Starting university is a big change. Meeting lots of new people, getting into new routines, and if you have left home, adjusting to a new place and a new independence – all of these things can have an impact on your mental health.
If you are just starting university or are a returning student, we have some tips, tricks and resources that can help you to look after your mental health.
Our student self-care top tips
1. Join societies and clubs
Societies and sports clubs are a great way to get meet new people and get to know one another over a common interest. Getting involved with a hobby of interest to you can also give you respite from your studies.
If joining a club feels like a big step, consider speaking to someone at your Students’ Union for support.
2. Learn your learning style
Understanding how you learn best can help you to manage your new workload. University is a big step up from college and school, so getting familiar with how you process information will help you stay on top of your studies. Staying on top of your studies can help with staying on top of your mental wellbeing.
You might find you work better in a quiet room, or work best with a friend or ‘buddy-system’. You might be an audio-visual learner, or pick things up best when you’re active and doing.
Learning which learning style suits you can help you manage your workload more effectively, which will help you keep you stress levels under control.
3. Don’t be scared to ask for help
Your university will have lots of resources and support systems in place for you to use. From wellbeing services to academic writing support, there are lots of people whose job it is to help you get the most from your university experience.
You don’t have to struggle on your own, so reach out to the services available whenever you need them.
There are also lots of external services across Leeds that you can use. You’ll find some good-to-know contact numbers and websites further down the page.
4. Eat well and stay hydrated
Eating a balanced diet and staying well-hydrated have a big impact on your mood and wellbeing. Fuelling your body and brain properly will help you to avoid burn out, keep you feeling energised and able to do your work and activities.
You might be going on lots of nights out too, which can be a lot of fun. Making sure you eat properly and drink lots of water when you are going out can help to avoid feeling rough the morning after, and reduce ‘hang-xiety’.
It’s also perfectly acceptable to opt-out of drinking, whether that’s for one night out, or for the long term.
5. Learn to say no
Setting boundaries is a useful skill for everyone to learn. When you start university, there are going to be lots of opportunities to get involved with and new people to meet. But it can be easy to do too much if you don’t know when or how to say ‘no’.
Being overcommitted or having too busy a schedule can leave you feeling overloaded and could impact your wellbeing. Don’t be afraid to say no to things if you feel you have enough on your plate.
Good-to-know phone numbers and hotlines
Below you can find useful websites and contact numbers for Leeds-based and national services.
If you’re feeling unable to cope
If your life or someone else’s is in immediate danger, please call 999.
24/7 Mental Health Crisis Support, NHS 111 – The NHS 111 number has been rolled out in West Yorkshire as a universal point of access for people of all ages experiencing mental health crisis. Call 111 and select the mental health option.
Samaritans – 116 123
Samaritans provide a 24/7, 365 service offering support to those in distress, including those dealing with mental health crisis or suicidal feelings. You can call Samaritans 24/7, 365 days a year.
Dial House – Call 0113 260 9328, Text 07922 249 452
A face-to-face emotional support for people in crisis, Dial House offers a homely and calming environment with access to one to one support from Crisis Support Workers. Dial House is open from 6pm to 1am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
When seeking general wellbeing and mental health support
Your university’s wellbeing or student welfare services are a great place to start
MindWell is the ‘go-to’ mental health website for Leeds, bringing together information from the NHS, Leeds City Council , and the third sector. You can find useful contacts and information on their website.
FRANK – 0300 1236600
FRANK offer information, support and advice on drugs and alcohol. You can call FRANK 24/7 or text 82111 for friendly and confidential advice. They also have an online chat service 2pm – 6pm, 7 days a week.
Forward Leeds – Call – 0113 887 2477, Text – 07525 265755
Leeds based service providing advice, support and harm reduction for those affected by alcohol and drug issues.
With You provides free and confidential support and advice to those dealing with alcohol and drug misuse and mental health challenges. They offer an online chat service 9am – 9pm Monday to Friday, and 10am – 4pm.
Angels of Freedom offers compassionate support, advice, signposting and friendly faces for the LGBTQIA+ community in Leeds. They can be found every Friday evening from 7pm to 11pm between the Freedom Quarter area, Call Lane and Wharf Chambers. You can also contact them via their website.
Switchboard – 0800 0119 100 (10am – 10pm, everyday)
Switchboard is a national LGBTQIA+ support line, creating a safe space to discuss sexuality, gender identity and sexual health. They also offer an online chat service from 3pm.
Leeds Nightline – 0113 380 1285 (8pm – 8am, most days)
Leeds-based confidential listening and information service for students in Leeds. Anonymous, non-directive, non-advisory and non-judgemental. Leeds Nightline also runs an instant messaging service during their open hours.
Save the Student provides free and impartial advice for students on how to make their money go further. There are lots of resources and insights available to explore on their website.
What resources are available at Leeds Mind
At Leeds Mind, we are your local mental health charity. We provide a variety of mental health support to the Leeds community. Whether you want to use the services we offer or are interested in getting involved with fundraising and volunteer opportunities, we would love to hear from you.
Youth in Mind
Youth in Mind is our mental health services for young people ages 10-25 who are struggling with their mental health because of very difficult, frightening or distressing experiences (also known as trauma).
Youth in Mind is a peer support service, meaning you will speak with people who have been through similar situations. You can get support as 1-to-1 sessions, group sessions or both.
You can visit the Youth in Mind service page to learn more about what this service offer and to refer yourself or someone else.
Money in Mind
Money in Mind is free financial wellbeing service. Money is closely linked to our mental health. Struggling financially can leave you feeling stressed and burnt out, and low mental wellbeing can make it hard to manage your finances effectively.
For students, you might be experiencing financial independence and learning about financial management for the first time – which can be hard!
Money in Mind has lots of free financial wellbeing workshops you can attend to learn tips and tricks to make money management easier. We can also help you navigate welfare support and access the practical support (such as food banks and grants) available in Leeds.
You can find further information and contact details, and sign up for workshops on the Money in Mind page.
