Wellbeing guide

Giving you handy tips to handle stress and feel your best

Group of happy students chatting at the Minerva Café (full-bleed)

Preparing for exams and university applications can be an exciting but stressful time, with deadlines, revision, and big decisions all piling up at once. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but looking after your wellbeing is just as important as hitting the books.

We're here to help you navigate this challenging period with practical tips on taking care of your mental and physical health. Remember, you’re not alone—small changes can make a big difference, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

The power of exercise

Taking time away from screens and studying can improve your physical and mental health. The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.

Exercise comes in many forms from partaking in a sports club, going out for a run, to doing yoga. With such a range of activities, it’s important to do something you enjoy.

Exercise releases a good hormone which helps keep your mood lifted for longer. Exercise can help you stay motivated and can help with a regular routine. All of which are super useful when revising for exams.

Students paddle boarding in Plymouth Sound

Nancy Astor Building – Netball match inside Nancy Astor Sports Centre

My top tips for making studying more manageable are to ensure you get some fresh air and exercise each day. Even a 15-minute walk can help clear your mind and improve your focus on your studies.

Mia Prosser, LLB (Hons) Law student

Waterfront Running Club has been my anchor at uni, giving me a sense of purpose, community, and strength—it's truly saved my mental health. Running has given me a way to clear my mind, process my thoughts, and release stress in a healthy and empowering way.

Mia Griffiths-Price, LLB (Hons) Law student

Stress busting tips

Group of 3 students, eating together in Drake's Kitchen cafe on campus

Eat well

When faced with stress fuelling your brain might be the last thing on your mind but eating a balanced healthy diet will help maintain your energy levels and improve your concentration and memory.

Teenage boy with glasses studying with a laptop and a glass of water

Stay hydrated

One of the most effective ways to enhance your focus is by staying hydrated. Even slight dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, decreased alertness, and impaired concentration.

Sleep

Sleep well and take time to wind down after studying and before bed.

A student sitting at his desk in Radnor Hall.

Create a positive study environment

Ensure your room lighting and temperature, chair and desk meet your needs, making you feel comfortable but not too relaxed.

A group of Clearing students socialising at a cafe

Take a break

Take regular, timed breaks to help clear your mind.

smiling happy student talking to friends on campus

Stay positive

Reward yourself for your good work and think positively. If you believe that thought shapes energy and energy shapes action then replace negative thinking with positive.

I just make sure that I'm keeping hydrated, in contact with friends as much as possible, and occupying my mind, whether it be reading a book or watching a film. I'm trying not to get too bogged down in just doing work. Self-care is important.

Dave, BA (Hons) Photography graduate

Want more tips and advice from our students?

Preparing for your wellbeing at Plymouth

We know that going to university may seem like a big step but we will be right here to support you. At Plymouth, we’ve got plenty of wellbeing and support services to help you along the way.

Student Hub

One-stop-shop for student support. Our friendly, confidential and impartial teams will be pleased to support you.

Student visiting the Student Services team in the library

Student financial support

Got a question about student finances? Our team of experienced staff in the Student Financial Support Team are here to help.

Student wellbeing services

If you are looking for advice, guidance or support with your wellbeing or mental health then the student wellbeing services are here to advise.

Pastoral and spiritual support

A welcoming environment for all students, whether you think of yourself as spiritual, religious, a person of faith or of no faith at all.

Male postgraduate student talking to a member of staff in the student hub

Disability inclusion services

Providing support for students with an impairment, health condition or disability.

Student learning services

Get support with writing and academic skills, peer-assisted learning, and more.