Academic wellbeing

It is vital to manage your wellbeing while at university in order to make the most of your time here.  As well as keeping happy and healthy, looking after yourself will give yourself the best chance of achieving your academic potential.

• Getting the balance
• Managing pressure - top tips from current students
• Seeking support

One University of Brighton student described wellbeing as

‘being physically and mentally healthy, for example being able to cope with university work while also balancing some leisure time, exercise, a healthy diet and maintaining relationships with friends and family outside of university.’ 

Another student said that

‘wellbeing is vital in attaining good results, attendance, and the high level of work that is needed’

and another said  

‘I think it is really important to enjoy university and make the most of your time here [...] I think you have to manage your mental wellbeing to do so.’

Learning to manage your wellbeing while studying is an essential life skill which will also help you in your life and work after graduation.

Getting the balance

It is of course important to spend enough time studying, achieving your potential and getting the most out of your course – after all that is why you’re here.  In order to work at your best though, it is essential that you look after your physical, emotional, spiritual and social wellbeing, that you socialise, have fun, relax, and enjoy being a student.  The student experience is about much more than coursework and passing exams!

To find out about activities and events that you can get involved in, visit the Students' Union, or Sport Brighton

The Students' Union, and Student Life pages have some excellent ideas for making the most of your time here and having a life.

Managing pressure

There are a number of adjustments that need to be made when beginning your time at university. You have to deal with a new environment, maybe leaving home, or living in halls, adapting your domestic duties and responsibilities, changes in relationship with friends and family, new relationships, health issues, and the academic challenges.

Don't panic!

Whatever you do, do not let your problems go on until your academic performance falls apart; please talk to a member of staff if you are experiencing problems.

Top tips that existing Brighton students suggest to manage wellbeing whilst studying:

• Share your problem with friends facing similar situations
• Take time out to do other things - like participating in clubs or societies
• Make your lecturers aware of any difficulties you're facing
• Do something physical - eat healthily, do some exercise, get more sleep!
• Prioritise, plan and organise your deadlines well in advance
• Don't overload yourself with studying - allocate certain times

Seeking support

There may be times when life as a new student can feel overwhelming or you may be experiencing a problem which is affecting your ability to cope or to study.  There are lots of sources of help and support at the university.  It is a good idea to get familiar with what’s available at the university in case you do ever need to seek support or even if you don’t use the services personally, you might be able to point a friend in the right direction.

For academic concerns don’t be afraid to ask academic staff – your lecturer, a tutor or course leader - questions or ask for clarification if there is something you don’t understand.  If you find yourself struggling with your academic work, ask a member of staff for help as soon as possible rather than leaving it to the last minute.

If you need more general information about your course or timetable, your School Administrator is a good contact and will usually be able to point you in the right direction.

One of the best sources of support for your studies is other students.  Talk to them as they may be experiencing similar concerns and you may be able to share information and study tips.  You may even want to set up your own study group to talk through the work, gain better understanding and confidence and support each other.

If you have a disability, mental health problem or long term illness or health condition which is impacting on your ability to study you can contact the Disability and Dyslexia team to see if they can provide support.  You may also wish to let a member of academic staff know that you are experiencing difficulties. If you are finding it difficult to cope with any aspect of your life, including student life, or are experiencing personal problems, you may wish to talk your concerns through with a professional counsellor at the university – contact Counselling for more details and for self-help resources.

For independent advice and representation for academic appeals, mitigating circumstances and university regulations, contact Student Union Advice and Representation.