It can be tempting to jump into every opportunity given to you during your time at UoB, and socialisation is a key part of that first year in particular. However, in the adrenaline-filled buzz of uni life, it can be hard to recognise when you need to take some time for yourself. Here are our top tips to prioritise self-care.
It can be tempting to jump into every opportunity given to you during your time at UoB, and socialisation is a key part of that first year in particular. However, in the adrenaline-filled buzz of uni life, it can be hard to recognise when you need to take some time for yourself. Here are our top tips to prioritise self-care.
Getting outside
It’s so easy to move to a city and stay inside the bubble of your neighbourhood, but there are so many lovely things to explore in Birmingham. Can you believe it took me a whole year to discover the gorgeous Winterbourne Botanical Gardens right next to campus! Another lovely green space that’s a short walk from campus is Cannon Hill with its wildlife conservation park, a must-see for any animal lover – and they offer affordable student tickets.
For those who fancy straying further afield into nature, I love Malvern Hills, it’s a 50-minute train journey from university station to Great Malvern, and you’re rewarded with some spectacular views, ancient woodlands, traditional orchards and the best sunset that I’ve witnessed at University!
Some of my other favourite neighbourhoods to explore are Harbourne and Kings Heath for their fantastic charity shops. Both are a nice stroll or a short bus journey away, and full of hidden gems. Another spot that I find goes undetected by many students is Mosley. It has a farmers market on the last Saturday of each month with great local produce, street food (top-tier samosas), and artwork to decorate your bedrooms.
Recharging your batteries
Setting aside some time to do things that refill your tank and help you recover from a busy week, as well as guarding that time, is so important. Deciding to dedicate some time each week to being in your own company, putting your phone on do not disturb, and focusing can really help recharge and recover.
The way you spend this time will look different from someone else's, but if it helps you relax and regain energy, then that’s all that matters. These can be big things, like having a home spa day with face masks and nail treatments or as small as taking a little longer in the shower, treating yourself to a good cup of coffee after, or giving a friend from home a call.
We’re here to help
Finally, your Guild of Students has a wide variety of wellbeing-focused events. Including Wellbeing Cafes, Residence Life hall activities and events such as Freshers Finale. These are all great ways to talk to friends, old and new, as well as taking things a little slower.
Furthermore, your Residence Life Wellbeing Team is here to support you in all aspects of your university life where you feel you may benefit from some additional help. We are a peer-to-peer support service that you're always welcome to chat with if you have any worries or enquiries. We are all students and have been in your position! And we wish you the very best time throughout your University experience.
By Residence Life Assistants, Joe and Lia.