University: fun, friends, freedom, new adventures, oh and that degree that will give you an exciting future. What an amazing time, right? Yet often it is really tough and can be pretty lonely. Subject matter that doesn’t make sense, feeling you don’t fit in and can’t find your tribe, housing issues, financial worries, missing home and if it isn’t hard enough normally then this year, we had Covid too. Totally pants. So, if you are feeling a bit rubbish then that’s not just OK, it’s totally understandable. What is not ok however is letting it become your norm. You deserve better. So much better.

So, here are a few pointers.

Firstly, make sure you are taking it easy on the booze and you are eating well.

Make sure you are getting out for some fresh air. It really really does help.

Set small targets with your work: I will read the next two pages and make notes then spend 10 minutes doing something that makes me feel good.

Remember social media helps you connect….it also can make you feel rubbish. If you step away from your social media and feel worse than you did when you opened it up, then record how long you are on there over the course of one day and set yourself targets to cut down. Instead listen to podcasts that inspire you, make you laugh, talk about things you feel passionate about -it can even be about the course you are studying and kill two birds with one stone!

Join a club – ok you might not be able to go climbing/play football at the moment, but they might be planning stuff online that you can join in with. What’s more there are plenty of other clubs such as quiz, meditation, art, music, film that are still going strong. Try something new and see where it takes you.

Your club might have a welfare officer who can make you feel more settled.

Universities will also have a financial department so if you are struggling with your funding then go to them sooner rather later whilst any concerns can still be worked out. You won’t be the first person to be in the position you are in and they will have some good tips to help you through.

Universities often have a counselling service but the waiting list for this can be epic. Speak to your GP about NHS based support, as well as advice on online CBT or private counselling. Remember if you do not like a counsellor then ask for another. Sharing really personal stuff with someone who doesn’t make you feel comfortable isn’t going to work for either of you. If you are paying for a counsellor then interview them first! (google this – interviewing a potential counsellor really is thing!!)

Don’t dismiss charities that either specialise in mental health conditions such as depression, self-harm, anxiety etc or more general ones such as www.studentminds.org.uk. They have a wealth of knowledge and tips as well as people who know what you are going through. And remember that a problem shared really is a problem halved. Talk to people. They may well be finding things really difficult too.

Finally please stay safe, get help and remember that you are not  alone: please keep taking small steps forward to find the person whose out there waiting to help you.