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Mental & Emotional Wellbeing

Going to university can be both exciting and daunting. Many of us will be facing new challenges for the first time, such as:

  • Navigating new surroundings
  • Studying at a higher level
  • Managing daily life and new routines
  • Building new relationships and friendships
  • Adapting to new learning cultures
  • Settling into a new city or country
  • Being away from friends and family
  • Managing finances and budgets
  • Balancing the demands of our studies, housing, employment, and relationships all at once!
  • In addition to these, many of us will have our own personal issues to deal with, which can lead to feelings of stress and overwhelm. To get the most from university life, we need to take active care of our mental and emotional health.

Asking for help

Signs that you may want to reach out for help and support with your wellbeing could include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Loneliness
  • Shame

  • Judging yourself harshly
  • Expecting criticism from others
  • Expecting things to go badly
  • Questioning the point of life

  • Stopping doing things you used to enjoy
  • Withdrawing socially
  • Using drugs and alcohol to avoid difficult feelings
  • Self-harming 

Our specialists’ top tips

Connect to the present moment: It is easy to get lost thinking about the past or future, losing sight of the present.   

Ask for help: Asking for help can be difficult, especially if we are experiencing lots of unhelpful thoughts. But remember: 

  • It is not a sign of weakness
  • It is the first step towards getting back on track
  • It takes courage to face our fears and make the changes necessary to improve our lives
  • Everyone wants you to succeed and enjoy your time at university. We are always ready and willing to help.

Two students sat outside The Orchard chatting

What do our students say?

Attending counselling has been a really valuable experience. I feel far better equipped to cope with the situation going forwards. My counsellor was great and I'm so glad I signed up for the sessions.

Self-care is crucial, because if you are healthy (mentally and physically) only then you’ll be able to fulfil your responsibility and achieve your degree with a healthy mindset.