7 ways you can look after your mental health while studying
Admin February 21, 2024
While studying on campus can be an exciting adventure, it’s likely you’ve felt a little at sea from time to time – especially if you’re a first-year student.
No matter whether you moved from another state to attend university or you’re a local student, it can sometimes be easy to find yourself feeling isolated or overwhelmed.
Each year more than 200,000 university students aged 18–25 will experience mental ill health. We recognize that young people, both on or off campus, may need help and resources.
Victoria University has a range of support options, and some many external options and strategies will allow you to look after your mental health while studying – read on to find what’s right for you.
1. COUNSELLING & SUPPORT OPTIONS
There are several ways you can access individual mental health and crisis support.
Lifeline
If you need urgent help, Lifeline is there to offer it, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, on 13 11 14.
VU has established a five-year partnership with Lifeline that will see the organization set up its first crisis support center in Victoria on a university campus.
The center will open at our St Albans Campus in November. In addition to offering support to anyone who needs it, it will provide VU students with real-world opportunities to train as crisis support workers and deliver improved access to much-needed services for the communities of Melbourne's west.
VU Counseling
VU offers all enrolled students professional counseling services to help you transition to university campus life, course load, social life, or whatever area you may need support in.
Counseling is individual, free, and totally confidential. To book an appointment for any campus or just for more information, call 9919 5400.
VU Psychology Clinic
As a student, staff member, or member of the general public, you can also access our VU Psychology Clinic, where postgraduate psychology students offer services fully supervised by experienced psychologists.
You can join a five-week group program or opt for individual treatment. Find out more on the clinic's webpage.
2. Connect with others
Connecting with others is an important step in tackling feelings of isolation and loneliness. Remember that if you're a first-year student, everyone in your class is likely feeling a little overwhelmed and alone too.
Forging new relationships and bonds with others can be tricky. Sometimes, having something in common can be the all-important icebreaker.
Consider joining a club or group activity, such as one of our sports clubs or one of the many and varied student clubs that operate across our campuses.
3. Sleep, Eat, Hydrate, Repeat
It sounds simple, but sometimes it's hard to remember to look after ourselves properly when we're not feeling well. Physical and mental health are incredibly closely linked.
Make sure you're drinking enough water and eating regular meals. Cereal for dinner once in a while is fine, but your body needs some regular square meals to feel its best.
We're here to help: you can access our SecondBite free meal service on Wednesday afternoons and pick yourself up some healthy frozen meals to eat at home.
Getting active is also a great way to boost your mental health. Check out our campus gyms and fitness centers or get involved in campus social sports to get those feel-good chemicals flowing.
4. Online Belbeing Resources
Check out some of our free online resources to help support your well-being.
Belbeing hub ang t vu upp
Download the VU App if you haven't already. It has a brand-new addition: the Wellbeing Hub. You can connect with strategies to benefit your own well-being and positive mental health.
Take a look at this video, which gives you a rundown of the benefits of the Hub.
View Elevens video series
The VU Elevenses project is a unique, meaningful, and easily accessible way of connecting and looking after your mental health in small bites.
Initially started in March 2020 during the first stages of the pandemic, the video content is now available on demand from our YouTube channel.
Short sessions mean that they are doable at any time of day, whenever you can find 15 minutes to take a break and focus on your well-being.
More Resources
You can also access a list of external online well-being resources for students, pulled together by VU Counselling and helping target your emotional, physical, and psychological health and well-being.
5. Regular screen breaks to him
It's hard to remember when deadlines are looming and study seems endless, but screen breaks are important for both mental and physical health. Rest your eyes and brain by taking short breaks from your computer.
Refreshing yourself might save you a headache and fatigue, or just keep those feelings of overwhelm at bay.
Stretch your legs, and look at something analog instead of digital for a few minutes. It might be worth considering one of these free apps that remind you to take a break.
6. Stay in touch
If you live on campus, don't forget to stay in touch with your external support networks – especially if you're in your first-year transition out of home period.
Support on campus is crucial, but so are your networks and formational relationships, which offer a place to turn when you need them. Plus, your parents probably want to hear all about campus life.
7. That kind is ourself
Everyone has bad days and weeks, and it can be grueling trying to hide your internal experiences and feelings. Be kind and gentle on yourself: take the time off you need, don't begrudge yourself a day spent not getting much done, and don't feel bad about binging that TV show if that's what you require.
Be as honest with your teachers as you can – and you'll find every human is understanding of the need for a little bit of support.
