Taking care of your mental health while studying
By MetStudios
12 March 2025
University can be an incredible journey, full of new experiences, creativity, and opportunities to grow. But alongside the excitement, it can also bring challenges, especially when it comes to mental health. Balancing coursework, deadlines, and personal life isn’t always easy and, at times, stress can feel overwhelming.
That’s why, in recognition of University Mental Health Day, we caught up with our Student Support team to find out more about some practical strategies to help you manage your studies while taking care of your mental wellbeing. Whether you’re facing stress, struggling with motivation, or just looking for ways to maintain a healthy mindset, these tips can make a real difference.
Plan Ahead
Deadlines for assignments and projects tend to creep up ‘out of nowhere’ and it can become overwhelming to deal with them all at once. Bring a planner to class to make notes of deadlines and tasks, or use the Notes app on your phone. It’s also a practical idea to make a plan or a list of what needs to be done in advance. This means that you can work on a small task every day, rather than having a whole essay or project to finish overnight.
Avoid Procrastinating
By keeping on top of things and dealing with tasks, assignments, and general life admin as you go, it’s much more manageable and easier to stay in control; it really helps for those days when your mood is low and it’s hard to function. Try to keep a designated study area and don’t let it get messy – needing to tidy up before you start studying can become a procrastination black hole.
Talk To Someone
Talk about how you are feeling to anyone you trust, who you feel relaxed and comfortable with. If, for any reason, your mental health is hindering your learning, let your Course Leader, Lecturers or Student Support team know. We’re all here to support you and help you to make a plan when things get tough. Remember that the Student Support team are available to talk about anything and can also signpost to external services for further professional support.
Practise Self-Care
When times get stressful, and university certainly can be, it’s important to do things for yourself that make you feel good. Self-care is a deliberate activity you can do to take care of your emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing. It can be something as simple as taking a bath, reading a book, listening to your favourite music, or just making a cup of tea.
Mindfulness is also brilliant for your mental health. It’s been scientifically proven to calm the mind, create stability, increase focus, heal from trauma, reduce anxiety – and much more besides! Mindfulness happens when you focus on the present moment and avoid thinking of things that have happened or might happen in the future, which can cause anxiety or worry. Mindfulness can help to train your mind to think more rationally and clearly by reducing negative thought patterns.
Try Not To Isolate Yourself
When we experience moments of low mood it can be difficult to leave the house, or even get out of bed in the morning. Staying connected to the world outside your room, by taking a walk to get some fresh air or spending time with friends, for example, will definitely have a positive effect on your mood and give you a sense of achievement. The tough part is the first step, so maybe ask a trusted friend to help get you out when you’re not feeling like it.
Avoid All-Nighters
Late nights with friends are a regular part of the university experience, but it is important to prioritise sleep. Sleep is crucial for our physical and mental health, and has a major effect on your mood and ability to focus and learn. This also goes for what we choose to eat and drink, too. Try to eat a nutritious and balanced diet – and don’t forget to bring your water bottle with you to class!
Mental Health vs Grades
Prioritise your personal needs and your mental health. It is more important to focus on best efforts and personal achievements than pressuring yourself to get the highest grade. Always strive to do your best and to meet deadlines, but also go easy on yourself in the process. Remember: don’t work all of the time, but do work some of the time!
Your mental health is just as important as your academic success—if not more. While university life comes with its ups and downs, prioritising self-care, seeking support when needed, and maintaining balance can help you navigate challenges more effectively. Remember, you are not alone—our Student Support team is always here to help, whether you need advice, a listening ear, or guidance towards additional support.
This University Mental Health Day, take a moment to check in with yourself, reach out to others, and remind yourself that your wellbeing matters.
