1. Connect with other people

Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth, give you an opportunity to share positive experiences, provide emotional support and allow you to support others.

It is important that you don’t rely just on social media to connect with people and that you get out and do things. Why not ask a friend round for dinner, go for a walk with a relative, or book an activity with someone?

Visit the Beds SU website to find a list of societies, student networks and events where you can connect and meet others on campus.

2. Be physically active

Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness, but evidence shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing by raising self-esteem and helping you to set goals and challenges to achieve. It also causes a chemical change in your brain which can help to positively change your mood.

Take a look at our FREE Get Active Programme and sign up to one of the many fitness classes they have on offer.

3. Learn new skills

Learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem, helping you to build a sense of purpose and helping you to connect with others.

Even if you feel like you do not have enough time, or you may not need to learn new things, there are lots of different ways to bring learning into your life.

Sign up to a number of societies where you can learn a new skill whilst at university.

4. Give to others

Acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by creating positive feelings and a sense of reward. It can give you a feeling of purpose and self-worth whilst also helping you to connect with other people.

It could be small acts of kindness towards other people or larger ones like volunteering in your local community.

Discover volunteering opportunities that are right for you with the University’s Careers & Employability service.

5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body, and the world around you.

Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

Read more about mindfulness, including steps you can take to be more mindful in your everyday life.

The University has teamed up with a mental fitness app called Fika. There are a number of activities that you can do to improve your positivity, reduce stress and enhance your motivation and focus.

Mental health and wellbeing support at university

If you feel that you may be experiencing some difficulties with your mental health, please reach out to one of our teams that will be able to support you.

Visit our website to find out more about the support on offer and contact our specialist teams that are here to support you.

Listen to our podcast - mental health support episodes!

You can also listen to our new podcast, Bits of Beds – a pocket-sized student guide to life at the University of Bedfordshire!

In one of the ‘minisodes’, student hosts Joe and Priscilla chat with on-campus counsellor Jill about the mental health support service available to students during their studies.

In other minisodes, they are also joined by student Nicola who discusses the wellbeing support she received during her studies, and graduate Aleeha who shares her experience of using the mental health services at the University.