Weekly Wellbeing Themes

We know that for some of you, this might be your first time arriving on campus. Whether you are a new arrival or returning from the holidays, it is completely normal to feel a bit homesick as the new term begins.
If you are finding the transition challenging, please remember that you are not alone.

To help you find your feet, we recommend exploring our Transitions and Settling InLink opens in a new window self-help resource. It offers practical advice and strategies for navigating the start of the term.

All students can access the Student Health and Wellbeing ServiceLink opens in a new window for support. Check out our website to see what services we offer and to explore our self-help resourcesLink opens in a new window. Brief consultations are typically the starting point for support. They are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can speak with a Health & Wellbeing Practitioner face-to-face in Senate House or online via Teams. To get started, use the Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window to begin a brief consultation or to submit an inquiry directly to the Disability Services teamLink opens in a new window.

For out-of-hours or emergency support, please see these Emergency & Support ContactsLink opens in a new window.

What's On in Wellbeing 

Here's a look at what's happening this week and in the coming weeks. All term-time events are ongoing unless otherwise noted.

Weekly Sessions 

·Student Anxiety Peer Support Group: Mondays, 4-5 PM in the Library.

·ADHD Peer Support Group: Tuesdays, 4-5 PM at Senate House.

·Preparing for Exam and Assessment Stress: Peer Support Session Wednesdays, 4-5 PM in the Library

·Gardening Club: Wednesdays, 2-4 PM at the allotment, in collaboration with the Student Allotment Society.

·Exploring Mindfulness: Thursdays, 4-5 PM in the Library
 
Upcoming Events 

·Bereavement Café All sessions are from 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM on these Mondays: 

- February 23rd

- March 16th

·Labyrinth Sessions: All sessions are from 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM. 

- February 25th (Wednesday)

- March 5th (Thursday)

- March 11th (Wednesday)

With shorter days, longer nights, and cold, wintery weather, there can be an impact on our wellbeing, particularly if you are not used to it. However, there are many ways to protect your physical and mental health during this time.

Eating healthily and having a sleep routine is helpful. Do try to get outside during the day and get fresh air every day, but remember to wrap up properly for the weather! Being in natural light and the outdoors boosts physical and mental health.

Keep to a routine as much as possible. Try and balance your studies with doing things that make you feel good, connecting with friends, and relaxing.

It is important to keep exercising and looking after your physical health. There are indoor and outdoor activities run by Warwick SportLink opens in a new window, so find something that works for you. Don't let the winter put you off; try something new!

If you need support, please come and speak with us. You can access our Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window where you can join a queue for a brief consultation (online or face-to-face in Senate House) with a Health & Wellbeing Practitioner, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For out-of-hours or emergency support, please see these Emergency & Support ContactsLink opens in a new window.

For full details on these and other wellbeing events, visit: What's On | Wellbeing and Student SupportLink opens in a new window.

Experiencing ups and downs is a normal part of the human experience. If you notice your mood dipping, take action. Intervening early can help prevent it from slipping further or becoming an ongoing issue.

Start with the basics of self-care—eat regularly to fuel your mind and body, exercise to release endorphins, and try to get a good amount of sleep.

Think ACE: Achievement, Connection, Enjoyment. Take some time to intentionally relax and do something you enjoy (this is different from mindless scrolling or procrastinating!). Balance this with some time set aside to achieve things on your to-do list and connect with people—either with new friends or by taking the time to contact family and friends from home.

The NHS has some more helpful mood-boosting tipsLink opens in a new window available here. You can also get a personalised Mind Plan by answering five quick questions hereLink opens in a new window.

Try these things, but if they don't improve and you need further support, speak with your GP and come speak to someone at Wellbeing and Student Support.

You can use the Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window to join the queue for a brief consultation (online or face-to-face in Senate House). Brief consultations are available Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For out-of-hours or emergency support, please see these Emergency & Support ContactsLink opens in a new window.

For full details on these and other wellbeing events, visit: What's On | Wellbeing and Student SupportLink opens in a new window.

Winter Wellbeing 

With shorter days, longer nights, and cold, wintery weather, there can be an impact on our wellbeing, particularly if you are not used to it. However, there are many ways to protect your physical and mental health during this time.

Eating healthily and having a sleep routine is helpful. Do try to get outside during the day and get fresh air every day, but remember to wrap up properly for the weather! Being in natural light and the outdoors boosts physical and mental health.

Keep to a routine as much as possible. Try and balance your studies with doing things that make you feel good, connecting with friends, and relaxing.

It is important to keep exercising and looking after your physical health. There are indoor and outdoor activities run by Warwick SportLink opens in a new window, so find something that works for you. Don't let the winter put you off; try something new!

If you need support, please come and speak with us. You can access our Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window where you can join a queue for a brief consultation (online or face-to-face in Senate House) with a Health & Wellbeing Practitioner, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For out-of-hours or emergency support, please see these Emergency & Support ContactsLink opens in a new window

Just like our physical health, our mental health can vary. As we're halfway through term one, it can be a good time to take notice of your habits and routines and any areas of self-care that may benefit from more attention.

This resource on managing your mental healthLink opens in a new window has insights on what to include in your day-to-day routine to improve your mental health. It also has information on how to access support and treatment if you are struggling.

If you need to talk things through with someone, please don't hesitate to come and see us in Wellbeing and Student Support.

Use our Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window to join a queue for a brief consultation (online or face-to-face in Senate House) with a Health & Wellbeing Practitioner. These are available Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For out-of-hours or emergency support, please see these Emergency & Support ContactsLink opens in a new window.

For full details on these and other wellbeing events, visit: What's On | Wellbeing and Student SupportLink opens in a new window.

Friendships can take time to form, and it can also take time to find people you connect with. That's okay, but you have to persevere. This can be difficult, especially if it feels like everyone around you has already found their people (even if that's not actually true). Comparisons are not helpful, and this is an area many people struggle with.

It can help to go where people are. As a reminder, there are societies and sport clubsLink opens in a new window to explore. You could also try volunteering, checking out the Wellbeing What’s On pageLink opens in a new window, or speaking to someone new on your course. The ChaplaincyLink opens in a new window also has social events for students of any faith or no faith.

Once you're around people, here are some tips for breaking the ice and continuing conversationsLink opens in a new window.

As part of friendship, you may find yourself supporting a friend through a difficult time. SamaritansLink opens in a new window and MINDLink opens in a new window have lots of useful advice on how to support someone else while taking care of yourself. It's important to strike a balance. Take care of your own mental health—we can't "pour from an empty cup." Be aware of your own boundaries and when professional support is needed.1

You can also discuss your concerns with the Wellbeing team. Use our Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window to join 2a queue for a brief consultation (online or face-to-face in Senate House) with a Health & Wellbeing Practitioner. These are available Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For out-of-hours or emergency support, please see these Emergency & Support ContactsLink opens in a new window.

For full details on these and other wellbeing events, visit: What's On | Wellbeing and Student SupportLink opens in a new window.

We experience stress when our demands outweigh our resources. Some stress can help us be more productive; however, too much stress can decrease productivity and impact our wellbeing. Take care of your stress levels by implementing these strategies for managing stressLink opens in a new window.

Anxiety is a normal part of life. It's a sign of a functioning nervous system that alerts us to perceived threats in our environment. Sometimes the thoughts and feelings associated with anxiety can be used positively to motivate us into action or to keep us safe (for example, when crossing a busy street). However, when the frequency and severity of anxiety becomes extreme and very difficult to manage, it can negatively impact our lives. Experiencing anxiety can be very difficult, but there are tools and strategies that may helpLink opens in a new window.

The Health & Wellbeing Service run an anxiety peer support group in the Library Gathering Space on Mondays from 16:00-17:00. No need to book, just come along.

We can support you if you are struggling with high levels of stress or anxiety. Use our Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window to join a queue for a brief consultation (online or face-to-face in Senate House) with a Health & Wellbeing Practitioner. These are available Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For out-of-hours or emergency support, please see these Emergency & Support ContactsLink opens in a new window.

For full details on these and other wellbeing events, visit: What's On | Wellbeing and Student SupportLink opens in a new window

Evidence suggests there are five key things you can do to improve your mental health and wellbeing:

1.Connect with others: This reduces loneliness and widens your support network. Check out the Wellbeing What’s On pageLink opens in a new window. If you live on campus, check out the Residential Community eventsLink opens in a new window. You can also explore Warwick Presents eventsLink opens in a new window and join societies and sport clubsLink opens in a new window. Postgraduate students, make sure to check out the PG HubLink opens in a new window for weekly events to make connections.

2.Be active: Walk around campus or join the free Rock up and PlayLink opens in a new window sport sessions to increase your energy and release endorphins. Check out this linkLink opens in a new window for more information about free yoga and Zumba sessions available through Warwick Sport's Active Wellbeing team. There is also a weekly gentle 5k you can join every Wednesday morning—more info hereLink opens in a new window.

3.Take notice: Evidence shows that practicing mindfulness is a powerful tool for wellbeing. Here are some ways to get startedLink opens in a new window. You can also attend our free 'Exploring Mindfulness' sessions on Thursdays in the Library Gathering Space.

4.Learn: This can help boost your self-confidence, raise your self-esteem, and help you connect with others. Learning is the reason you're here, but it can be helpful to balance your academics with time to focus on other interests, learn new skills, and try new experiences. MindLink opens in a new window has some interesting ideas to explore.

5.Give: Helping others can help you! Small things, like making time to speak to a friend who needs it, getting someone a cup of tea, or volunteering, can improve your wellbeing. There are plenty of opportunities available at Warwick VolunteersLink opens in a new window.

If you need support, please come and speak with us. You can access our Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window where you can join a queue for a brief consultation (online or face-to-face in Senate House) with a Health & Wellbeing Practitioner, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For out-of-hours or emergency support, please see these Emergency & Support ContactsLink opens in a new window.

For full details on these and other wellbeing events, visit: What's On | Wellbeing and Student SupportLink opens in a new window.

Wellbeing Menu 2025

Welcome to Warwick! As we begin a new academic year, we'll be sharing useful information and tips through these Weekly Wellbeing Themes.

Welcome Week is full of opportunities to get to know campus, your course, and to connect with others. It takes time to form new friendships, but being open to new experiences and going to social events can make a huge difference. Consider joining Warwick SportLink opens in a new window or a societyLink opens in a new window to find people with similar interests. You can also find exciting events at the Student UnionLink opens in a new window and Together at WarwickLink opens in a new window. For tips on how to break the ice and make new friends, check out the Meeting New People pageLink opens in a new window.

While it's exciting, transitioning to university can bring mixed emotions. A change in routine, along with new places and people, can feel overwhelming. Make sure to prioritise time for self-care. Getting into a routine with sleeping well, eating properly, and staying active are foundational to your wellbeing.

If you live in on-campus accommodation, our Residential Community TeamLink opens in a new window is here to support you. They also run events and activities for everyone to help you connect with others.

All students can access the Student Health and Wellbeing ServiceLink opens in a new window for support. Check out our website to see what services we offer and to explore our self-help resourcesLink opens in a new window. Brief consultations are typically the starting point for support. They are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can speak with a Health & Wellbeing Practitioner face-to-face in Senate House or online via Teams. To get started, use the Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window to begin a brief consultation or to submit an inquiry directly to the Disability Services teamLink opens in a new window.

For out-of-hours or emergency support, please see these Emergency & Support ContactsLink opens in a new window.

For full details on these and other wellbeing events, visit: What's On | Wellbeing and Student SupportLink opens in a new window.

Good sleep really is the cornerstone of wellbeing and is essential for positive physical, mental, and emotional health. When you sleep your brain consolidates your learning, so it is important for your academic work too.

It is not unusual to experience disrupted sleep from time to time, particularly during times of change or increased stress. Taking regular exercise, making time to relax, and going to bed and getting up at regular times will all help to keep you sleeping well.

Our self-help resource sleepLink opens in a new window contains advice and tips for improving your sleep regime. You can access a free online course ‘Improve your sleep’ via www.togetherall.comLink opens in a new window full of hints and tips to help you sleep, leaving you more energised and refreshed.

Just a reminder that our Exam Anxiety Drop-In sessions offer a safe space to connect with peers, learn practical coping strategies, and get support from Wellbeing Advisers.

If you would like to speak to someone at Wellbeing, you can have a brief consultation with a Wellbeing Adviser. Please access the

Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window

to join a queue for a brief consultation with an Adviser, Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. Consultations can be face to face in Senate House, or online. They both require you to join the queue online when you are available

DESTRESSTIVAL & MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

It was Mental Health Awareness Week 12th-18th May 2025 and it was also De-Stresstival – there are lots of opportunities across campus this week to focus on your mental health and wellbeing. Why not join some of the De-stresstivalLink opens in a new window or MHAW activities and look out for tips to help manage your mental health on social media this week.

Feeling nervous, anxious and stressed around exams and deadlines is normal. It can be helpful to recognise these feelings and put in place strategies to best manage them. Feeling calmer and more in control can help you manage exams and deadlines. We have some great tips on managing deadlinesLink opens in a new window and exam stressLink opens in a new window to help through these times.

If you have multiple deadlines, be organised and work to smaller, more manageable goals. During exam time, remember to look after your wellbeing - take regular breaks, eat well and have a revision timetable which allows you a rest in between your studying. Remember all the successes you have had in your academic journey so far and be kind to yourself.

Unwind and get creative with Draw Your Feelings! Express yourself, de-stress, and connect with others in this relaxed arts session. No experience needed – just come as you are!

Just a reminder that our Exam Anxiety Drop-In sessions offer a safe space to connect with peers, learn practical coping strategies, and get support from Wellbeing Advisers.

If you would like to speak to someone at Wellbeing, you can have a brief consultation with a Wellbeing Adviser. Please access the Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window to join a queue for a brief consultation with an Adviser, Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. Consultations can be face to face in Senate House, or online. They both require you to join the queue online when you are available.

Wellbeing Menu 2025

This term is always busy with exams, deadlines and dissertations. It can be stressful and have an impact on our mental health but there are things you can do to make things feel easier.

If you are feeling low, there are things that can help - have a look at our self-help pages for a range of useful strategies: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/wss/topicsLink opens in a new window. Please prioritise yourself – sleep well, eat regularly, exercise frequently and again, take some time out to relax. If things don’t improve, get some help – speak to your GP or come and talk to us in Wellbeing.

If getting started is something you struggle with, you are not alone. Procrastination occurs when we are avoiding or put off doing a task. This may be because we are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work attached or by something else, because we don’t know where to start, because we fear failure or because we’re comparing ourselves to others. To overcome procrastination, try and work out WHY you are procrastinating and what your barriers to work are, and get support if you need it.

Trying to spend more time working does not always make us more productive. Creating a balance in your day to day which includes some time to work, some time for self-care and some time for fun will help you to be more focussed when it is necessary.

Just a reminder that our Exam Anxiety Drop-In sessions offer a safe space to connect with peers, learn practical coping strategies, and get support from Wellbeing Advisers.

If you would like to speak to someone at Wellbeing, you can have a brief consultation with a Wellbeing Adviser. Please access the Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window to join a queue for a brief consultation with an Adviser, Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. Consultations can be face to face in Senate House, or online. They both require you to join the queue online when you are available.

Wellbeing Menu 2025Link opens in a new window

Feeling nervous, anxious and stressed around exams and deadlines is normal. It can be helpful to recognise these feelings and put in place strategies to best manage them. Feeling calmer and more in control can help you manage exams and deadlines. We have some great tips on managing deadlinesLink opens in a new window and exam stressLink opens in a new window to help through these times.

If you have multiple deadlines, be organised and work to smaller, more manageable goals. During exam time, remember to look after your wellbeing - take regular breaks, eat well and have a revision timetable which allows you a rest in between your studying. Remember all the successes you have had in your academic journey so far, and be kind to yourself.

Our Exam Anxiety Drop-In sessions offer a safe space to connect with peers, learn practical coping strategies, and get support from Wellbeing Advisers.

Support and Guidance from a Chaplain 

Our Chaplains are available to support anyone at the University: people of all faiths and none.

You can contact any Chaplain individually via the 'our team' pageLink opens in a new window. Alternatively, if you're not sure who to contact, you can fill out this enquiry formLink opens in a new window and a member of the team will get back to you.

If you would like to speak to someone at Wellbeing, you can have a brief consultation with a Wellbeing Adviser. Please access the Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window to join a queue for a brief consultation with an Adviser, Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. Consultations can be face to face in Senate House, or online. They both require you to join the queue online when you are available.

It’s vacation time and if you are preparing for exams or assignments, as well as maybe working and seeing family and friends, it can be easy to miss this essential opportunity to recharge your batteries and prepare for the coming term. It is crucial to prioritise self-care to maintain your balance and wellbeing.

Planning can be the key to achieving this. Allocate specific study hours each day, allowing ample time for relaxation, exercise and socialising. Remember ACE – Achievement, Connection and Enjoyment – all of these are necessary. Try to incorporate activities that rejuvenate your mind and body such as going for walks, practicing mindfulness or doing hobbies you enjoy. Ensure you get enough sleep to support cognitive function and to boost your memory and recall. Stay hydrated and nourish yourself with nutritious food to sustain your energy levels. Set realistic goals and manage your time effectively.

Remember that taking breaks is not only permissible, but essential, for productivity and mental clarity. By nurturing both your academic and personal needs, you can approach Term 3 and all it brings with a refreshed and focussed mindset.

If you would like to speak to someone at Wellbeing and Student Support, you can have a brief consultation with a Wellbeing Adviser. Please access the Wellbeing Portal to join a queue for a brief consultation with an Adviser, Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. Consultations can be face to face in Senate House, or online. They both require you to join the queue online when you are available.

Online support and advice are available to all Warwick students 24/7 from Togetherall. There is also a range of self-help resources on our website.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, it's important to recognise that feeling stressed or overloaded is normal at times. Break some of those daunting tasks down into smaller, manageable chunks and prioritise them based on deadlines and importance. There are loads of tools like planners and digital calendars which can help you to allocate designated times for different tasks. Practice effective time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, to maintain focus and productivity whilst avoiding burnout: Time ManagementLink opens in a new window

Please do not hesitate to seek support from your department or from Wellbeing and Student Support if you are feeling overwhelmed – there is guidance and resources which can help you to navigate these challenges.

Remember to take breaks, practice self-care, and celebrate your progress along the way. It is nearly the end of term and so please remember to plan some time off to relax in the vacation.

It was University Mental Health Day on Thursday 13th March 2025: UMHD - Home - UMHD.Link opens in a new window This is a great opportunity to prioritise your own mental health and wellbeing. Have a look on websiteLink opens in a new window for details, find out what’s going on and read some student blogs full of ideas of how other students are looking after themselves.

If you would like to speak to someone at Wellbeing and Student Support, you can have a brief consultation with a Wellbeing Adviser. Please access the Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window to join a queue for a brief consultation with an Adviser, Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. Consultations can be face to face in Senate House, or online. They both require you to join the queue online when you are available.

When deadlines approach, it is vital to make time and space for your physical and mental health needs as well as your academic needs.

Although some stress can help you to focus and work to a deadline, too much stress can do the opposite. High levels of stress, particularly when combined with a lack of sleep, nutrition, hydration, and relaxation, can impede working well and staying well.

Break your work down into small chunks, focus on one thing at a time and seek help from your department or from us in Wellbeing Support if you need help managing deadlines. There are skills and techniques you can learn which will help you as your progress through your degree and on into the world of work. A good place to start is our Managing DeadlinesLink opens in a new window resource.

If you would like to speak to someone at Wellbeing and Student Support, you can have a brief consultation with a Wellbeing Adviser. Please access the Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window to join a queue for a brief consultation with an Adviser, Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. Consultations can be face to face in Senate House, or online. They both require you to join the queue online when you are available.

Living well, building healthy behaviours and finding a work life balance is important, yet tricky at times. During busier parts of the year, when there are conflicting deadlines or exams, it can begin to feel overwhelming. Healthy behaviours can be harder to maintain, and we can lose the balance we need.

It is also important to make sure that you are taking breaks and time for yourself, balancing workload with rest. If we try to work consistently without taking time for rest and relaxation, we will begin to burnout. To keep up productivity and look after ourselves, we must take breaks. Our Self-Help ResourcesLink opens in a new window can be a good place to start if you feel you need tips around balance.

If you would like to speak to someone at Wellbeing and Student Support, you can have a brief consultation with a Wellbeing Adviser. Please access the Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window to join a queue for a brief consultation with an Adviser, Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. Consultations can be face to face in Senate House, or online. They both require you to join the queue online when you are available.

This week we are thinking about productivity reducing procrastination and getting stuff done. Lots of factors feed into our productivity and how well we manage distractions. There are things that you can do to help you focus and feel more in control.

Firstly, think about why you are struggling to be productive. Maybe the work feels too challenging or perhaps you feel overwhelmed by the amount you need to do? Do you feel so exhausted that you do not have any energy left to give? Outside stressors – such as relationship or financial worries – may also factor into reduced productivity, as well as disruption to our self-care routine such as poorer sleeping and eating habits.

It is important to check in with ourselves when we notice these changes. A good place to start is by concentrating on the Foundations of WellbeingLink opens in a new window which can help to create a balance that allows you to maintain focus and increase productivity. You may also want to access related self-help resources on our website which include Writer’s BlockLink opens in a new window, ProcrastinationLink opens in a new window and Time Management.Link opens in a new window

If you would like to speak to someone at Wellbeing and Student Support, you can have a brief consultation with a Wellbeing Adviser. Please access the Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window to join a queue for a brief consultation with an Adviser, Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. Consultations can be face to face in Senate House, or online. They both require you to join the queue online when you are available.

Some feelings of stress and anxiety are normal but if it is getting in the way of your day-to-day functioning, then it is worth making some changes, we have lots of support for you to do that.

Being very busy, taking too much on, or not allowing yourself time to stop and rest can keep your stress levels high. There are things you can do which help reduce these feelings and help you to feel more in control. Build on this by having a look at our self-help pages onstressLink opens in a new windowandanxietyLink opens in a new windowwhich contain evidence-based strategies which make a difference and can help you to feel calmer and in control.

On the 6th of February it was time to talk day:Time to Talk DayLink opens in a new window. Bottling things up and putting a brave face on can have a negative impact on our wellbeing. This day was to remind people how talking about mental health has the power to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

If you would like to speak to someone at Wellbeing and Student Support, you can have a brief consultation with a Wellbeing Adviser. Please access theWellbeing Portal Link opens in a new windowto join a queue for a brief consultation with an Adviser, Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. Consultations can be face to face in Senate House, or online. They both require you to join the queue online when you are available.