When I first started university, the stress was overwhelming. Juggling lectures, assignments and the pressure to excel, I quickly realised that something had to change. That’s when I discovered that taking care of myself wasn’t just a luxury—it was a necessity to get through my studies in one piece. Here are five self-care tips that helped me, and hopefully, they’ll help you too.
Romanticise Your Study Sessions
Studying doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Instead of forcing yourself to grind in isolation, go to the library with friends who actually want to study (you know what I mean—the ones who don’t distract you every five minutes). Having that mutual focus keeps me on track.
I also love making my study sessions enjoyable—heading to a cosy café in town, ordering my go-to blueberry matcha. A good playlist sets the vibe—sometimes I go for lo-fi beats, but lately, I’ve been all about 2010s throwbacks. There’s even a trend online about bringing back 2016 — honestly, I’m here for it. Comfort music just hits differently when you’re stressed.
Take Walks & Appreciate the Season (Cherry Blossoms!)
When it gets too stressful, stepping outside is a game-changer. Whiteknights Campus is beautiful, but my favourite spot in spring has to be Harris Garden. Now that the UK finally has its sun back, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom—it’s the perfect excuse to take a breather and reset.
Even a short walk around campus, seeing students lounging on the grass in front of the library, or just feeling the fresh air can help shift your mindset.
Stay Connected to Home (Through Food and Calls)
Homesickness hits harder when you’re stressed, and I’ve found that cooking familiar food helps. My attempts at making char siu have been a learning experience. But even the process of trying brings comfort!
Calling home, even for just 10 minutes, gives me a sense of grounding. Sometimes, I’ll make a cup of matcha and just sit with my thoughts—it’s my little ritual to reconnect with myself when things get chaotic.
Set a Time Limit for Mindless Scrolling & Watch Comfort Movies Instead
We all need breaks, but let’s be real—scrolling TikTok for hours isn’t exactly relaxing. I try to set a 15-minute limit when I go down the social media rabbit hole, so I don’t end up feeling even more drained.
I’ve been revisiting old nostalgic movies with friends (think 2000s rom-coms). There’s something about laughing over familiar movies that makes everything feel lighter. Spending quality time with friends truly helps reboot your brain.
You Are More Than Your Degree
Some days, the best thing you can do is step away from work and just enjoy life. Whether it’s a spontaneous dinner with friends, a gym session or even a solo trip into town for some window shopping, these small things remind me that life exists beyond deadlines.
At the end of the day, your mental health matters just as much as your grades. So romanticise your routine, enjoy the little things and don’t forget—you’ve got this! Do you have any self-care rituals that help you through university stress? Drop them in the comments, I’d love to hear them!