University life brings excitement, opportunity, and the chance to explore independence. However, it can also bring stress, pressure, and emotional strain.
With rising academic demands, financial concerns, and the challenges of navigating student life and adulthood, it’s not uncommon for some individuals to face mental health pressures. While there is a myriad of tools to help facilitate overall wellbeing, one of the simplest, free (and often effective) approaches is exposing ourselves to more green and blue spaces.
From leafy campus pathways to nearby lakes and rivers, natural environments are increasingly recognised as essential for reducing stress, enhancing concentration, and boosting overall wellness. Let’s explore what these spaces are, why they matter, and how students can benefit from them every day for better mental health and wellbeing.
What are green and blue spaces?
Green and blue spaces are umbrella terms used to describe a variety of natural environments.
Green spaces include parks, forests, gardens, green roofs, or even treelined courtyards. Blue spaces encompass water-based environments such as lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, and coastal locations.
A recent global study highlighted that urban forests contribute significantly to improved mental wellbeing, especially among young adults navigating the pressures of modern life. Meanwhile, evidence from urban environments around the world shows that both green and blue spaces foster social interaction, offer opportunities for relaxation, and create visually calming environments that support mental health.
For students, these spaces are more than pleasant scenery. They can serve as a healthy way to break the routine of cramming revision in a library or student dorm for hours on end.
How nature benefits student mental health
Looking after your mental health as a student can often be overlooked, and getting out into nature can really help facilitate overall wellbeing. While the mental health benefits of nature are not new, modern research now provides a clearer understanding of why it’s is so powerful.
Nature reduces stress
There are many studies that suggest natural environments help lower the body's physiological stress response. Studies show that even a brief moment spent in nature, such as looking at trees, can reduce tension and improve a person’s mood.
It can help restore focus and mental energy
Nature’s calming sights and sounds help restore your ability to concentrate after prolonged mental effort. This makes it perfect for students juggling heavy academic loads.
It improves interaction and social wellbeing
There’s a reason many school trips are often nature-based! From outdoor learning or guided nature walks, they’ve been shown to improve adolescents’ social relationships and interactions, reinforcing a sense of community and belonging. By bringing this into our later-stage student life, we can reap the benefits and form stronger relationships with others.
Other benefits of green and blue spaces for students include:
• Improved overall mood
• Improved physical wellbeing
• A stronger sense of belonging
• Improved sense of calmness
• Increased resilience
Together, these findings demonstrate that time outdoors isn’t just about “getting outdoors”, it can serve as a legitimate way to safeguard our own mental health.
