Five ways to look after your wellbeing from day one

Starting university is really exciting – but it can also be overwhelming! 

From finding your way around campus to getting to your classes, putting yourself out there and meeting new people, to living independently for the first time – it can be a lot to take in and process.  

That’s why prioritising your wellbeing from the start is so important!  

Here are five ways to make sure you’re feeling good, staying safe, and getting the most from your first few weeks at university.

1. Check out the Student Health Fair 

From Tuesday 15 to Friday 25 September 2026, the Boiler House will be hosting the annual Student Health fair. 

Here you can learn about local and national wellbeing services, from sexual health, to gambling awareness, to allergy research and much more.  

If you’re new to the city, we can help you register with a GP/doctor, learn more about Pharmacy First and how to get medical support when you need it.  

If you’d prefer to register with a doctor online, you can sign up at studentgpreg.org.uk.

2. Join a Wellbeing workshop

The Wellbeing team are running a range of wellbeing workshops from 17- 19 September in the Boiler House. 
 
These are led by internal and external partners and are free to attend. 
 
Explore the full schedule and book your place.
 
Don’t worry if you can’t make it to one of the September sessions – Wellbeing run workshops year-round. Sign up today!

3. Learn the Five Ways to Wellbeing 

A simple way to look after your mental health is to incorporate the five ways to wellbeing into your routine.

They are: 

• Connect with others
• Get active
• Take notice of the world around you 
• Learn new skills
• Give to others

See how students Bill and Mia got on trying the Five Ways to Wellbeing.

Find out more on the Mind website. 

4. Educate yourself on the risks of drugs and alcohol use

Educate yourself on the risks of drug and alcohol use. 
 
We understand that your time at university will be filled with lots of new opportunities for socialising but putting yourself in a vulnerable situation due to excessive alcohol and/or drug use can be dangerous.  

Please take some time to watch the two videos on this webpage. 
 
 

5. Know your options

Take time to familiarise yourself with our NCLWellbeing services and resources: 

• Counselling 
• Disability  
• Financial Support 
• Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care 
• School-based advisers 
• Sexual Violence and Hate Incident Support 
• Refugee and Asylum Support  

You can explore all the resources available to you on the Wellbeing website.  

These are just some of the ways you can look after your wellbeing from the start.  

We do hope that you settle into this new term without any issues or concerns, but if you find yourself needing support, you can always contact us by going to our Wellbeing website.