Starting uni is a big shift – new routines, new responsibilities and for many students, it’s the first time living away from home. It’s a lot to navigate. These mental health tips for university students can help you stay grounded by building simple habits early, the kind that help you manage study, support your health and wellbeing and know where to turn when things get tough.
To help you set yourself up for success, we’ve pulled together some practical tips for uni students you can use whether you’re in your first session or halfway through your degree. Here’s where to start.
Establish healthy habits
1. Get enough sleep: Sleep fuels your brain. It’s also key to your mood, memory and focus. Lock in seven to nine hours nightly. Stick to a sleep routine, wind down with a calming pre-bed ritual and ditch the screens before hitting the hay. Sleep helps you cope with difficult feelings and supports physical health. It can also help improve mental health over time.
2. Eat a balanced diet: What you eat powers your mind. So fuel up on fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean proteins to stay sharp and energised. When you eat healthy, it helps you stay focused in everyday life.
3. Get regular exercise: Get those endorphins pumping! Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days – walking, jogging, yoga or a casual game of sports can do wonders for your mood and mental health. Choose an activity you enjoy to make it stick.
4. Stay hydrated: Don’t let dehydration drag you down. It messes with your focus and can also trigger headaches. Keep a reusable water bottle handy and aim for at least eight glasses (about two litres) of water daily.
Manage academic stress
5. Use time management skills: Boost productivity and reduce stress by using planners, calendars or apps to organise tasks. Break down big projects into bite-size steps and tackle them by priority. These strategies also help with school stress management and coping with exam stress.
6. Set realistic goals: Keep focused and motivated by setting realistic goals. Go SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. Check in and tweak as needed. This is a simple way to set goals you can actually achieve.
7. Take breaks: Stay sharp by taking regular breaks. Try the Pomodoro Technique: for every 25 minutes of work, take five minutes rest. Stretch, stroll or just chill during those breaks.
8. Seek academic support early: Struggling? Then tap into university resources like academic advisers and study groups. Teaming up with classmates can boost your learning game and lower stress. Early support also helps prevent depression and anxiety from building up. When we’re talking about mental health tips for university students, remember: you’re not doing this alone.
Build a support network
9. Keep in touch: Staying connected with family and friends is key. Regular calls, video chats or visits keep you grounded and also reduce stress. Share what’s on your mind – it helps to talk to people you trust, whether that’s a friend or family member.
10. Join clubs and build community: Join clubs or organisations that catch your eye. It’s a great way to meet people and build your support network and it makes campus life more fulfilling. Strong connections support student wellbeing and can help you build healthy relationships.
11. Don’t hesitate to get help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to our counselling team. You can chat to them in-person, online, on the phone or via text chat. A health professional can also support you if you’re managing mental health conditions, mental illness or other challenges.
12. Have honest conversations: Talk openly with friends or mentors about what’s bothering you. Listen and also share. Honest conversations deepen connections and provide the support you need. This is a simple part of emotional wellbeing for students.
Invest in self-care
13. Practice mindfulness: Lower stress and boost emotional balance with mindfulness. Start simple: deep breaths, muscle relaxation or guided meditations. Try apps like Headspace and Calm to get started, both can support mindfulness for students.
14. Start a journaling habit: Journaling is a great way to de-stress. Spend a few minutes each day writing down your thoughts. Try prompts like “What am I grateful for today?” or “What challenges did I overcome?”
15. Get creative: Express yourself creatively – draw, paint, write or play music. Find a hobby you love and do it regularly. Creative activities are not just fun; they’re also a great way to unwind and support your mental wellbeing.
16. Limit screen time: Too much screen time, especially on social media, can drag you down. Set limits and take breaks. Prioritise offline activities and real-life connections for better mental health. This is an effective way to look after your wellbeing.
Create a healthy mindset
17. Practice gratitude daily: Boost your mood by jotting down three things you’re thankful for each day. It’s a quick win that also builds resilience and happiness.
18. Develop your resilience: Life throws curveballs – resilience is your bat. Learn and grow with every challenge. Focus on solutions, stay positive and also don’t be afraid to ask for help. Part of taking care of yourself is recognising when you need support.
19. Use positive self-talk: Turn down the negative chatter and pump yourself up with positive self-talk. Remind yourself of your wins and strengths.
20. Let go of perfection: Forget perfection – it’s overrated (not to mention unachievable). Mistakes are part of the process. So focus on progress and let yourself grow. It’s all part of improving your mental health and building confidence.
Information and resources
Thriving at uni isn’t about achieving perfection, it’s about creating habits that support your mental health and wellbeing, especially when things feel new or overwhelming. The more you build a routine that supports your wellbeing, the easier it becomes to manage study, relationships, work and everything in between.
If you’re unsure about your next step, or you want some guidance as you settle into uni life, we have a range of student wellbeing resources:
- counselling and wellbeing services for confidential support
- academic skills help for self-paced learning, workshops and one-on-one training
- international student support to help with the unique challenges that come with studying abroad
- financial support services for tips on managing your money
- equity and diversity support to improve access, participation, and success for students from disadvantaged or diverse backgrounds.
There are also a number of external mental health resources you can access, like:
Explore student support
If you’re settling into uni and trying to build habits that help you stay steady, these mental health tips for university students are a good place to start. Small changes add up. Keep checking in with yourself, reach out when things feel heavy and remember you don’t have to figure everything out at once. And if you need more than these mental health tips for uni students, explore our student support services.
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