Caring for your mental wellbeing at uni

While university can be amazing and fulfilling, the student lifestyle can get overwhelming at times. This is especially the case when you are living away from home. Between balancing your coursework, assessments, and chores, you might end up not giving your mental health the attention it needs.

This is why we’ve pulled together a few things you can do to better care for your mental wellbeing while staying in student accommodation.

1. Get some fresh air

Make it a point to get some fresh air while the sun is still out. It can help clear your mind and boost your mood. Luckily for you, you live in London and the parks here make for the best walks! You probably wouldn’t need to go too far either; it is likely that there is one close to where you stay.

2. Get some exercise

It is very important to include some form of physical activity in your life, not only for the sake of your physical health but also for your mental wellbeing. Join a gym or class, or if you’d rather not leave your room, attend the LSE ResLife yoga classes that happen online, every Monday at 7pm.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/weekly-free-yoga-tickets-252030007537

3. Bring nature inside

Readings and submissions can make it easy to stay cooped up in your room, especially when most of your classes are online. Considering you spend a lot of time there, it is important to create a healthy atmosphere. Make sure to open your window often for ventilation, and perhaps even decorate the space with some indoor plants.

4. Eat or cook with others

There’s something special about sharing food that helps you connect with others like nothing else. Make a plan with your flatmates or friends to cook a nice dinner together. It would give you something to bond over and also help you step away from work for a bit. Maybe you could even plan a virtual cooking session with your friends back home.

5. Practise mindfulness

Being mindful means to be conscious or aware of something. Practising mindfulness can come in many forms, meditation being one of those. Start slow with just a few minutes every day. You can follow an assisted meditation video on YouTube or use apps like Calm and Headspace to guide you through it. You can even practice mindfulness while eating a meal or sipping a cup of coffee. Just make sure to breathe and be present in what you are doing.

Sometimes these aren’t enough and we understand that. If you need any support or help, reach out to our pastoral team in your hall of residence.