Features / mental health
Mental health and wellbeing
Adjusting to university life can be tough on our mental health.
New people, a new city, and a new independent lifestyle can be both exciting and overwhelming.
Consider everyone’s safety: exchange numbers and check in when you’re home from nights out.
is needed now More than ever
Bristol is a friendly city but it’s best to be careful, particularly in the early hours when you might be feeling a bit vulnerable.
Small steps can make a big difference – photo: Daisy Game
Set aside time to be fully yourself.
University can pressure us to perform and conform.
Practise self-care in any form: exercise, meditation, painting, baking.
Walking in Leigh Woods (whatever the weather!) never fails to help you reconnect.
Strolling through Gloucester Road or Wapping Wharf’s independent shops will whisk you into a different world of Bristol fashion.
Stepping outside the ‘student bubble’ can really help reset your mindset.
Take a walk in Leigh Woods to reset – photo: Daisy Game
If it’s getting a bit much, try taking small steps to feel more in control like cooking an easy meal, doing laundry or tidying your desk.
Conquering your new independent life will feel more manageable with a clean set of clothes behind you.
Don’t feel pressured to go beyond your comfort zone – university itself can be enough of a challenge.
Trying to do everything will just result in feeling burnt out.
There will always be another opportunity to socialise, but an evening off can really benefit your mental health.
On this note, it’s more than fine to pace yourself with alcohol, drugs, and sex – or to opt out entirely.
Especially if you’re trying something for the first time, make sure it’s because you want to and not because you feel you should, to make friends, come across as cool or assert your experience.
University is another world where the coolest thing you can do is stay true to yourself, whatever that looks like.
Follow your intuition: if someone doesn’t seem okay, create a supportive environment by opening up the conversation.
Initiating a chat can be hard if you’re feeling low or anxious.
Store numbers in your phone when you’re feeling okay.
Let someone know if you’re struggling: everyone wants students to have the exciting (if slightly terrifying) experience that they’re meant to.
Main photo: Martin Booth
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