Wellbeing at University

In the context of UK Higher Education, student wellbeing is a holistic state of being healthy, happy, and supported, which enables you to thrive both academically and personally. It goes far beyond simply the absence of illness; it is the active practice of building and maintaining your mental, physical, social, and financial health. Wellbeing is the essential foundation upon which your academic success is built. It is not an optional extra, but a core component of a successful university experience. The World Health Organisation defines it as "a positive state experienced by individuals and societies... [which] encompasses quality of life and the ability of people and societies to contribute to the world with a sense of meaning and purpose." Whilst we cannot always control certain aspects of our lives that may impact on our overall wellbeing (such as unexpected life events or the environments in which we find ourselves), we can nevertheless take steps to strengthen our ability to cope with such factors with a view to mitigating negative impacts as far as possible.

The link between wellbeing and educational attainment at university is well established. An influential and respected advisory body to universities and university staff within the UK higher education sector, Advance HE, highlight the importance of taking a holistic view of student wellbeing in their recent 2022 Education for Mental Health report. This means recognising the interdependence that exists between physical, social and psychological wellbeing and how negative states of one or other of these aspects can have significant influence on the overall wellbeing of an individual and result in negative impacts on their ability to learn effectively. Equally it is recognised that positive states can generate and enable a range of benefits advantageous to learning.

This practice involves several interconnected components that work together to support your university experience. Viewing wellbeing as an active practice empowers you to take control of your university journey.

Prioritising your wellbeing is one of the most important things you can do to ensure you succeed at university. There is a direct and proven link between your health and your ability to learn effectively. You cannot perform at your academic best if you are exhausted, constantly stressed, or struggling with your mental health. Looking after yourself is not a distraction from your studies; it is an essential strategy for academic success. In the UK university system, where you are expected to be an independent learner, taking responsibility for your own wellbeing is a critical part of that independence. It enables you to navigate challenges, perform under pressure, and ultimately get the most out of your time at university.

Managing your wellbeing is a proactive practice built on small, consistent habits. It's about building a supportive routine for yourself.

It is completely normal to find university life challenging. Many students experience feelings of being overwhelmed, loneliness, or imposter syndrome—the persistent feeling that you don't belong. The most important thing is to realise you are not alone in this. A significant challenge can be the stigma around discussing mental health or asking for help. It is vital to reframe this: seeking support from a counsellor or tutor is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength and resourcefulness. It's like an athlete seeing a physio to perform at their best.

Another challenge is the pressure, both academic and social, to always be 'on' and succeeding. This can make it hard to admit when you're struggling. Remember that the university has dedicated, confidential support services precisely because they know students face these pressures. Your wellbeing is their priority, and reaching out is the first and most important step to getting back on track.

Actively managing your wellbeing is a profound act of self-care and a cornerstone of personal growth. It builds high levels of self-awareness and emotional intelligence as you learn to listen to your body and mind. Developing strategies to manage stress, set healthy boundaries between study and leisure, and practice self-compassion are skills that will benefit you for your entire life. A crucial part of this is learning to ask for help. Recognising when you need support and having the courage to seek it is a sign of great strength and self-respect. This journey fosters a sense of personal agency, empowering you to take responsibility for your own happiness and to build a sustainable and fulfilling life.

The skills you develop managing your own wellbeing at university are highly relevant to the modern workplace. Employers are increasingly focused on concepts like work-life balance, employee wellness, and preventing professional burnout. The ability to demonstrate that you have proactively developed strategies for managing pressure, time, and your own mental health is a sign of maturity and resilience. It shows that you are a sustainable high-performer, not someone who will burn out after six months. In a professional context, knowing your limits and when to ask for support is a key part of being an effective team member. The habits you build at university are direct training for a healthy and successful professional life.

By actively looking after your wellbeing, you become a more resilient, effective, and successful student. You will be better equipped to handle the academic and personal pressures of university life, leading to a more positive experience and better academic results. You will develop the self-awareness to know your own needs and the confidence to seek help when you need it.

The ultimate outcome, however, extends far beyond your degree. You will have built a foundation of sustainable habits and coping strategies for a healthy and fulfilling life. You will have learned that your health is your most important asset, empowering you to thrive in your future career and personal life long after you have graduated.