Managing my mental health at university
12 May 2025
Managing your mental health at university can be difficult at times, especially near exam season if you're going through a rough patch or moving away from home for the first time. Here are a few things that have helped me to manage my mental health while studying at Falmouth University.
Student support services
Before starting university, I had several worries and concerns. Would I fit in at Falmouth? How would I handle being away from my family? And how would I deal with the pressure of exams and writing assignments?
During my first term at university, I often felt anxious, lonely, and at times even depressed after moving away from home for the first time, and I was a very introverted at the beginning. However, after my first couple of lectures, I was made aware of the university’s student support services. I reached out to them for help, and they provided support and resources to help me cope and settle into life at university.
Throughout the year, I had my ups and downs, especially in the run up to submission deadlines, since I had never written an essay before and was worried that I would write it in the wrong way. Fortunately, there is academic support if you need it! You can access the student wellbeing support through email, phone and in-person, and they'll create a support plan which could include counselling, peer support and self help resources.
Going outside
For me, I'm not the biggest fan of exercise, but getting outside, enjoying nature, and exploring Falmouth has helped me to manage my mental health, even if it's just going for a walk! A walk can lift your mood and clear your mind after a stressful day. I often visit Penryn, browse charity shops, or head to the beach in Falmouth to enjoy the weather. Being outdoors really helps.
Some student societies at Falmouth encourage you to go outside, like climbing, water sports (like gig rowing or sailing), and the field botany society, where you learn to identify plants!
Meeting new people and seeing friends
At the start of my first year, I joined a few of the taster sessions for some of the student societies and met some amazing people who became close friends and supported me through tough times.
Even though I don't attend the societies anymore, I still have those friends who have supported me and have always been there. I also became great friends with my flatmates, and we now go out for food and shopping together.
I highly recommend joining societies or going to freshers' events to help build connections with other people and make friends. Even if you don't attend any of the student societies, Falmouth has lots of gigs and local events at pubs and businesses where you can socialise, such as the Falmouth Bookseller - they have a weekly local book club and the atmosphere is perfect!
Doing what you enjoy!
I always find that doing what I enjoy the most helps me to manage my mental health. In my spare time, I usually do a lot of sketching, play video games or read books. These activities help to improve my mood and make me feel better overall.
Having a routine can also help to improve your mental health. A routine can help to structure your day as well as give you a sense of control and help carve out time for self-care.
I may repeat this a lot, but going to student societies offers opportunities to explore new things. If you do have any trouble finding that motivation, the student support services are always there if you want to talk to someone.
There are a lot of ways to manage your mental health whilst at university but these are some of the methods that help me, and if you need that extra help or support at university, we have the student services team who will help you with anything and will support you during your studies at Falmouth.
If you do need help with your mental health, you're not alone at all. Please reach out and talk to someone, even if it's just a friend or family member, it will help get you the support you need.
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