Zainab shares her journey to managing academic stress through effective time management, active learning, self-care and seeking support when needed. - Zainab University exams and assignments often felt overwhelming, turning what should have been a learning experience into a major source of stress for me. I noticed that stress showed up as anxiety, trouble concentrating, and even physical symptoms like headaches and insomnia. Recognising these signs early was key to managing them effectively and I found that good time management really helped with academic stress.   Creating ..read more

In this short blog, Emily highlights some of the common issues people have with working from home and suggests some ways to overcome these challenges. - Emily I graduated with my undergraduate degree a few years ago. I was in the midst of my second year when the world went into lockdown and, to begin with, I was placed on furlough and shipped back home to a condensed family life again. In the third year, we returned to the yo-yo of regulations that, had it not been for being a key worker, would have had me isolated back to my student accommodation for weeks on end, as we cycled through late ..read more

Callum discusses the student lifestyle and accessing support at University - Callum - Centre for Mental Health For as long as there have been students, there has been the notion of a ‘Student Lifestyle’. Across all sections of society, including the student body itself, there is an expectation that students must lower their standards for living. Students are meant to be poor, to have low quality housing, and to drink to excess. Moreover, the ‘Student Bubble’ means that students are excluded – and exclude themselves – from the wider community; this absurd way of life is normalised thro ..read more

The Editorial Team are raising awareness for Stress Awareness Month by sharing their top tips for managing stress at university. - Student Minds Blog Editorial Team ⭐ Tip 1: Find your people ⭐ by Taylor Managing stress is so much easier when you can get out of the zone and feel truly happy with the people around you. It certainly doesn't mean that the problem will go away but having a good distraction doesn't hurt and neither does a good support network that you can talk your problems through with. After all, a great friendship can get you through anything! ⭐ Tip 2: Explore hobb ..read more

Daniel shares his tips and strategies to work efficiently while also enjoying time off. - Daniel A common problem for students is being overworked, as we all know, the work does not stop! As someone who is dyslexic, I often felt like I was falling behind. However, I found some techniques that helped me progress with my studies while also helping me to enjoy my free time.  1. Morning routine It is always hard to get work done when half the day has already gone. In my experience, getting up late becomes a habit that really hinders your ability to complete your work. Waking up early ..read more

Madeleine describes how it feels to make the decision to start a masters with a mental health condition and how she reached this choice. - Madeline I recently made the decision to go back to university in September and start a masters. This was not a decision I took lightly, as someone whose mental health illness is triggered by stress, I was worried I would be unable to face the pressure a masters would entail. I came to the conclusion that, with the right support, I should aspire to do anything someone without a mental illness can do. I previously worked in the laboratory after graduating ..read more

Ali shares his experience of opening up to people about his feelings while at university. - Ali Despite being on a counselling training course, the idea of me “opening up” didn’t really come to mind when I applied, enrolled, and attended my degree. Perhaps naively it didn’t occur to me that I would have to “open up” as part of the mandatory hours of personal therapy I have to attend as part of the course… “you’re such an emotionally mature person”  “you’re so connected with your feelings”   “I feel like I could tell you anything” But, opening up can be scary. Being heard c ..read more

The Editorial Team have come together to share their thoughts on finding support at university. - Student Minds Blog Editorial Team ⭐ How could you reach out for support? ⭐ Taylor: Reaching out can seem the most daunting step, especially when you have to figure out how to put your feelings into words. But this can be made easier, with a solid and safe network of people you trust and can talk to when times are tough, or by knowing who you can reach out to professionally at your university.  Emily A: It can be really challenging to 'put yourself out there' and find new circles t ..read more

Our author shares her thoughts and feelings about the new year and what her aims are. - Anon As the new year begins, I find myself standing at the threshold of a fresh chapter in my academic journey. The canvas of 2024 awaits, and with it, an array of ambitions and aspirations that I am eager to bring to fruition during my time at university.  First and foremost, the advent of a new year invites reflection and the setting of goals. I believe in the power of resolutions, for they serve as guiding stars, illuminating the path toward personal and academic growth. his year, my goals for u ..read more

Dhriti talks about the activities that support her in dealing with grief. - Dhriti In July 2023, my world came crashing down when I lost my 18-year-old cousin. She was my companion in joyous moments, the person I celebrated birthdays, festivals, and family gatherings with. Our bond may not have been the closest, but it was undeniably special to the both of us.  As I prepared to move to the UK in September 2023 for a master's degree in Marketing and Brand Management, my family and I were excited about the upcoming journey. She, too, shared in the excitement, making plans for outin ..read more