How To Look After Your Health and Wellbeing at University

University is a time of great change and transition, which can be both exciting and overwhelming for many students. Whilst it’s important to focus on academic success, it’s equally important to prioritise health and well-being during this time. Below are some top tips for looking after your health and wellness as a student, as well as resources and apps to help you.

Schedule Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is important for both physical and mental health. It can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase energy levels. As a student, it can be easy to get caught up in a busy schedule and forget to take care of your physical health. That's why scheduling regular exercise into your weekly routine is important for looking after your health and wellness as a student. This could be as simple as taking a walk, joining a sports club, or signing up for a gym membership.

Seven- This app uses “the seven-minute workout” concept, giving you tough exercises at a fast pace without requiring any equipment.

ClassPass- This is ideal for saving money on classes, requiring just one flexible pass for different locations and classes. Student Beans also often offers a sign-up discount, so make sure to check there!

Nike Training Club- With its 185 free workouts, this app will serve as your "ultimate personal trainer" with customised fitness suggestions.

Zombies, Run!- You can listen to a zombie-themed audio drama while you run or walk in which zombies are pursuing you and you’re attempting to save humanity.

Daily Burn- Choose from thousands of various routines for your home that are suited to your unique fitness level and objectives.

Practice Good Sleep Habits

Getting enough sleep is crucial for looking after your health and wellness as a student. It’s important to aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. However, university can often lead to late-night study sessions and a disrupted sleep schedule. To prioritize sleep, try to establish a regular sleep routine and stick to it as much as possible. This could involve going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and creating a sleep-conducive environment by keeping your room dark and quiet. You can also use apps to help create this peaceful environment and let go of stress.

Sleep Cycle- Learn more about your sleep and how to get the best rest.

Calm- Use soothing stories, soundtracks and meditation tapes to rest your mind or sleep better.

BetterSleep- A sleep tracker for a personalised sleep experience.

Wysa- Using a combination of sleep and meditation to overcome negative thoughts or stress, use their blogs to understand and improve your sleep.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

To look after your health and wellness as a student, you also need to have a nutritious and balanced diet. A balanced diet can help provide energy, improve concentration, and boost mood. However, university life can often be hectic, making it difficult to eat well. To maintain a healthy diet, try to plan your meals in advance, prioritise nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit processed and fast foods. Using platforms to plan meals can help you better ensure your are eating well.

PlateJoy- A meal plan app designed by dietitians with ultimate levels of customization and compatibility.

Yummly Recipes and Cooking Tools- Adaptable meal prep for your equipment, skill set, and personal tastes.

Ate Food Journal- Helps you enjoy your food journey and reduce the stress associated with planning your nutrition.

Noom- Using expert advice to help you make healthy habits and improve your mental health through your diet.

Spokin- A food allergy app and lifestyle platform on a mission to make managing food allergies and celiac easier.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a practice that involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can be a helpful tool for reducing stress and improving mental well-being. Mindfulness can take many forms, including meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few minutes to focus on your breath. As a student, it can be easy to get caught up in the stress of academic life, making mindfulness an important tool to help you look after your health and wellbeing as a student.

The Mindfulness App- Helping you start your journey to a more relaxed and healthier state of mind.

Headspace- Use sleep sounds, music, and meditation to reduce stress.

Buddhify- A meditation and mindfulness app designed to fit busy schedules for an easy user experience.

Smiling Mind- A meditation app developed by psychologists and educators to help bring mindfulness into your life.

Prioritise Social Connections

Maintaining social connections is crucial for your health and wellbeing as a student. Social support can help reduce stress, improve mood, and provide a sense of belonging. University life can be isolating, especially if you’re studying in a new city or country. To prioritize social connections, try to join clubs or societies that interest you, attend events and activities on campus, and connect with friends and family regularly. For this it would be best to avoid using an app to try and make the process more efficient- the best results will be from finding opportunities in person, which there will be plenty off at your university.

Seek Help When Needed

University life can be challenging, and it’s important to seek help when you need it. This could involve reaching out to friends, family, or a mental health professional if you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. Universities often have resources available to support students, such as counselling services or mental health clinics. It’s important to know that it’s okay to ask for help and prioritise your mental health. Looking after your health and wellbeing as a student doesn't have to be a task to face alone.

Mind- a mental health charity to ensure people are not facing issues alone, contact online, through email, or on the phone.  

Student Space- Expert information and support to help students through the uncertainty of student life.

Student Minds- ​Student Minds is the UK's student mental health charity, empowering students and members of the university community to look after their own mental health.

Your University- check your university website for resources, helplines, and guidance on where you can find support. There are also groups that are less student-specific you can get help from, such as the Samaritans, so make use of these too where appropriate.  

Manage Your Time Effectively

Effective time management is important for reducing stress and improving productivity. This could involve creating a study schedule, breaking down large projects into smaller tasks, and prioritizing your time based on your goals and deadlines. It’s important to remember to also schedule time for self-care and relaxation, as this can help improve overall productivity and well-being. Once you find a system for organising that works for you, you will find it much easier to look after your health and wellbeing throughout your journey as a student.

Get Started

Prioritising health and well-being during university is essential for academic success and personal growth. Use steps such as these to make your own plan for looking after yourself during this time. Good luck trailblazers!