Surveys carried out in 2020 showed that the vast majority (83%) of 13-25-year-olds in the United Kingdom reported their mental health had either got “a bit worse” or “much worse” due to the coronavirus pandemic; only 7% of the age group said their mental health had improved by any measure.

It has, evidently, been a difficult time for students. However, the University and Beds SU offer a number of services that can support those struggling with their mental health. Jill Gale, Mental Health Advisor at the University, runs a mental health blog and has the following advice for those feeling low:

There has been a lot of discussion in the media about the impact of the pandemic on our mental health; the restrictions placed on us have left us feeling like we have lost control over our lives.

To help us get through these difficult times is it important to acknowledge what we have and what we have achieved. New research is suggesting that what helps is to focus on the positives in our life and to look towards the future.

When you start to feel overwhelmed, think of three positives about your day. Look at what you have achieved and the good things in your life. Make plans for the future and think about what you want to do when this is all over.

Many people did not seek help during the first lockdown as they did not think their problem was serious enough. If something is troubling you, it is always serious! It’s best to tackle problems before they overwhelm you.

The following links will take you to useful resources and services to help with your mental health:

• University Counselling Service
• Student Support
• Community and Faith Centres
• Beds SU Health and Wellbeing
• Action for Happiness
• Student Space
• Shout, the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks
• Samaritans

For some, university is the first time they experience budgeting and managing their own finances. Whether saving and spending is unfamiliar territory or not, the current circumstances have made money management uniquely challenging.

Ruki Heritage, Director of Student Experience, has the following money tips:

With shops, restaurants and many other retailers remaining closed – and also a limitation on movement – the urge to purchase items emotionally or out of boredom may become all too tempting. Before purchasing an item, check yourself and decide if you really need it.

When you are doing food shopping, make a list to cover meals for the week and try not to deviate too far from this. Special offer items like crisps, chocolates and cakes are great as a now and again treat, but they are usually quite expensive and aren’t filling enough to be a main meal.

It’s also tempting to go to the corner shop simply to get out of the house. Again, this doesn’t really fit with the lockdown rules (unless it’s essential shopping) and you may also spend more on these quick trips than on your main shop if you’re not careful.

I would encourage all students to have a money managing app – there are lots of free ones available. If you don’t have a smart phone, there are plenty of websites that offer a similar service. It’s important to calculate your expenditure accurately – you will be surprised how many little costs or direct debits you have without even thinking about them.

Most of us have withdrawn money from an ATM before, spent it all, and can’t remember what we bought with it. Knowing your incomings and outgoings will give you a much better idea of where you stand financially.

For those running low on money, Ruki advises students set up a student bank account, warns against payday loans and stresses that getting in touch with experts at the University is always a sensible option. She said:

Avoid payday loans and other high interest debts. These can become a very costly way of borrowing, and you may end up repaying more than twice the sum you borrowed.

If you do need to enter debt, look at the best way of managing this such as with student accounts that have interest-free overdrafts. If you are struggling financially, you should speak to the Student Money Advice team at the University. From budgeting workshops, scholarships and bursaries to hardship funds, there is practical advice as well as financial support available.

It's really important to reach out if you are struggling. The University has support mechanisms for both staff and students, and there are also lots of local and national charities available.

The following links will take you to useful resources and services to help with your finances:

• Student Money Advice
• Beds SU Finance Advice
• Beds Covid Hardship Fund
• Save the Student
• Money Saving Expert

Lockdown places its strain on members of staff as well as students, so it’s important for universities to look after their employees to protect their wellbeing and to ensure students’ studies aren’t impacted in the long run.

For that reason, this year’s staff Health & Wellbeing Event (11-15^th January) was more important than ever. Staff were invited to sign up to a number of online interactive courses to help them stay positive, be mindful and learn new skills.

Tracey Massey, based at the University’s People Development Team, hopes that the event has helped staff feel connected and supported during the Covid-19 pandemic. She said:

With a key focus on mental health and wellbeing, our team has worked hard to ensure our fellow colleagues feel supported, especially by our efforts to introduce and execute the University’s first virtual Wellbeing event.

With over 30 interactive courses on offer, I believe there was something for everyone to take away and benefit from, including discussions about body image, understanding eating disorders, managing anxiety and homeworking ergonomics.

Staff and students can also find useful information and resources to help with their health and wellbeing via:

• Business Insider – Balancing Family & Work
• Forbes – Productivity Tips
• Good Housekeeping Self-Care Tips
• NHS Working from Home Tips

Staying active and eating well is important for both the body and mind, but with short daylight hours, cold weather and stay-at-home instructions, it can be difficult to find the time or stay motivated.

However, the days are steadily getting longer and there is a plethora of University services and online resources to help with staying healthy. The University’s Get Active Officer, Tom Roberts, has the following words of wisdom:

We know at the moment many of you are still at home. Keeping active is great for the mind and the body and you do not have to do much for exercise to have a real positive impact on you.

It brings structure to your day, and a sense of wellness – whether studying, home schooling or simply just working from home. Those who may have started or upped regular exercise during the lockdowns last March or in November, such as walking or running, should continue to do so in the next couple of months. Remember to do it safely and within lockdown law.

We know it’s dark and cold, but if you can we encourage you to do so. For those looking to exercise indoors, the University’s Get Active programme is free for you at this time, with classes and sessions accessed via a Zoom link that is sent when you book.

The following links will take you to useful resources and services to help with keeping active:

• Get Active
• University Sport
• Lockdown-Safe Walks in Luton
• The Body Coach YouTube
• NHS Exercise Resources