Did you know that 27% of university students report having a diagnosed mental health condition? With so many facing challenges both in and out of the classroom, it’s no surprise that student wellbeing has become a growing concern across the UK.
Common stressors like moving away from home, academic pressure, financial worries, and a lack of emotional support can all have a negative mental impact.
That’s why it’s so important to understand how to improve student wellbeing and take steps to protect your mental and emotional health.
In this blog, we’ll share practical tips on how to improve student wellbeing, so you can feel more balanced, stay connected, and make the most of your university experience.
Your wellbeing affects how you feel, how you perform, and how you interact with the world around you. When you’re looking after yourself, you’re more likely to stay focused, motivated, and enjoy your time at uni.
Student life can bring plenty of stress, from academic pressure to homesickness and money worries. Without support, these things can build up. That’s why creating healthy habits and knowing where to get help can make a huge difference.
Focusing on your wellbeing can help you:
Positive psychology plays an important role in wellbeing by focusing on five key elements known as the PERMA model: positive emotions, engagement, strong relationships, meaning, and achievement, which help improve mental health, boost happiness and build resilience.
Focusing on a positive mindset during university can support a more balanced and meaningful life, which is key to both student and personal wellbeing.
Looking after yourself and applying positive psychology doesn’t have to mean completely changing your lifestyle overnight. It actually starts with smaller and more regular steps that can help you feel more balanced and better equipped to deal with uni life.
The key is staying consistent and committed to making small but positive changes. These positive changes include:
Having a daily routine helps your mind and body feel more settled and better equipped to deal with any unexpected events. To start a routine, we suggest that you try waking up and going to bed at similar times, scheduling meals, and planning study sessions in advance.
It may sound tiring (or even silly), but sticking to a routine builds structure and reduces last-minute stress.
Exercise is one of the easiest ways to boost your mood almost instantly! You don’t have to run a marathon, but making time for a 20-minute walk, stretching in your room, or joining a fitness class can massively help improve your mental and physical wellbeing as a student.
What you eat affects how you feel, which can be tricky if you’re cooking for yourself for the first time while at uni. It’s easy to miss important nutrients, so aim for balanced meals and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
You can still treat yourself to takeaways sometimes, but keeping healthy staples in your kitchen will help you stay energised.
Try to include foods rich in healthy fats like omega-3s found in fatty fish, plus antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin E. You may also consider taking a daily multivitamin to help fill any gaps.
It’s easy to feel like you always have to be doing something as a student, but rest is productive too. Intentionally set time aside for hobbies, watching a film, reading a book, or just relaxing. Allowing yourself this time gives your brain time to switch off and recharge.
Uni can feel lonely sometimes, especially when you’re in a new place and haven’t made many friends yet. To stay more connected, try to keep in touch with your friends and family back home.
Also, make an effort to socialise with new people from your course, even if it’s just grabbing a quick coffee. Having a support network around you can really help fight off any homesickness or loneliness.
If you’re feeling anxious, down, or overwhelmed, know you’re definitely not alone, and lots of students feel the same way.
Most universities offer wellbeing services, counselling, and support through student unions to help you out. Talking to someone shows strength, not weakness, and it’s their job to listen and guide you in the right direction.
It’s easy to compare yourself to others online since social media usually shows just the highlights, not real life. If scrolling starts to bring you down, take a break and do something that helps you stay grounded in the moment.
Getting enough sleep every night is essential for optimal brain function, a positive mood and improved memory. If you’re a night owl who likes late-night study sessions, try to plan them wisely.
You should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night and avoid screens right before bed to help you wind down.
Helping others is a great way to improve your mood, make you feel good about yourself and give you a sense of purpose. Activities that allow you to give back may include volunteering, supporting a friend, or even joining a community project.
Picking up new skills or hobbies is a great way to keep your mind busy and build your confidence. Student unions are a perfect place to try new activities while meeting new people and making friends.
They usually offer a wide range of options like dancing, skating, cooking, hockey, football, netball, arts and crafts, and much more.
At Stockton Students, your wellbeing really matters to us. With over a decade of experience offering sociable student properties, we know uni life can be overwhelming at times, and it’s important to have the right support around you.
That’s why we offer a wide range of activities designed to help you relax, connect with others, and feel more at home, including:
So, take time for yourself, reach out when you need to, and remember that you’re never on your own here. If things get tough, book an appointment with Ollie, our wellness coach, who is here to support you and point you in the right direction if needed.
Don’t forget that you also have access to your university's wellbeing team, GP, or mental health charities like Student Minds and Mind.
Check out our Liverpool and Ormskirk student properties or get in touch at info@stocktonstudents.co.uk or 03301 359065 to find out more.
Some of the best ways to boost your wellbeing are staying active, connecting with others, learning new things, giving back, and taking time to notice the little things. These simple habits can help you feel more positive, balanced, and give life more meaning.
Yes, positive psychology and maintaining a positive mind can improve wellbeing by focusing on strengths, positive emotions, and what makes life meaningful. This approach helps build happiness, resilience, and a more balanced, fulfilling life.
