University is such an exciting time. It's where you get to meet new people, dive into subjects you're passionate about, and experience real independence for the first time. But with all the excitement, it's completely normal to feel stress or anxiety. That's why it's so important to take care of your mental wellbeing along the way.

At Queen's, we want to help you look after your wellbeing by offering practical support and advice for taking care of your mental health, as well as highlighting the support available to you as a student here.  

Why is mental health important?

As a student, it's important to look after your mental health because juggling classes, independent study, exams, a social life and maybe even a part-time job can feel overwhelming.

Prioritising your mental wellbeing can help you manage stress during busy times, like assignment deadlines or exams, and keep you focused and motivated. It can also help maintain your energy levels so you can truly enjoy your university experience. 

Without taking care of your mental health, you may feel burnt out, lose focus and disconnect from the things you once enjoyed.

How to improve your mental health as a university student

There are lots of different things you can do to support your wellbeing and stay mentally fit and healthy. Below, we have highlighted a few of the ways you can help improve your mental wellbeing.

1. Establish a routine

While at university, it's important to establish a routine.

Routines help build structure and reduce stress. When you have a clear plan for your day, it's easier to manage attending classes, studying, socialising, avoid last-minute panic and stay focused.

For many students, building a routine can give a sense of control in the often-busy university environment, helping to manage anxiety and ensuring you're allowing for down-time and self-care.

2. Stay connected

Whether you're dealing with academic pressure, homesickness, or personal issues, having a support system can help you manage these challenges. Friends and family can offer perspective, advice and encouragement during your times of need, as well as help you feel less isolated or lonely.

A great way to make friends and build connections while at Queen's is to join one of our clubs or societies (there are over 220 of them!). Joining a club or society is not only a fantastic way to meet new people, but also keep up your interest in a passion, or find a brand new one you never knew you had.

There are a wide variety of societies for you choose from, such as the Rubber Duck Appreciation Society, Walkie Talkie Girlies Society, Badminton Club, Aerospace Society and so much more.

Outside of the university, there are plenty of great ways to make friends in Belfast like checking out local talent at the Sunflower Bar's Comedy Club, join a Sunrise Social, drag cabaret in Queen's LGBT Quarter or joining a local book club. Find out more about how to make friends at university here!

3. Look after your physical health

Your physical health directly impacts your mental wellbeing, making it essential to care for both your body and mind.

Here are some tips for looking after your physical health:

Eating healthy:

It's easy to fall into the trap of wanting to get a takeaway every night for convenience, but your body will thank you after making a home-cooked meal. Social media is full of quick and healthy meal ideas if you're struggling to come up with dinner plans.

Rest and Recover:

This might seem obvious, but with so much going on and so many events to participate in, it can be overwhelming.

Take a step back and be mindful of how much you're taking on. Being "on" all the time will inevitably take a toll on your mental health, leading to unnecessary stress and pressure. Give yourself permission to take a break, recharge and rest when you need to.

Exercise:

It's hard to stay motivated every day, so instead of saying you're going to go to the gym seven days a week to keep active, why not go for a walk in the park, go to a yoga class or do a home workout? This is a great way to boost your mood, reduce stress and improve concentration.

If you have time in between lectures, you could take a walk around Botanic Gardens which is next to the main Lanyon Building at Queen's, stroll down Botanic Avenue or walk into the city centre.

4. Be Kind to Yourself

Even if you usually have good mental health, it's normal to struggle with being kind to yourself sometimes. Maybe you're going through a stressful period, feeling homesick or just having a rough day - and that's okay!

We all have moments where our mental health dips, what's important is taking time to care for yourself and reaching out for support if you need it. Give yourself some space to work through it and don't be too hard on yourself if things don't go as planned.

• How I Deal with Feeling Homesick as an International Student
• Dealing with Homesickness at University
• Self-Care is Self-Love, It's Not Selfish!

5. Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic and manageable goals can help give you a sense of direction and purpose. Whether they're academic or personal, goals help you stay motivated and focused.

Achieving small, manageable goals can boost your confidence and create a feeling of accomplishment, improving your overall mood. Goals are also a great way to help you break down any overwhelming tasks and reduce stress. Plus, they give you something to work towards.

Creating structure and balance in your life is key to maintaining good mental health while studying. Don't always expect perfection and celebrate your small wins along the way!

How can I get mental health help while at university

Here at Queen's, we recognise that being a student isn't always easy, which is why we have a trained and dedicated Student Wellbeing team that offers a range of support to students at any stage of their university journey.

• Find out more about Queen's University Student Wellbeing Service.
• A Guide to Support Services at Queen's
• Navigating Mental Health and Wellbeing for First Year International Students

 

Zoe Brankin Staff Writer | Queen's Global Hi, I'm Zoe, and I'm proud to be part of the Queen's Global team.     Over the past six years, I've held roles that let me create content for a variety of audiences, from start-ups to larger organisations. At Queen's, I'm always exploring new and creative ways to bring fresh content ideas to our main website.   Outside of work, I love reading (I even run a local book club), spending time with my dogs, and never missing an opportunity for a coffee or brunch outing.