Take care of your physical wellbeing
- Stay Active: Cold weather can make exercise feel less appealing, but staying active boosts endorphins, helping you feel happier and more content.
- Eat Well: It’s easy to over-indulge during winter, but a balanced diet supports both wellbeing and productivity. Treat yourself occasionally, but aim for healthy choices most of the time.
Prioritise your safety
Shorter days mean darker evenings, which can feel intimidating. Consider:
- Walking familiar routes
- Coordinating journeys with a friend
- Messaging someone when you get home safely
- Using apps like Find My Friends or Life360
Stick to a routine
A daily routine provides structure and makes returning to university life easier:
- Focus on basics: eating, sleeping, exercise, and self-care
- Break down any upcoming uni work into manageable chunks
- Schedule time for hobbies and relaxation
- Get outside daily—sunlight gives vitamin D and fresh air reduces stress
Stay connected
Campus can feel quiet, so reach out:
- See who’s still around locally
- Connect virtually via calls or video chats if you can’t meet in person
Reach out for help
If you’re struggling please make use of our out of hours service Spectrum Life:
- Spectrum Life: Free , 24/7 wellbeing support and counselling, plus mindfulness, fitness plans, recipes, podcasts, and more.
- UK Freephone: 0800 031 8227
- International: 00353 1 518 0277
- Register with code: uogwell
Student Wellbeing Service
To find out more about Spectrum Life and what our Student Wellbeing Service can offer you, visit our Student Wellbeing Hub or support page.