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
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, and 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.
- Try using a planner. This can help to keep track of deadlines and key commitments and organize 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.
- 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.
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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.
- Eating a balanced and nutritious diet can help you feel well and think clearly.
- Keeping active can help you improve your mental health. Even gentle exercise, like yoga or swimming, can help you relax and manage stress.
"Tiredness is one of the biggest problems with the student lifestyle, and it can contribute significantly to my mood. I feel more emotional and less capable when I am tired."
Coping in an alcohol or drugs culture
while alcohol is often associated with the student lifestyle, you don't have to drink if you don't want to. Students' Unions and student-led groups offer a range of social events and activities that are alcohol-free. Remember:
- Alcohol can worsen depression and cause other health problems.
- Try to ensure you have some days without drinking.
- Be careful if you are taking medication, as it's usually recommended not to drink or to limit the amount you do drink, while taking it.
- Having a friend around when you are out, or establishing a buddy system, can help to keep you safe when you are drinking or engaged in drug use.
- Don't accept drinks from someone you don't know, and always keep your drinks with you to help avoid your drink being spiked (with drugs or alcohol).
You might find that:
- it's hard to concentrate on your work, studies or hobbies
- controlling food or eating has become the most important thing in your life
- it's hard to be spontaneous, to travel or to go anywhere new
- your appearance is changing or has changed
- you are bullied or teased about food and eating
- you develop short- or long-term physical health problems
- you want to avoid socializing, dates and restaurants or eating in public
- you have to drop out of school or college, leave work or stop doing things you enjoy.
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