Managing Mental Health while Studying

Studying at one of London’s universities has many advantages. It can open doors to new professions and industries, help you make new friends, and experience new adventures that you couldn’t dream of.

It all sounds great. But you also need to consider that there will be times when the going gets tough. One of the most stressful times you have will be when you are studying for an exam or have a deadline to meet for a dissertation. At these times when you need to buckle down and study, it can take a toll on your mental health. This is why it is so important to keep on top of your mental health while studying, and manage it properly in the good and bad times.

This blog will give you some self-help tips, as well as external people and organisations you can go to if things get too tough. Let’s begin:

Things you can do for yourself

If you are starting to notice yourself getting stressed by your workload, there are a few things you may want to try before seeking outside help:

• Sleep – Try to get your optimal amount of sleep, as this can help you concentrate and maintain focus
• Exercise – Physical activity can take your mind off studying for a while, allowing you to reset when you get back to revising
• Nutrition – Good food and healthy eating create a more positive outlook, making you more motivated and giving you a better scope to retain information
• Breaks – Enjoy a short walk and don’t bog yourself down with work too much – your mind needs rest as much as anything else
• Manage your time – Break big assessments into more manageable, smaller chunks, and organise a study schedule so that you are learning at the times that best suit you
• Relaxation techniques – Mindfulness and breathing techniques help you to stay calm when you are stressed with studying
• Speak with your friends – Everybody has been stressed at some point in their lives, so there may be a friend or family member who can empathise or sympathise with you. They can provide a sounding board and give you advice on what to do
• Keep things tidy – An organised desk or table might lead to a more organised or calmer mind, which can reduce stress

PLEASE NOTE: It is extremely important to seek help when you need it. There is no embarrassment or defeat in asking for help, so do not feel ashamed if the above measures do not work. Everybody needs aid at some point in their life.

Student wellbeing – Your university should have someone to talk to

Mental health and wellbeing are becoming increasing concerns in modern-day life. This is why most, if not all, universities have some sort of wellbeing hub to help you deal with stress during your studies. One example from the University of London is its support and wellbeing page. Important resources such as everyday tips, safeguarding, directions to internal student wellbeing officers, disability advisers, and external resources to charities and health organisations are all included on pages such as these.

Just remember, YOU ARE NOT ON YOUR OWN.

Student counselling

If things are getting too much, student counselling is available through your university. The aim is to provide a non-judgemental space where you can communicate the problems you are having with your studying. Any other emotional or academic issues can be discussed, with professional guidance and support to solve any problems, hopefully being provided. Of course, you can talk to your tutors, so this type of counselling is usually better suited to those who are having wider, more general problems. Of course, it goes without saying that it is available to everyone, regardless of the issue they are facing. The most common issues students have include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bullying
• Low self-esteem
• Family and relationship problems
• Bereavement and dealing with illness
• Exam stress and specific academic difficulties

The process of counselling is completely voluntary, so you are under no obligations or added stress. The counsellor aims to get you to think differently about what is happening to you through non-invasive, gentle discussion. If you can build your own resilience emotionally and academically through the process, which should help you solve problems more efficiently and achieve your goals, then that is usually the ultimate aim of counselling. But don’t expect immediate results; everyone moves at their own pace with this sort of help. It obviously depends on the nature and extent of what is troubling you as to the timeframe when an issue can be ‘sorted’, or at least dealt with better.

Student mental health charities

There are lots of charities out there that can help students with their mental health. A few examples include:

• The University Mental Health Advisers Network
• Student Minds
• Mind
• YoungMinds
• Student Space
• The Association of Colleges

These are just a few charities that carry out a range of programmes that can help students who are having particular difficulty during their studies.

The University Mental Health Day

Student Minds and the University Mental Health Advisors Network have organised a University Mental Health Day, which usually takes place around March of every year, just around the time when essays, dissertations, and exams are about to enter your preparations and thoughts. It is an opportunity to raise awareness, donate to worthy charities, and ensure that nobody is held back by their mental health, especially during important study periods.

Apprentice support

Traditional university students mustn’t be the only ones who should be considered when it comes to studying stress and mental health. Apprentices go through every bit as much stress during their studies, especially during end-point assessments. The Apprentices Support Centre is a great tool for new and experienced apprentices to go to when they are struggling. Whether it is connecting with other apprentices or employers, finding out how to become one in the first place, or figuring out how to gain full-time employment once everything is finished, lots of support is available through this resource.

We’re here for you, too

Figuring out where you are going to stay while studying in London may be an added stress for you. That’s why the team at LHA London is here for you.

We can sort out all your accommodation needs at one of the many locations we operate out of across London.

If you are a student and need somewhere safe and secure that offers relaxing spaces for study, speak with one of our team members, and we would be delighted to help.