Support from Student Space
Student Space, run by Student Minds, has lots of advice and resources to help you before and during uni. You’ll find tips, tools, and real student stories on all kinds of topics, including:
People often say uni is supposed to be the 'best years of your life’. But for most of us, it’s not always that simple. Of course it can be fun, but it’s also full of big changes that can be tough to handle. Being away from home, missing family and friends, feeling the pressure to make new friends, figuring out your living situation, meeting deadlines, and managing your money – it all adds up. And it can easily feel like everyone else is having a great time while you’re just trying to keep it together.
But almost everyone struggles with life at university at some point. So if uni life is making you feel anxious or unhappy, you’re definitely not the only one. And our guide can help you find ways to enjoy your time at uni.
How to prepare for uni
Whether you struggle with your mental health or not, getting ready for uni can feel like a lot. And if you do struggle with your mental health, making sure you’ve got the right support in place can feel overwhelming.
But most new students feel nervous or worried about starting uni. So you’re not alone in how you feel and there’s always support if you need it. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
Tips for looking after yourself at uni
Whether you're starting uni or in your final year, looking after yourself can be tough. It’s scary being away from home in a new place with people you don’t know well yet. Or maybe your course is super challenging.
Whatever you're feeling, these tips can help you look after your mental health throughout your time at uni.
It’s important not to struggle in silence. Opening up can be scary, but you’re not alone—people want to help. You could schedule regular chats with family or friends back home. Or if you'd rather talk to someone you don't know, we have a list of helplines and services you can contact.
Most unis have counselling services and a student welfare officer or tutor who can help. Search on Student Space (run by Student Minds) to find out what support is available at your university.
Even if you don't need a doctor right now, it's a good idea to register so you can get help if and when you need it. The NHS website has information on how to register.
When everything's changing, a routine can really help. Try to sleep enough, eat a balanced diet, and exercise when you can. These small things make a big difference for your mental health.
It’s easy for study and life to blur together, especially with virtual lectures. Set boundaries and take breaks away from your desk. Do something fun in those breaks. Uni is about enjoying yourself as well as studying.
Some people find journaling helpful to track how they're feeling, but if writing’s not your thing, try a doodle diary. It can even be useful to show a doctor or counsellor if you ever need extra support.
It’s normal to find making friends hard at uni, but keep trying. Friends are important for your wellbeing. Try setting up fun activities with your housemates like game nights or watching a show together. You could also join a society or go to a student union event to meet new people.
Uni work can be a lot harder than school work. If you're finding it tough, remember your mental health comes first. It's okay to give yourself a break when you need one.
Tips on self-care at uni from a young person
Our blogger Josh shares the self-care tips that helped him through uni.
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Exercising
“Jogging, running, swimming, anything that helped get my endorphins flowing.”
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Accepting that I was ill
“This was difficult because mental illness isn’t as tangible as a physical condition. However, trying to pretend I was fine only made things worse. I had to be kind to myself and put in the correct self-care.”
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Maintaining relationships
“Socialising seemed like a pretty arduous task at times, but it helped to stay connected with the world.”
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Cutting down on alcohol
“Drinking might have made me feel better in the short term, but it only masked the problem rather than solving it.”
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Looking after my body
“This meant improving my diet, sleeping well, and drinking plenty of water.”
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Speaking to others
“This was the most important thing I did, and by leaning on those close to me, I was able to get the day-to-day support I needed.”
Where to find support on campus
It's important to know what support your uni offers. Most universities have counselling services, and you should have a student welfare officer or tutor who can help if you need it. Search on Student Space to find out what support is available at your university, or take a look below at some of the places you can go to for help.
If you’re struggling, talking to your GP is a good first step. Make sure you're registered with a GP near your uni. Writing down what you've been going through before your visit can help.
Most universities have counselling services, where you can talk about what you're going through in a judgement-free space. Check out your uni’s website for more information.
You might have a tutor for extra support or a student welfare officer you can reach out to.
Student Space (run by Student Minds) have dedicated support services including a text line, email service and webchat.
Disabled Students' Allowance
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If you have a mental health condition, long-term illness or other disability, you can apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance to help cover study costs. This might include a note taker, any specialist equipment, or extra travel to attend your course.
Real stories about looking after yourself at uni
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Get help now
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Student Space
Student Space is run by Student Minds.
Provides information and advice for students on looking after themselves at university.
Offers a directory to find out what support is available at your university.
Offers dedicated support services for students, including 24 hour text message support, webchat support from 4-11pm every day, and email support.
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Nightline
A free, confidential listening service for you to talk about anything that is on your mind.
Services and opening times vary from institution to institution, but often there is a phone, text, email and live chat service.
See if your university has a nightline listening service.
- Opening times:
- Varies from university to university
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Samaritans
Whatever you're going through, you can contact the Samaritans for support. N.B. This is a listening service and does not offer advice or intervention.
- Opening times:
- 24/7
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Papyrus
Offers confidential advice and support for young people struggling with suicidal thoughts, as well as family and friends; and information about how to make a safety plan.
Its helpline service - HOPELINE247 - is available to anybody under the age of 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts, or anybody concerned that a young person could be thinking of suicide.
- Opening times:
- 24/7 every day of the year
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Youth Access
Provides information about local counselling and advice services for young people aged 11-25.
Put in your location and what you need help with into their 'Find help' search, and see what services are available in your area.
More information and advice
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