Student wellbeing for a new academic year
Student wellbeing has never been more important. For university students across the UK, the start of the new academic year has brought with it a whole host of new challenges, each with their own anxieties and uncertainties.
We know that starting university brings a variety of new experiences. For some this will be their first experience of living independently away from home; moving to a new and unfamiliar area and meeting new people and studying new subjects.
One in four students experience mental health issues
Research shows that around one in four students experience mental health issues while at university. This figure is set to rise unless student wellbeing can be addressed in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.
Over the past few weeks, we have seen tighter restrictions being introduced, which are have a significant impact on both returning and first year students. Online courses and quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19 outbreaks has brought with it a huge rise in social isolation.
We are soon to facing a mental health crisis unless we can successfully address and prioritise student wellbeing.
What are Jump doing to support student wellbeing?
At Jump, we work with universities across the UK to boost both sustainability and wellbeing for staff and students.
We were delighted to launch University of Exeter’s Green Rewards platform in line with their 2040 Net Zero target. The platform is available to all students and staff across the University with specific wellbeing activities such as 5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing; Off Campus Working Well; Biodiversity & Grow Your Own; and Staying Active.
University of Strathclyde is extending its Jump programme to include students for the first time. It joins other Jump universities such as NTU, Chichester, ARU and Bristol who are putting sustainability and wellbeing at the top of their agenda. Their programme includes a whole variety of activities to support student wellbeing such as Remote Working. This activity includes six simple steps for better mental health whilst studying from home and rewards participants every time they take part.
What more can we do?
At Jump, we apply theories of behaviour change to encourage positive action around sustainability and wellbeing. We give insights into topics such as wellbeing and working from home as well as behaviour change amid the pandemic.
Beyond our digital programmes, we’ve put together some of the best resources to share across the university sector to support better mental health and wellbeing as we live through the coronavirus pandemic.
Resources for student wellbeing
Read and share some of the best resources for student wellbeing.
| NHS | The NHS offers resources specifically for students who are struggling with mental health whilst at university. This includes information around stress, anxiety and depression. There is advice on how to recognise what you are feeling as well guidance on who you could speak to and different pathways of support. |
| Student Space | Student Space is full of resources specifically to help university students during coronavirus including managing the impact of the problems with A Level results, webinars and tools to help manage uncertainty and tips for feeling more confident about learning online. |
| Young Minds | Young Minds is a non-profit organisations that supports and empowers children and young people. Their website has a Crisis Messenger service where you can speak to an expert as well as plenty of resources about mental health and why you may be struggling. |
| Mind | Mind is one of the leading mental health charities in the UK. They also have a whole section on how to cope with student life which includes some first-hand experiences from students who are living with mental health issues. |
| Save The Student | Save The Student is dedicated to all things university-related. There is a section on health and relationships which includes articles on self-isolation at university during the pandemic and how to access healthcare in a new town or city. |
Find out more about Jump
Looking to engage your people in sustainability and wellbeing?
Jump provides programmes for universities, councils, NHS Trusts and corporate organisations. Read one of our case studies and find out what we can do for your people.
