How to stay mentally healthy at university

By Alicia Drummond, Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub from Teen Tips.

University life brings freedom, challenge and big changes – and with that, the need to look after your mental wellbeing. For many students, it’s the first time living away from home, and learning how to thrive independently can feel overwhelming. In this blog, Alicia Drummond, Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub, offers simple, proactive tips to help students stay grounded and mentally healthy during this exciting chapter.

Students are particularly vulnerable to mental health struggles as it often means living away from the comforts of home and dealing with the stresses of adult life for the first time. Whilst this new-found independence is exciting, it can also be a little daunting, perhaps overwhelming, so it’s important to feel prepared.

Here are our tips on how to stay mentally healthy at university:

• Eat well – a balanced diet positively impacts your mental health.
• Sleep well – this might be difficult at times but where possible, establish a regular sleeping routine.
• Create a routine for yourself – this might be the first time you don’t have to stick to a rigid timetable which can feel strange.
• De-clutter – living and working in a cluttered space can sometimes induce stress.
• Don’t overdo it – you don’t have to say yes to every social event. It is ok to say no.
• Make time for the things you love to maintain a sense of balance.
• Be realistic – you can’t do and be everywhere at once. Set yourself achievable goals to reduce stress.
• Join a society – this is a great way to meet like-minded people.
• Getting to know people requires effort – it is normal to feel a little anxious about the social side of uni. Read our tip sheet on social anxiety for some advice.
• You may come across drugs at university, please be aware that many can have a serious impact on mental health.
• Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help. The wellbeing teams at university are there for you.
• Take a doorstop – if your door is open people will pop in to say hello.

Supporting your teen’s wellbeing starts with helping them make informed, confident choices about their future. At UK Study Options, we offer tailored Admissions Support to guide students through course research, personal statements and the entire UCAS process, so they arrive at university feeling prepared and in control.

Discover how our University Admissions Support can set your teen up for success.

The Wellbeing Hub from Teen Tips is a live and interactive online platform, offering a proactive approach to young people’s mental health and wellbeing by providing expert-led resources and practical support.