As a student at Queen's University Belfast, I've learned that self-care is a necessity for sustainable success and well-being. Here's my take on how to survive university life and prioritise your mind along with academic pursuits.

Self care, especially getting proper sleep, is very hard for me as I tend to start my assignments at the very last minute. I get my best work when driven by the adrenaline rush that comes with looming deadlines. Yet, it's during those leisurely strolls through the city after submitting an assignment, when I pause to fully appreciate the stunning beauty of our university, that I realise there's so much more to life than stressing over deadlines.

Picturesque view of One Elmwood

A degree is undeniably important, but it’s not everything, and you don’t have to excel at everything. The few practices that help me stay mindful and keep reminding me of this perspective are:

Volunteering

Volunteering might seem unappealing when academics or part-time work demand so much time and effort. However, I've found that the time spent volunteering rejuvenates the soul, while providing a socialising opportunity. I even expanded my knowledge when I first heard of the Fairy Garden at St. Columb’s Park House in Derry/Londonderry during a volunteering opportunity.

Fairy Garden at St. Columb’s Park House

QSU offers various volunteering opportunities through its charity partners, and if you don’t have the time to commit or want to explore more before committing to something, programmes like "Jump In" and "Handy Helpers" are for you! These not only allow you to give back but also provide valuable experiences and skills that can enhance your CV.

Socialising on a Budget

Attending some of the arts and crafts student events at the SU made me realise the calming effect arts and crafts have on me and I have used it to destress in the most stressful situations since. The below image is a sign that I am no artist, but it calms me and that is all that matters to me.  

Arts and crafts can help to soothe stress and anxiety

Queen's organises hundreds of free or extremely affordable events throughout the year. While putting yourself out there can be challenging, especially if you are an introvert like me, it's incredibly rewarding. Check out the What's On at Queen’s page for upcoming events.

Your hobbies can be an excellent way to socialise. Queen's offers numerous clubs and societies, and if you can't find one that fits your interests, you can always start your own!

Both Queen’s and the Students’ Union provide ample support, but it's crucial to seek it out. SU Advice, Wellbeing, Careers and Academic English teams offer a wide range of services along with the academic support that is already available from your faculty or school.

Movement

Exercise doesn't have to mean gruelling gym sessions. It could also be taking a walk around the city. I believe Belfast is too beautiful a city to not take a stroll around and I make sure at least 2 out of 5 workouts a week are walks around the Titanic Quarter or Botanic Gardens. This also boosts my mood and helps me appreciate the city's beauty.

Titanic Quarter

Cooking

I personally think cooking is a life skill rather than a hobby and the ability to make my comfort dishes makes me miss home a little less. Khichdi is my go to comfort dish on lazy days as it takes just one pot and merely 15-20 minutes to prepare. Occasionally, I enjoy exploring restaurant food, which is a fun way to socialise and experience the culture. I constantly find and try new recipes to keep it interesting.

Most of the staple ingredients and spices that are needed are available at the SU Pantry. Workshops about easy to cook meals happen throughout the year, offering great opportunities to expand one’s culinary skills.

To wrap it up, nothing compares to the calming sensation after a submission, but balancing the rigours of academia with self-care activities is essential for holistic well-being. By engaging in volunteering, socialising, physical activity, and nutrition, I find peace even in stressful situations, ensuring a more rewarding and sustainable journey at Queen’s University Belfast. It is your turn to figure out what works for you!!

Find out more

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Sai Sree Kurra MSc Management | Postgraduate Student | India Hello fellow students and passionate readers!! I'm an enthusiastic cinephile, cynophile and bibliophile. Watching and occasionally participating in sports gives me immense joy, with cricket being my favourite. I am extremely passionate and devoted to mental health awareness. Volunteering for significant causes makes my heart feel full. Coming to my professional background, I'm an ambitious student pursuing a Master's in Management. Former perfectionist, now striving to balance ambition and passion with compassion and self care. My professional interests include Leadership, Marketing, Strategy, and Business Consulting. As a lifelong learner, I constantly seek opportunities for learning and development and love to challenge myself.