Mental Health Guidance for University Students

White curve

Moving to university is a huge step, and one you may have been planning for a long time. Whether you are going to the university you planned, or finding your way after clearing, there is much to think about.

It's a very exciting time and so that you get the best out of the experience over the next three or more years, it's vitally important to look after your physical and mental health. New experiences can be very tiring, and you may have many – new home, new town, new friends, new course. While they can be fun they can also be very draining, so it’s important to know how to look after your wellbeing and this includes your mental health.

Take a look at our range of guidance below. 

Need help now? Here's where to go. 

 

Moving away from home for university

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Meeting new people 

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Finding your way around a new place

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Living independently

 

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Living with new people

 

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Starting a new course

 

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Joining clubs and societies

 

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Social life and friendships

 

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Relationships 

 

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Leaving your problems behind you

 

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Self-care: five ways to look after your mental health and wellbeing

Read more 

Being authentic, making mistakes and missing people 

Read more 

 

 

How and where to seek support 

 

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Asking for help 

 

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Wellbeing action plan

 

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Making the move to university: for care leavers

 

Read more 

 

 

Making the move to university: for international students 

 

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Making the move to university: for LGBTQ+ students

 

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Making the move to university: not fitting in

 

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Making the move to university: for students with adverse childhood experiences

 

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Making the move to university: for young carers 

 

Read more 

 

 

Resources

Starting University: Getting away from home

Moving away from home for university? 

Read more
Resource

Asking for help (adult)

When it’s time to talk about your mental health.

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Resource

Asking for help (young person)

A simple guide for young people to help talk about their feelings.

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Resource

CREATE a university mental health strategy

Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy for University

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Resource

Depression booklet

Featuring useful facts, figures and information, this booklet also contains sources of help and what not to say to people experiencing depression

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Resource

Life at university (A4 poster)

A4 poster with QR code for students to find information about life at university,

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Resource

Life at university (A6 postcard)

A6 postcard with QR code for students to find information about life at university,

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Resource

Low mood poster

Poster created in partnership with Bank Workers Charity highlighting common causes of low mood, how to help yourself feel better and information on where to get more help.

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Resource

Making the move to university: care leavers

Read how to look after your mental health if you are starting university after being in care.

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Resource

Making the move to university: international students

Moving to university is especially tough for those who are coming from another country. Don't forget to make sure you prioritise your mental health, and read how to do so here.

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Resource

Making the move to university: LGBTQ+ students

Read our resource on how you can best take care of your mental health when making the transition to university if you are part of the LGBTQ+ community.

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Resource

Making the move to university: not fitting in

Read our guide on how to protect your wellbeing if you are starting university and feel like you may not fit in in any way.

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Resource

Making the move to university: students with adverse childhood experiences

Resource for those starting university who have had adverse childhood experiences such as trauma or abuse.

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Resource

Making the move to university: young carers

Read how to access support and prioritise your mental health while transitioning to university as a young carer.

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Resource

Managing Stress and Anxiety

A booklet giving tips on how students can look after their mental health during exams and assessments.

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Resource

Patent and trade mark professionals

Protecting your mental health and wellbeing: A guide for patent and trade mark professionals

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Resource

Perfectionism

Aiming high can sometimes come at a cost. This eight page guide looks at ‘unhealthy perfectionism’ – how to spot it and advice on how to develop effective interventions.

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Resource

POSTER Tips for managing stress

A4 poster giving six practical tips on how students can look after their mental health during exams and assessments.

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Resource

Students Against Depression posters

Posters to be displayed in Higher and Further Education areas

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Resource

Top Tips For Students

A booklet giving tips on how students can look after their mental health.

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Resource

Warning signs poster

A bold A3 poster showing the warning signs that tell you when someone may be depressed. This poster could save a life.

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Resource

Wellbeing Action Plan (child)

A simple, resource to help young people keep themselves well and get them through difficult times

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Resource

Wellbeing Action Plan (young person)

Our Wellbeing Action Plan is for all young people attending sixth form or college.

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Resource

Wellbeing Journal

A simple, journal to help young people think about and write down the things which make them feel good.

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