the weather gets colder and suddenly leaving your warm bed for a 9am lecture feels like a personal attack. It’s completely normal for darker days and less daylight to affect how you’re feeling. Try to get outside when you can, even if it’s just for a quick five-minute walk between
lectures. A little fresh air and daylight can make a difference.
And don’t underestimate the importance of doing things you actually enjoy. Whether that’s going to the gym, watching your favourite show, playing games with your flatmates or getting a coffee, make time for things that aren’t related to university.
Missing home?
Moving away from home can be exciting, but it can also feel strange when you’re suddenly responsible for everything yourself. If you’re missing your family, your friends or even your own bed, that’s completely normal. Call home whenever you want. There’s no rule saying that being independent means you can’t miss home.
You could also bring some familiar things with you to make your student accommodation feel more like home... photos, your favourite snacks, a blanket or anything else that makes your room feel like your space.
At the same time, try to give yourself the chance to enjoy your independence. Explore your new area, try somewhere you’ve never been before or ask your flatmates if they want to come along.
Haven’t found your people yet?
Here’s something you might need to hear: not everyone finds their best friends during Freshers’ Week. It can feel like everyone else has already found their friendship group, but friendships don’t have to happen instantly. Some of the best ones can come from just talking to someone you wouldn’t normally speak to.
Join a society, try a new hobby, say yes to a coffee or study date, or even start a random conversation with someone in your lecture. It might feel awkward for approximately five seconds, but you never know where it could lead.
Deadlines stressing you out?
Essays, lectures, exams, presentations... sometimes your university to-do list seems like it’s never ending. But working on something 24/7 isn’t necessarily going to make it easier. In fact, taking breaks can help you come back feeling more focused.
Instead of looking at a huge assignment and thinking “I have no idea where to start”, break it into smaller tasks. You could plan your research one day, write an introduction the next and work on the rest gradually.
Creating a realistic weekly plan can also help you see what actually needs doing, rather than having everything floating around in your head. And if you’re struggling, ask for help before everything piles up. Your tutors aren’t expecting you to know everything.
New city, new people, new everything
Whether you’ve moved across the country or only a few hours away, starting somewhere new can be a lot to process. You don’t have to immediately know where the best supermarket is, who your closest friends will be, what career you want or how to navigate every bus route.
Give yourself time.
Creating an easy routine can help you feel more settled, whether that’s going to the gym on certain days, having a weekly food shop or putting aside an evening to relax.
You could also make it a goal to explore somewhere new each week. Slowly, your new city will start feeling less scary.
Remember to actually take a break
Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is stop. Your mental health deserves a place on your to-do list too. Get enough sleep where you can, eat proper meals, drink some water and give yourself a guilt-free night off.
You don’t need to earn rest by finishing everything first. There will always be another email, another reading or another deadline. Put the laptop away. Watch something rubbish. Order your favourite food. Have a bath. Go for a walk. Whatever helps you switch off.
Rest is productive too.
You don’t have to do it alone
If things are starting to feel like too much, talking about it can honestly help. Speak to a friend, flatmate or coursemate who might be going through something similar. Sometimes simply saying “I’m struggling quite a bit at the moment” can be a huge relief.
You can also speak to your Personal Tutor or university wellbeing team. Most universities have counselling and mental-health support available to students, so don’t be afraid to find out what’s available to you.
And remember, asking for support isn’t embarrassing. You don’t have to wait until you’re at breaking point before reaching out.
Need a little extra support?
There are also UK-wide services available if you need someone to talk to:
- Student Space – mental-health support specifically for students.
- Samaritans – call 116 123 for free, 24/7.
- Shout – text SHOUT to 85258 for free, 24/7.
- Your GP – they can offer support and refer you to appropriate services.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
One last reminder
Uni isn’t supposed to be perfect. You’re allowed to have bad days. You’re allowed to miss home. You’re allowed to feel overwhelmed, take a break and ask for help. You don’t have to have everything figured out straight away. Go at your own pace, look after yourself and remember that you don’t have to do it alone.
Your mental health matters. Always.
