Student wellbeing has become a defining issue in education and there is growing recognition that academic success cannot be separated from the emotional, psychological and social health of the student.
What is student wellbeing?
Student wellbeing is not simply the absence of mental illness. It encompasses a sense of belonging, purpose, safety and agency. Students who feel connected to peers and staff are more likely to engage in learning, participate in discussions and seek help when needed. Conversely, isolation can undermine wellness, motivation and achievement.
Student wellness comprises of:
Mental health
This covers a wide range of factors including stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and resilience.
Physical health
This includes nutrition, sleep, exercise and healthy habits. (Maybe add a cross-reference link to a healthy habits blog or support re: drug use, alcohol, sexual health)
Emotional wellbeing
This focuses on managing emotions, building healthy relationships and developing skills to feel and express emotions in healthy ways.
Social wellbeing
This covers social connections, a sense of belonging and the ability to build and maintain healthy relationships.
Digital wellbeing
Digital wellbeing refers to maintaining a healthy relationship with technology to ensure it enhances, rather than disrupts overall wellbeing.
Academic wellbeing
This involves a healthy relationship with learning, managing academic pressures and achieving academic goals.
Why is wellbeing important for students?
Office for National Statistics and Universities UK research has highlighted increasing levels of anxiety, depression and financial stress among young adults. These pressures are intensified by cost-of-living challenges, academic competition and, for many, the transition away from home for the first time.
How to improve student wellbeing
Prioritising mental, physical and emotional wellbeing is essential for thriving both in and out of the classroom. Here are practical strategies to help improve overall wellbeing as a student:
Rest, Relaxation and Sleep
Remember that downtime is essential to wellbeing. Activities like progressive muscle relaxation, aromatherapy or listening to calming music can help. Even 5 – 10 minutes per day dedicated to quiet focus on breathing can calm the mind and improve the mood.
These techniques are especially helpful for managing stress and improving sleep quality.
Establish a consistent sleep schedule, avoid screens before bed and create a relaxing bedtime routine to ensure the mind and body get the rest they need.
Nutrition and hydration
Eating a nutritious, balanced diet can boost energy levels, improve mood and enhance focus. Hydration is equally important, so aim for 6-8 glasses (around 2 litres) of water per day.
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity improves health and reduces stress. Aim for 150 minutes of physical activity each week. Joining a walking, dance or martial arts group or practicing online workouts are great ways to get moving. Find activities you enjoy and incorporate them into the routine.
Manage stress and avoid burnout
Mindfulness, deep breathing, meditation and journaling can help to stay grounded during high-pressure times. Breaking down tasks into smaller steps prevents feeling overwhelmed.
Dedicate time each week for hobbies and activities that bring joy.
Creative expression can be fun and therapeutic. Try activities like drawing, painting, playing music, singing, writing or baking.
Build a support network
Connecting with others can significantly improve feelings of wellbeing. Connect with supportive friends, family or peers who understand the challenges of studying. Join clubs or societies to meet like-minded individuals and make time for social activities.
Seek help when needed
If you are struggling with mental or emotional health concerns, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Whether that is counsellors at university or college or reaching out to the counsellors at HA | Wisdom Wellbeing, help is available. Taking this step is a sign of strength and not weakness.
Organise and declutter living spaces
A tidy and organised environment can boost the mood and help bring focus.
Practice gratitude
Take time each day to write a list of things to be grateful for, this can help shift the mindset to a more positive one, even during challenging times.
Promote digital wellbeing
Striking the right balance when using devices for learning, socialising and entertainment is vital. While technology can be an incredible tool, excessive or unhealthy usage can lead to issues like stress, poor focus, disrupted sleep and feelings of isolation.
Be mindful of how, when, where devices are used and ensure that technology supports academic, personal and social goals, instead of hindering them.
Student wellbeing and academic performance
There is a strong link between wellbeing and academic performance. Cognitive research consistently shows that stress impairs concentration, memory and problem-solving ability. A student overwhelmed by financial or emotional strain may struggle to meet deadlines or perform in examinations. Importantly, conversations about wellbeing must avoid framing students as fragile. Rather, the focus should be on resilience, empowerment and partnership. When institutions listen to student voices and involve them in decision-making, wellbeing becomes a shared endeavour rather than a remedial service.
Many students balance employment, caregiving or other responsibilities alongside their studies. Practical support—such as bursaries, transport assistance and flexible timetables—can significantly influence wellbeing.
Promoting student wellbeing extends beyond crisis response. Integrating wellbeing into course and campus design are essential preventative approaches to promoting wellness. Green spaces, accessible sports facilities and community-building events all contribute to a healthier learning environment.
With an increase in first-generation, mature and international students it is important to ensure that efforts to promote student wellbeing are meaningful and inclusive. This can be achieved, in part, by providing access to a student assistance programme.
How a Student Assistance Programme can support student wellbeing
The Student Assistance Programme (SAP) is ideal for all students at it provides access to 24/7 support from a counsellor, on the phone and via live chat through our Wisdom App. Wisdom is packed full of resources from articles, videos, recipes, exercises, meditations and mindfulness practices.
Wisdom also gives students access to Wisdom AI, a dedicated search engine which answers the questions with the knowledge from our team of highly qualified and experienced counsellors.
