Mental health tips for students during freshers' week
25 September 2023By Amelia. A, Staff writer at Unite Students
Mental health tips for students during freshers’ week
Are you feeling excited about freshers’ week, or does the prospect leave your stomach in a knot? Meeting lots of new people in an unfamiliar city, being away from friends and family for the first time, and the pressure to have the best time can all make you feel anxious, stressed and down.
Preparing for Uni can involve some stress with a lot of new challenges on hand. That’s why we’ve developed a guide to looking after your mental health during freshers’. Put your mind at ease so that you can enjoy your freshers’ experience.
Here’s how to look after your mental health in freshers’ week and beyond.
Why is mental health important for students?
While the prospect of independence and a fresh start can be exciting when you’re starting uni, it can take its toll on the mental health of students.
University is a big change. With new people coming into your life, a new home to settle into and a new city to navigate, it can be overwhelming. Whether it’s adapting to a completely new culture or just finding your way around, it’s only natural to feel a bit anxious.
Getting the jitters before a big change in your life is normal, but if it’s impacting your mental health and wellbeing that’s a different matter.
A major publication on student mental health statistics in 2021 showed that 37% of first year students showed symptoms of depression, and 39% showed signs of anxiety. With everything from academic worries and unfamiliar environments, it’s understandable that students might feel this way.
But when it comes to mental health, there are a range of things you can do to help manage these feelings and make the start of uni life a positive experience.
Mental health tips for students during freshers’ week and beyond
Get plenty of sleep
There are a lot of events happening during freshers’ week, but this doesn’t mean you have to go out every night. Whether you’re exploring your new home, meeting new people or clubbing into the early hours, you can’t keep going forever. Getting enough shut-eye has a close relationship with your mental health. Plan a schedule that allows you to catch up on quality sleep.
Eat healthy
Brains work on the nutrition and energy we put into our bodies, so a proper diet is very important. With all the pizza nights, drinking and snacking that goes on during freshers’ week, you might find yourself feeling lazy, bloated and mentally exhausted.
Ensure you have good nutrition, with plenty of fruit and veg to balance out your party diet. Make sure you stay hydrated which will prevent the worst of a hangover and keep you from craving unhealthy food throughout the day.
Exercise
Freshers’ week could also put quite a dent in your physical health. This is why it’s essential to work out and exercise regularly. Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a run or taking part in sports, it’s being active that counts.
Not only does physical activity boost your fitness and self-confidence, but it also releases endorphins knowns as ‘happy hormones’ that improve your overall mood, sleep and mental health. Explore the university fitness facilities and sports societies during freshers’ week to find something that fits your style.
Limit time spent on social media
The impact of social media on the mental health of students is quite a dilemma. Social media can help you make friends and find things to do. But it can also create impossible standards and exclude some students who don’t fit in with what’s trending.
Our advice? Limit your time on social media and use it as a tool to supplement your real social life rather than putting a focus on shining online. You’ll find yourself much happier as you start to live in the moment.
Get out of your comfort zone
While it's important to feel safe and secure, a fundamental part of uni life is getting out there. By meeting new people and expanding your horizons, you’ll gain confidence and learn more about the world around you. Understanding and accepting that you’ll feel challenged at times will help you mentally prepare for university and life beyond it.
University offers a mix of cultures and a supportive community. It's a great opportunity to dip your toes into unfamiliar territory.
Create a calm and safe space
Whether you’re feeling anxious or have a mental health issue that needs extra assistance, it’s important to develop a safe space for your time of need.
This safe space could mean taking some alone time in your room, or finding a location to vent with a support system of friends, family or peers who understand your issues. Remember, don’t bottle your emotions up. Self-expression can help alleviate issues of stress, anxiety and fear.
Get some alone time
Try not to give into FOMO during freshers’ week - you don’t need to say yes to everything. You’ll have plenty of time to hang out with your flat, course and society mates. Instead, why not spend some free time decorating your new bedroom? Having a cosy space to relax and study can really improve the mental health of university students.
Stay in touch with friends and family
A big part of mental health issues in students is homesickness. This is why it’s important to stay in touch with old friends and family. Taking the time to facetime or phone people back home can help you stay connected. These people know you way better than your new uni friends, and their advice and guidance can often be valuable.
Find out what help your university can offer
Remember to find out all the mental health and wellbeing assistance that the university offers. From academic assistance to counsellors and networks with like-minded people, the university will do its best to help you manage your mental health.
Know your limits
It’s important to know your limits. Drinking too much alcohol can hamper both your mental and physical health. Don’t let others pressure you into drinking more than you’re comfortable with. Alcohol is a depressant which means it slows down brain functioning and neural activity. This explains why you might feel sad for no reason when you’re hungover.
If you’re on any meds, you should consult your physician to get a better idea of how much it’s safe to drink, and if there are other substances you should avoid.
Professional help for mental health
Explore NHS’s portal for mental health and wellbeing to get professional help regarding any issues that you’re facing.
Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity with free 24/7 tips, resources and student stories.
Mental health charity Mind also has a student life hub offering tips and advice for looking after your mental health while you study.
