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In our previous article on dealing with anxiety and poor mental health at university, we have discussed “less tangible” aspects of student wellbeing.
If you’re struggling with mental health and anxiety, giving that a read may be helpful. However, in this post, we’ll focus on the more tangible steps you can take to improve student wellbeing at university.
A critique to the university education system here:
How to take care of yourself at university should be part of the actual academic programme. Universities should regularly discuss student wellbeing during lectures, not with random emails outside of academic hours.
Nevertheless, this also shows that you are your best friend, so don’t rely on others to take care of you!
Why Should You Prioritise Student Wellbeing at Uni?
Student wellbeing isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the foundation of how well you study, how much you enjoy university life, and how resilient you feel when things get stressful.
Research consistently shows the link between wellbeing and academic performance — for instance, the National Union of Students (NUS) has highlighted how students who feel supported in both their physical and mental health achieve better academic outcomes.
Poor sleep, constant stress, or neglecting your health doesn’t just affect your body — it impacts your memory, concentration, and even motivation to attend lectures.
On the flip side, small but consistent wellbeing habits can make revision feel more manageable, exams less intimidating, and daily life at uni far more enjoyable.
💧 Stay Hydrated: The Simple Habit That Boosts Wellbeing
It may sound too obvious, but hydration is often overlooked. Even mild dehydration has been shown to reduce memory, focus, and energy levels (British Journal of Nutrition). That’s not exactly what you want during a 9am lecture.
A simple fix? Carry a reusable bottle everywhere. Make it a habit to finish one by lunchtime and another before dinner. If you tend to forget, apps like Plant Nanny or WaterMinder can give you fun reminders.
Think of drinking water as fuelling your brain — because that’s exactly what it is!
👉 Recommended: Check Out Our Student Essentials Picks, everything you’ll need to stay prepared, productive, and comfortable during a typical Uni day.
🍏 Eating Healthier at University (Without Breaking the Bank)
Food plays a huge role in how you feel day to day. According to Harvard Health, the right foods can boost mood, reduce stress, and improve concentration.
At uni, it’s easy to grab crisps or energy drinks between classes, but those sugar highs don’t last. Instead, aim for small swaps: fruit, nuts, or popcorn instead of chocolate bars; or a jacket potato and beans instead of takeout.
Cooking from scratch may feel daunting, but quick meals like stir-fries, omelettes, or lentil soup can be cheaper (and faster) than Deliveroo.
You don’t need a “perfect diet” — just a few consistent changes that keep your energy levels stable.
👉 Recommended: We wrote a Guide on How to Eat Healthy at Uni on a Student Budget, you may find that useful!
🏃 Staying Active Without the Gym
Not a fan of the gym? No problem. The NHS recommends 150 minutes of movement a week, but that doesn’t have to mean deadlifts or treadmills.
Walking to lectures instead of taking the bus, joining a free yoga or dance class at your student union, or simply stretching between study sessions all count.
Moving your body regularly helps reduce stress hormones and releases endorphins — those “feel good” chemicals that lift your mood.
The trick is to find something you enjoy. Whether it’s football with friends, hiking at the weekend, or even dancing around your flat while tidying, consistency matters more than intensity!
⏳ Know When to Take a Break
University culture often glorifies overworking, but cramming until 3am isn’t sustainable. In fact, burnout can leave you less productive. Setting realistic study targets is key.
One popular method is the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. Apps like Forest make this engaging by “growing” a virtual tree for every session you complete.
Breaks don’t have to be long — a short walk, some stretches, or even making tea is enough. The point is to step away, reset, and come back sharper.
😴 Practical Tips for Better Sleep
Sleep is often sacrificed at university, but it’s your secret weapon. The Sleep Foundation explains that lack of quality sleep can affect not only memory but also emotional balance — meaning you’re more likely to feel stressed or anxious.
Try to keep a consistent sleep schedule (yes, even on weekends). Avoid scrolling TikTok in bed; instead, wind down with music, journaling, or a meditation app like Headspace.
Think of sleep as your brain’s “reset button.” Prioritising it will make studying easier, lectures more manageable, and social life more enjoyable.
👉 Recommended: We Went Through 6 Practical Tips to Improve Sleep Quality at Uni on a separate post, worth having a read!
💸 Bonus: The Best Student Discount
Want to save money and enjoy exclusive student perks? Unlock big savings with Amazon Prime Student — you can get 6 months FREE!
And, if you love it (which you will), you can keep your Prime membership at half price until you graduate! 🎓
🎓 Amazon Prime Student: The Ultimate Uni Perk!
- 🚚 Free Next-Day Delivery
- 🎬 Amazon Prime Video
- 🎶 Prime Music
- 🎓 Student-Exclusive Offers
Sign up in minutes:
- Visit Amazon & click “Start Your 6-Month Trial”.
- Use your uni email address (.ac.uk).
- Confirm expected graduation year.
- Add payment details (don’t worry, first 6 months are free!)
- Enjoy your free benefits!
❓ FAQs: Common Questions About Student Wellbeing
Student wellbeing is your overall mental, physical, and emotional health while at university. It matters because it directly impacts your ability to focus, learn, and enjoy uni life.
Set boundaries: plan study blocks, take breaks, and make time for friends and hobbies. Using planners or apps helps keep you accountable.
Most offer counselling, wellbeing workshops, peer mentoring, and even 24/7 hotlines. Check your uni’s student services or SU website.
Prioritise sleep, stick to a revision plan, and don’t isolate yourself. Talking to tutors or friends often reduces the pressure.
Yes! Try Forest (focus), Headspace (mindfulness), Calm (sleep), or MyFitnessPal (nutrition tracking).
🎓 Conclusion: Take Charge of Your Student Wellbeing
Improving student wellbeing isn’t about overhauling your entire lifestyle overnight. It’s about small, consistent habits that make university life easier and more enjoyable.
Staying hydrated, eating smart, moving regularly, resting properly, and managing stress will not only help you feel better but also boost your academic performance.
At the end of the day, you’re your own best advocate. Look after yourself, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to reach out for support when needed. University is challenging — but it can also be one of the most rewarding times of your life when your wellbeing comes first.
🎓 University Essentials – Everything You Need for Uni
Did you know? We’ve put together tailored student essential lists to help you through every aspect of university life!
- 📝 Student essentials: Everything you’ll need to stay prepared, productive, and comfortable during a typical Uni day.
- 💡 Accommodation essentials: Make your space feel like home (and don’t forget the stuff everyone forgets!).
- 🖥️ Study from home essentials: Tools and tips to create a distraction-free, efficient study setup.
- 🥘 Kitchen essentials: From budget-friendly basics to smart cooking tools that make life easier.
- 🎧 Coolest gadgets for university: Level up your uni experience with tech and tools students actually use.
(Bonus paragraph) The Best Student Discount! 💸
Want to save money and enjoy exclusive perks? Unlock big savings with Amazon Prime Student, you can get 6 months FREE—and that’s just the beginning! Here’s what you’ll get with your free trial:
- 🚚 Free Next-Day Delivery on all your essentials—because who doesn’t love fast shipping?
- 🎬 Amazon Prime Video: Stream the latest films, TV shows, documentaries, and even live sports events.
- 🎶 Prime Music: Listen to ad-free music, playlists, and podcasts to stay focused while studying.
- 🎓 Student-Exclusive Offers: Get discounts on uni essentials, textbooks, and more.
And, if you love it (which you will), you can keep your Prime membership at half price until you graduate! 🎓
Ready to start? Follow this quick step-by-step guide to set up your Amazon Prime Student account:
- Visit the official Amazon Prime Student, landing page.
- Click on “Start Your 6-Month Trial” and then hit “Try Prime Student”.
- Sign in if you already have an account, or create one quickly.
- Enter your university email address (ending with .ac.uk).
- Provide your expected graduation year.
- Add your payment details (don’t worry, the first 6 months are totally FREE!).
- Verify your email (Amazon will send a confirmation to your uni address).
- Enjoy your Prime perks!
Don’t miss out on these incredible benefits—sign up today and get your free 6 months of Amazon Prime Student now!