We’re here for you during this difficult year. On this page, we’ve collected useful guides, links, events and activities to help support good mental health.
We’re running hundreds of free events online this year. These are designed to help you meet people, stay active, and deal with life in Covid times.
University Mental Health Day takes place on Thursday 4 March to encourage the university community to talk about mental health and make positive change. With the exam season on the horizon, UCL’s Student Support and Wellbeing team recommend that you familiarise yourself with our support services and consider how you look after your mind.
PsychUP for Wellbeing
Psychology Informing University Practice for Wellbeing (PsychUP for Wellbeing) is launching on Thursday 4 March, aiming to improve the mental health and wellbeing of university students and staff. Comprising a range of projects, they are using research, collaboration and co-production to improve student wellbeing. Get involved and find out more.
Three healthy habits you can start this University Mental Health Day
Self-care means taking care of yourself and refilling your energy tank to enable you to stay healthy and resilient. In our busy lives, it can be hard sometimes to take a moment to do something just for yourself, to look after your mind and body. It’s essential to make time and space in your life to regularly practice self-care, so here are three habits you could try to integrate into your day-to-day life, if you’re not already doing them!
Make time for yourself
Studying for 12 hours a day might sound good, but really, all it will do is contribute to burnout later down the line. So, try to make time for yourself, whether that’s only working in the week between 9 and 5 or being strict with your boundaries between your studies and everything else going on in your life.
Put in some time for sleep hygiene
If it’s taking you a long time to fall asleep, try to start winding down for bed a bit earlier. Are there some things that make you feel sleepy? Perhaps reading a book, having a cup of tea, listening to some music or a podcast could help. Try some different things until you find out what helps you relax and get ready for sleep.
Get out and about, however and whenever you can!
Yes, we are in the midst of a pandemic but you can still get moving. Staying in the same room or house can definitely get boring and it’s easy to feel cooped up or a bit lethargic. Try to get yourself moving in a way that works for you. Some fresh air on a walk around your local area is always a good idea.
Being physically active is one of the most important things we can to support our own wellbeing. To celebrate University Mental Health Day, we are launching an activity challenge for all students and staff at UCL, with a FREE Project Active class every day to help you get your 30 minutes of daily activity.
Sign up to the challenge by download our activity tracking app, upload an image of your chosen activity each day and be entered into a daily prize draw.
There is no better way to give your mind a little breather and your soul some rest than to take some time out for yourself or move your body.
Our Wellbeing Events programme will help you to look after your mental health and wellbeing during periods of lockdown or while in self-isolation. Together with UCL Cares we’ve put together a great range of events to support you. Mindfulness and meditation workshops, gentle stretch sessions, Yoga & Pilates classes, workouts to break a sweat: have a look through our events & activities and try for yourself what works best for you.
All classes are free, open to all, and suitable for any level of experience or fitness.
Life is anything but normal at the moment and it’s a strange and difficult time for everyone.
With all the information out there, it’s difficult to know where to start so we’ve done the research for you and have found some great websites, apps and tips on how to keep your mind and body healthy.
Use the guides below to find useful websites, apps and support services.
Whatever happens, we’re here to support you.
Student Support and Wellbeing Students’ Union UCL Advice Service