How to cope with student life

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 under stress if they are struggling financially 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.

Try out some mindfulness exercises. There is a lot of evidence to suggest these can be really helpful, especially for managing stress. Take a look at our mindfulness pages for more information

Try using a planner. This can help to keep track of deadlines and key commitments and study.

Take time out to relax. Getting away from your desk, even for short periods of time, can help keep you calm.

Keep an eye on social commitments to avoid overloading your schedule around deadlines and exams.

Try online support and apps. There are lots of apps and websites available that can help you to manage your stress levels, such as those offering a daily meditation or mindfulness practice. For more information on online support, including apps, have a look at our pages on mental health online.

Looking after your physical health will help you stay healthy and maintain concentration to study well.

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How to cope with student life

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.

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How can I cope with the student lifestyle?

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:

Managing stress

Looking after your physical health

Coping in an alcohol or drugs culture

For more ideas, check out Student Minds' Transitions resource.

Managing stress

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 under stress if they are struggling financially 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.

Try out some mindfulness exercises. There is a lot of evidence to suggest these can be really helpful, especially for managing stress. Take a look at our mindfulness pages for more information.

Try using a planner. This can help to keep track of deadlines and key commitments and your study.

Take time out to relax. Getting away from your desk, even for short periods of time, can help keep you calm.

Keep an eye on social commitments to avoid overloading your schedule around deadlines and exams.

For more tips, see our video on managing stress as a student. For more information, see our pages on managing stress, or the Student Minds blog, to hear how other students have managed stress.

Looking after your physical health

Looking after your physical health will help you stay healthy and maintain concentration to study well.

Get good sleep. If you're tired, your worries can get blown out of proportion. Getting into a regular sleep routine can help you stay on top of university life. See our pages on coping with sleep problems for more information.

Eat a healthy diet. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet can help you feel well and think clearly. See our pages on food and mood for more tips.

Exercise regularly. Keeping active can help you improve your mental health. Even gentle exercise, like yoga or swimming, can help you relax and manage stress. See our pages on physical activity for more information.