Tips to keep healthy and support available at the University
In times like these, it’s more important than ever to know what support is available, and where to find it.
Moving to university is an exciting time, but it can also be a big adjustment. Finding your feet in a new city can be a challenge, and it’s okay to ask for help!
You don’t have to be in crisis to seek help — sometimes talking to someone at an early stage can help you tackle issues before they build up into something that could be harder to tackle later.
We recognise that adjusting to University may be particularly difficult this year and we are here to support you. You can contact the Counselling and Wellbeing team if you need help with the topics mentioned in this article.
For further information and resources, visit LUU Help & Support and Counselling and Wellbeing.
Seven tips to help keep healthy:
Acknowledge and accept that your feelings are a natural response to change. Don’t expect to know and understand everything at once, whether that’s aspects of your course, or how to use the washing machine in your student accommodation!
Take good care of yourself: Make sure you’re eating healthily, getting enough sleep and doing some physical activity to get out the house.
Get used to your surroundings: If you are able to, walk around and explore the area around where you live, campus, and the city centre — either alone or with new friends. There’s so much to discover!
Pace yourself: spread out events, whether in-person or virtual, and take your time to try new things — it can be easy to become overwhelmed. Remember, virtual events can be draining too.
Be kind to yourself: plan things that you enjoy doing and can look forward to — whether it’s socialising, reading a book, having a hot bath or watching your favorite film.
Keep expectations realistic: If you’re struggling to adjust to University, talk others about your expectations. This may help you to clarify your needs and work out ways you can improve your experience.
Keep in touch — but not too much: Think carefully about how much time visiting or contacting home is helpful to you. If you spend more time communicating with people back home than you do with people at University, the process of adapting to change might be longer and more difficult.
Leeds University Union Help and Advice
If you need to talk to someone or would like some friendly advice, you can arrange a chat with the Help and Advice Team in the Union. They can advise you on anything from money, to health, to housing, and even exams support. And they can always point you in the right direction to find further help.
Give them a ring on 0113 3801 431 or drop them an email at advice@luu.leeds.ac.uk.
You can also find them in the Union foyer from 8am-10pm during term time and 8am -5:30pm outside of term.
Reach out to your school or a Residences Life Warden
If you feel comfortable doing so, talk to your Personal Tutor or Student Support officer about how you’re feeling. They understand that the transition to university can be difficult and may be able to offer you help and support.
All University residences have Residence Life Wardens which can offer advice and support you with any problems you might have. Someone is always available during the evenings and at the weekend.
Togetherall
There might be a time when you have something on your chest and you don’t know where to go. Togetherall is an online platform where you can post anonymously and receive replies from a mix of peers and trained counsellors.
Student Space
Student Space, run by mental health charity, Student Minds, is here to help you find the support you need during the coronavirus pandemic. Their website offers a range of trusted information, services,and tools to help you with the challenges of student life.
Trained volunteers are on-hand to listen and talk through any issue that you are experiencing.
Free and confidential phone, email, and webchat support are available 7am-11pm every day, and text support is available 24 hours a day.
Leeds Mental Health
The Leeds Mental Health helpline is a great place to find confidential support, advice, information, and guidance for anyone concerned about their mental health.
Trained telephone advisors are available 24/7 to provide support for those who need someone to talk to, and refer people to services for further help.
You can call the helpline on 0800 183 0558.
Disability Services
Disability Services has dedicated expert teams to help any University of Leeds student affected by a long-term condition. They can provide general and condition-specific support to meet your needs while you’re a student at Leeds.
Student Counselling and Wellbeing
The Student Counselling and Wellbeing service, located in the Union, can provide free and confidential one to one wellbeing, mental health, and counselling support. Alongside this, they also offer online resources, relaxation and meditation groups, and workshops.
You can request an appointment by completing the online self-referral form.
Leeds NHS Mental Wellbeing Service
You can register for Leeds NHS Mental Wellbeing service online or by calling 0113 843 4388.
At different points throughout the year, the Leeds Mental Wellbeing service provides Stress Management groups on campus. Omnitherapy online video courses are also available immediately to anyone aged 17+ registered with a GP in Leeds, to help manage a wide range of feelings and symptoms.
Crisis Services
If you’re feeling very low or having thoughts about harming yourself, make an urgent appointment to see your doctor and talk about how you’re feeling. This is very important so you can keep yourself safe during this difficult time.
If you’re not already registered with the Leeds Student Medical Practice or another doctor here in Leeds, we’d strongly recommend you do that as soon as possible so you have quick access to services.
In case of crisis or emergency, here are some places you can call:
- Your GP
- Leeds Crisis Team through Single Point of Access (NHS) 0300 300 1485
- Dial House 0113 2609328 or text on 07922 249452
- Connect Helpline 0808 800 12129 (Open 365 days a year 6 pm — 2 am)
- The Samaritans: Freephone 116 123, www.samaritans.org.uk
- Nightline: 0113 380 1381
- Or call 999, or go to the Accident and Emergency Department of your local hospital
This article was written by the Counselling and Wellbeing team.
