blog > How to improve student wellbeing: A uni year reset for better student life

How to improve student wellbeing: A uni year reset for better student life

By Hello Student

Starting a new academic year feels like the perfect opportunity for a fresh start, doesn’t it? Whether you’re heading into your first year or returning as a seasoned student, this is your chance to prioritise something that often gets pushed to the back burner: your wellbeing.

Let’s be honest – uni life can be brilliant, but it can also be overwhelming, stressful, and downright exhausting at times. That’s exactly why making your mental health and wellbeing a top priority this year could be the best decision you make for your entire university experience.

We were awarded the Best Student Wellbeing at the GSL awards 2024.

Why student wellbeing should be your top priority this uni year

Understanding student wellbeing.

Student wellbeing isn’t just about avoiding stress or feeling happy all the time – it’s about finding that sweet spot where you feel mentally, emotionally, and physically balanced enough to handle whatever uni throws at you. Think of it as your personal foundation that supports everything else you want to achieve, from smashing your coursework to building meaningful friendships and enjoying your time at university.

Common student life challenges that can knock your wellbeing off track include the pressure of academic deadlines, financial worries, homesickness, relationship drama, and the constant juggling act between studies and social life. Add in irregular sleep patterns, poor eating habits, and the stress of living independently for the first time, and it’s no wonder so many students feel overwhelmed.

Here’s the thing though – embracing a fresh start and giving yourself permission to reset can work wonders for your mental health. There’s genuine psychological power in new beginnings, and the start of an academic year naturally provides that clean slate feeling. It’s like hitting the refresh button on your browser when it’s running slowly – sometimes you just need to clear the cache and start fresh.

Ways to improve student wellbeing

Modern wellness trends to try

First up is the digital detox. Before you panic about missing out on everything, you don’t need to go completely offline, but setting boundaries with your phone and social media can genuinely transform your mental space. Try putting your phone in another room while studying, using apps that limit social media time, or designating phone-free hours before bed. You might be surprised how much mental clarity and focus you gain back.

ASMR and mindfulness are becoming increasingly popular among students, and for good reason. ASMR videos can be brilliant for helping you wind down after stressful days, while mindfulness practices – even just five minutes of deep breathing between lectures – can help you stay grounded when everything feels chaotic. There are loads of free apps and YouTube channels specifically designed for students, so you can easily fit these practices into your routine.

Don’t underestimate the power of staying active either. Most universities have fantastic on-site gyms, and regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to boost your mood, reduce anxiety, and improve your overall wellbeing.

Creating a space that supports your wellbeing

Your living space has a huge impact on your mental state, so it’s worth investing some time in making it work for you. Start with decluttering and organising your room – there’s actually science behind the saying “tidy space, tidy mind.” When your environment feels chaotic, it’s harder for your brain to relax and focus.

Lighting plays a bigger role in your wellbeing than you might think. Natural light is ideal, but if your room lacks windows, invest in some decent lighting that mimics daylight. Adding some plants not only improves air quality but also brings a bit of nature indoors, which can be incredibly calming. For noise control, consider earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, or even a white noise machine if you’re dealing with noisy flatmates or street sounds.

Finding a safe space within your accommodation – whether that’s your bedroom, a quiet corner of the common area, or even just a specific chair that becomes your designated chill-out spot – gives you somewhere to retreat when you need to recharge.

Balancing study, social life, and self-care

This is probably the trickiest part of student life, but it’s absolutely crucial for your wellbeing. Learning to prioritise tasks and, importantly, learning to say no are skills that will serve you well beyond university. You don’t have to attend every social event, join every society, or take on every opportunity that comes your way. It’s better to do fewer things well and maintain your sanity than to stretch yourself so thin that you end up burnt out.

There are brilliant apps and digital planners designed specifically for students that can help you manage your time and reduce stress. From simple to-do list apps to more sophisticated planning tools that help you break down assignments into manageable chunks, find what works for your brain and stick with it.

Building support networks is important for maintaining good mental health at uni. Don’t be afraid to reach out when you’re struggling – chances are, other students are feeling the same way and would appreciate the connection too.

Choosing accommodation that matches your student life goals

The environment you live in plays a massive role in supporting your wellbeing goals. Hello Student understands this and provides accommodation designed to help you thrive and be the best version of yourself. Our spaces include private study booths that are perfect for focused work sessions, whether you’re studying alone or collaborating with others. On-site gyms make it easy to incorporate exercise into your routine without the hassle of expensive external memberships or travel time.

When you need to decompress, Hello Student accommodations feature cinema rooms and entertainment spaces where you can unwind and have fun with friends.

Perhaps most importantly, Hello Student’s dedicated accommodation teams are there to help create the best possible environment for your success and wellbeing. We provide access to mental health and wellbeing resources, ensuring you have extra support available whenever you might need it during your university journey.

Ready to improve your student wellbeing and thrive in your student life?

Prioritising your wellbeing isn’t selfish – it’s essential. When you take care of your mental and physical health, you’re not only improving your university experience but also setting yourself up for long-term success and happiness. Remember, small changes can lead to significant improvements, and you don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight.

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