By Jade, BA(Hons) Creative and Professional Writing student.
Our student, Jade, has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. She reflects on her experience of using UWE Bristol’s Wellbeing Service and shares what her university experience means to her. Read more about Jade’s story.
Continue reading “How counselling through UWE Bristol’s Wellbeing Service helped me to accept myself.”By Sadie, UWE Bristol student.
When I came to UWE Bristol in the middle of lockdown, I remember having loads of anxiety over connecting with people. I never really considered myself popular or all that talkative, and all the rules around social distancing didn’t help much either. Now, I’m in my final year. I’m the president of one of the biggest societies on campus, and I feel more confident and self-assured than ever. How did this happen?
Continue reading “Finding my tribe at UWE Bristol.”By Amos, MSc Health Technology
At the beginning of the second semester of my course, my spirits were high but a few weeks into the semester, I started feeling overwhelmed by loads of course work and my research work. I even considered giving up my course to help me get my head above water and catch my breath.
Make sure you get help when feeling overwhelmed
It’s important to speak up and get help when you need it. UWE Bristol is a really supportive community; you just need to reach out and help is there. I remember telling my friends that UWE Bristol staff live and breathe the University’s values. I figured out the major reason why I was feeling overwhelmed, and I spoke with my research supervisor about it. He advised me to take it slowly and prioritise the most important things. With his advice, I breathed a sigh of relief and this proved to be my turning point.
It’s important to speak up and get help when you need it. UWE Bristol is a really supportive community, you just need to reach out and help is there.
Get comfortable with taking a break
After speaking with my research supervisor, I realised that taking breaks would really help my mental health. I then planned to take two days off per week, and I dedicated these days to switching off and watching my favourite sci-fi series or going out with my friends to visit some nice places. Just taking a break feels like hitting a refresh button for me.
Wellbeing support is available at UWE Bristol so make sure you access it
I have experienced first-hand that UWE Bristol is interested in the whole person and not just in an academic capacity. Accessing the UWE Bristol’s Wellbeing Service from time to time has assured me there’s plenty of support for everyone here. I have always felt supported at the University and know that I’m never alone, and I don’t have to figure it all out on my own.
Discover more about how we support you to manage your health and wellbeing at UWE Bristol.
By Chloe, BA (Hons) Creative and Professional Writing
Student Chloe, talks about what inspired her to run 27 miles for the charity, Mind. She shares how this has helped her to become more aware of her own mental health and how she hopes to inspire other students to talk about mental health and find their own coping strategies. Keep reading to find out more.
Continue reading “How running 27 miles helped UWE Bristol student, Chloe, raise awareness of student mental health.”Going from a full or part time schedule at university, to completing our deadlines and coursework at home, can be a real struggle, especially when there isn’t a regular routine or timetable.
During my time in lockdown, I’ve thought about what’s worked to keep me motivated. So, whether you want to watch my vlog or read my blog below, here are my top tips on how to manage your workload and study from home.
It’s important to make your own timetable to keep on top of coursework, deadlines and assignments – this might mean putting aside a set number of hours or shorter sessions to finish a certain task. One method that you can use is a priority list where you write down your ‘top 3 priorities’ for the day. This helps split your day into three parts and gets you to focus on three main goals.
I also give myself bonus tasks – these are a few extra goals that I could get done if I have enough time. These tasks are what they sound like – a BONUS, they are non-essential and it doesn’t matter if they don’t get completed.
As well as managing your time it’s also essential you find yourself a study space where you feel comfortable enough to work. Having the right environment when you study can be a contributing factor to your focus levels and overall quality of your work. So try to find somewhere that has minimal distractions, where you can concentrate and be calm.
Of course, we have all of this new-found time for studying and dedicating ourselves to our degree but remember to look after yourself. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to work 24/7, be realistic and think about what you would be doing if you were actually in university. This is why priority lists have worked for me, as they split the day up for me.
Remember to take breaks! Taking breaks is actually healthy and allows your brain not to be over-loaded with information or stress – it’s been proven that sometimes shorter bursts of work can be more productive than longer periods of time. On your breaks, try and go outside for a breath of fresh air or stretch out, remembering to follow government guidelines when you do.
If you find yourself in the position where you do need some pointers or there are things that you just don’t understand, reach out. There is no harm in asking a question. Message course mates with queries and check your module handbooks, the answers may be there. If you are looking for more support on your deadlines, reach out to your tutors or lecturers via email or blackboard. And if you’re feeling anxious and stressed, UWE Bristol has many health and wellbeing services that operate online and are there to help you.
Even though lockdown is daunting, it won’t last forever. Just try focus on your health and work hard and you will get where you want to be.
To keep up to date on University coronavirus guidance and information, visit the student guidance and FAQ page.
