Four simple tips to help you stay balanced, active and supported during uni life
University life can be exciting. It brings new opportunities, new friendships, and many chances for personal growth. However, it can also feel stressful at times. Adjusting to a new environment, managing academic work, and balancing different responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Looking after your mental health is just as important as keeping up with your studies. Here are four simple tips from the University’s Health and Wellbeing Team to help you take care of yourself during your time at university.
1. Stay active
We all know that exercise is good for physical health. But it can also be a powerful way to improve your mood and support your mental wellbeing.
The good news is that being active doesn’t have to mean intense workouts. You can choose any activity that you enjoy. Running, cycling, swimming, or even going for a walk with friends can make a difference.
Physical activity gives your mind a break from essays, deadlines, and projects. Instead, it helps you focus on yourself—your body, the environment around you, and the conversations you’re having with the people you care about. Even a short walk can help clear your head and reduce stress.
If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of options available on campus. The sports centers offer a wide range of activities, including box-fit classes, wall climbing, swimming, and gym facilities. Trying something new can also be a great way to meet people and build confidence.
2. Take time for yourself
We often talk about the importance of work–life balance, but the “life” part can mean different things for everyone.
When you start to feel tired or burned out, it can be helpful to pause and ask yourself a few simple questions:
What activities do I enjoy? What would I like to try, even if there is no reward or outcome attached to it?
If you don’t know the answers yet, that’s completely okay. University is also a time for exploring and discovering new interests.
There are many opportunities to get involved in campus life. You might work as a student ambassador and support external events. You could help organise social activities on campus. Some students even have the chance to share their experiences as guest speakers.
At the same time, it’s important to remember that there is no single “correct” way to experience university life. Your journey is your own, and it’s perfectly fine if it looks different from someone else’s.
3. Establish a balanced routine — but be open to imperfection
Having a routine can make university life feel more manageable. For example, the University of Portsmouth London provides a fixed timetable to help students organise their studies and plan their time.
However, it’s important to remember that no one follows a perfect routine all the time. Life doesn’t always go exactly as planned.
Even the most successful people started with uncertainty. Often, they simply worked with a hypothesis: If I try this, maybe something good will happen.
Instead of chasing the idea of a perfect schedule, try focusing on direction rather than perfection. You don’t need to know exactly where everything will lead. Sometimes, simply knowing the direction you want to move in is enough to help you make the next small step.
4. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone
There is still a common misunderstanding in society that asking for help means admitting weakness. In reality, reaching out when you need support is a sign of strength and self-awareness.
At university, you are not expected to deal with everything on your own. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or simply need someone to talk to, the University’s Health and Wellbeing Service is here to help.
You can book a one-to-one appointment with a wellbeing advisor to discuss any concerns you may have. They can offer guidance, practical strategies, and support in a safe and confidential environment.
Sometimes, simply sharing how you feel with someone who listens can make a big difference.
Taking care of your mental health is not something you need to do perfectly. Small steps matter. Going for a walk, taking a break, speaking to a friend, or reaching out for support are all positive actions.
University is not just about academic success. It is also about learning how to look after yourself, growing as a person, and building a life that feels meaningful to you.
If you’d like to learn more about the support available, visit our Wellbeing page for resources to help you take care of your mental health during your time at university.