Why Mental Health in University Matters Today

Mental health in university is one of the most overlooked challenges students face, despite being just as important as academics. University is a transformative time in your life. There is a lot happening between managing your academics, building new relationships and learning new life skills, it can all take a toll on your mental health.

Therefore, it is extremely important to stay on top of taking care of your mental health in university and in general. When your mental health starts slipping, you’ll find that you might start struggling with concentrating, you might not be motivated to study, and your grades might start to fall.  

To avoid all this, you need to make sure that you check in with yourself. Make sure that your mental health is a priority and know what signs to look for that might indicate that you are struggling and need to do something to intervene. Mental health is not something you can be blamed for, but it is something that can be remedied and if you know what signs to look for it is something that can be prevented. 

Signs You May Be Struggling with Mental Health in University

Before you can take action, you need to recognise when something is wrong. Common signs include:

• Persistent sadness or anxiety

• Mood swings and irritability

• Loss of motivation to study

• Difficulty concentrating

• Sleep disruption or oversleeping

• Changes in appetite

• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed

Practical Strategies for Managing Mental Health in University

Protecting your mental health in university requires more than just awareness — it demands intentional habits that support balance, focus, and resilience. While challenges like academic pressure, lack of sleep, and social stress can’t be eliminated, they can be managed with the right approach. Below are practical strategies that students can apply daily to strengthen their mental wellbeing and maintain control during demanding times.

1. Keep to a schedule 

University is mainly work. Tests, assignments, group projects, practicals and exams. It’s a lot for anyone to handle. You need to find a way to manage all of this and balance it with your social life.  

The quickest way to lose motivation is to find yourself overwhelmed by all the things you need to do. The best way to combat this is to make sure that you are on top of all your work. So, make sure to do some work every day.  

I find that the best way for me to do work is to be surrounded by people who are doing their own work. And so, I found that going to the library after my last class of the day was the best way to get some work done. Instead of going home or back to res, I would go to the library for about two hours to get some work done.

During this time, you can start assignments that aren’t immediately due, do work that you really don’t want to do and finish off assignments that are due that week. Obviously, none of this is a one size fits all.

Some people find it useful to have a study group while others work best in their rooms.  Find what works for you and what will ensure that you get at least some work done and keep to it.  

2. Get some exercise 

One of the best ways to relieve stress and uplift your mood is to get some exercise. Exercising releases endorphins and serotonin which in turn help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. It also releases norepinephrine which improves cognition, mood and thinking clouded by stressful events. In terms of benefits this is only the tip of the iceberg of what exercise can do for you. 

Getting a good work out in is a great way to deal with stress and increase your motivation to do things. Whether it be, being part of a university sports team or club, going to the gym or taking a walk or run around the block, all exercise is beneficial.

You don’t have to go everyday but to reap the rewards you do have to be consistent. Woking out at least twice a week would be a good starting point. And the work outs do not have to take long. You don’t need to spend 4 hours in the gym 30 minutes is enough.  

3. Take a break 

Working hard is good, but don’t overdo it. When you are tired, walk away from the work for 15 minutes to give your brain a break. Go outside, take a shower, get yourself a snack or chat with some friends. Just don’t force yourself to carry on when you know it’s not working.  

If you come back from your break and the information still isn’t going in, then do something else. Focus on a different section or shift to a completely different subject. You can still be productive even if it is not the subject you planned on working on.  

4. Get enough sleep & Manage academic pressure 

You probably have a ton of work to do. But there is no point in studying if you can’t properly digest the information. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, you’ll find that you will struggle with concentrating and absorbing information. Furthermore, make sure to set realistic expectations for yourself.

If you are struggling in a subject and you have an average of 50% in the class, it is unrealistic to aim for a 90% for your semester average. Rather aim for incremental improvements if you are average 50% aim to get 55% in the next assignment and then 60% in the one following. What we are looking for is progress not miracles.  

Use time blocking or the Pomodoro Technique to reduce procrastination. And remember that your grades do not define your worth, rather it’s about learning, growth and progress.  

5. Watch your diet 

Fast food is easy, especially if you are in the middle of exam season and feel like you really don’t have the time to waste on cooking. The thing is that fast food isn’t balanced in terms of nutrition and balanced nutrition is what you need to help you stabilise your mood and energy. Additionally, while coffee is the university student’s best friend it is important not be overly reliant on caffeine for energy. 

Rather think about meal prepping for the week to ensure that you are getting well balanced meals. It will take some time but if you do it once a week then the rest of the time you just have to heat up your meal in the microwave, and it is ready to go and because you made it yourself you know that it is nutritionally balanced.

This is not to say that you can’t have a treat occasionally. If you want fast food every so often then go for it just make sure that fast food isn’t the base of your nutritional intake. 

6. Know what signs to look for 

If your mental health in university does start slipping there is no shame in that. It is important that you understand that you are in a high-pressure environment and that can take a toll on your mental health. The important thing is to know what signs to look for, to be able to spot them early so that you can get early intervention. 

The most common signs to look for are persistent sadness, anxiety, mood swings and feeling overwhelmed. Also pay attention to unexplained changes in appetite, sleep patterns, motivation and if you have little interest in doing things you usually enjoy. 

If you are feeling any of these make sure to reach out to a counsellor or go to your GP so they can refer you in the right direction. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness, then you should seek help immediately. 

Ask your school or accommodation provider for resources that are available or search online for support groups and helplines.  

Read More: Student Accommodation Viewing Checklist for Parents

FAQs About Mental Health in University

1. Why is mental health important for university students?
Because mental wellbeing affects focus, motivation, and resilience. Poor mental health can harm academic performance and relationships.

2. What are the most common mental health challenges in university?
Stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, and loneliness are the most frequently reported issues.

3. How can I improve my mental health while studying at university?
Maintain a routine, exercise, sleep well, eat balanced meals, seek support, and use mindfulness techniques.

4. Where can university students find mental health support?
On-campus counselling, student wellness centres, online support groups, helplines, and healthcare providers.

Final Thoughts

Mental health in university should never be overlooked. Don’t get too wrapped up in what you need to do, by when, and what comes next. Take some time to just think about where you are in the moment.

Deep breathing, journaling and meditating can help clear and calm your mind. Additionally, it can help you digest stressful situations. This doesn’t need to take too long. 15 minutes a day is enough to make a world of difference. 

It’s important that we step back from time to time to just take in where we are and what we have done. Give yourself praise when it’s due. It good to be proud of yourself and all you’ve achieved. Celebrate all your small wins.