Wellbeing advice
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We know being at University can sometimes be challenging.
Please remember that it is OK to ask for help, support, and advice – sometimes all you need to do is talk to someone who understands.
That might be enough for you, but if not, it’s good to know there are services both within the University, and in the community, to assist you with what you are going through.
concerns about another student
If you are concerned about another student at the University, you can:
- Call 999 if you feel there is an immediate risk to their safety or the safety of others.
- Speak to your Student Support Guidance Tutor or Student Information Desk Advisor , who can help escalate the concern appropriately.
- If comfortable to do so, advise the student of the Support Network available to them.
external support services
National Health Service (NHS) : The NHS website is a thorough online resource explaining hundreds of medical conditions. It also provides current news and advice on all things related to health and healthy living.
Student Minds : Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity. They empower students and members of the university community to look after their own mental health, support others and create change.
Brighton and Hove Wellbeing Service : The Brighton & Hove Wellbeing Service is a free NHS service for anyone aged 4 years old and upwards with a postcode beginning BN1, BN2, BN3 or BN41.
Switchboard : Switchboard is a charity for LGBTQ people looking for a sense of community, support or information. We connect people and support them directly through specially developed Switchboard services or link them other specialist organisations.
Mind in Brighton and Hove : Mind in Brighton and Hove works to promote good mental health in Brighton and Hove and across Sussex. It seeks to empower people to lead a full life as part of their local community.
Citizens Advice Bureau : The Citizens Advice Bureau is an impartial, independent, confidential and free service that helps people resolve their problems relating to money, the law and other issues affecting their life.
Counselling Directory : Set up by a team who know how difficult it can be to find support. There are many resources from expert counsellors, including helpful articles and useful organisations.
university welfare and wellbeing support
The University has dedicated staff teams to support you through various circumstances that might arise during your time studying in Brighton.
If you’re not sure who to talk to, check in with your Student Support and Guidance Tutor (SSGT) or with us.
Student Information Desk : The UoB Student Information Desk Advisers should be your first point of contact for information, advice and guidance on university wellbeing services.
Student Support and Guidance Tutors SSGTs can help with all sorts of issues that might be impacting your studies.
Residential Wellbeing Team : The Residential Wellbeing team support students who live in halls, helping you to feel welcome and supporting your transition to university life.
Health Services and issues : The Health Services team are there for you if you are experiencing health issues, or just want to stay healthy.
Faith and spirituality : The University Faith advisors can help and advice on social, academic, or spiritual matters, whatever your faith and wherever you are.
Finances : The Student Advice Service can support you with finance-related issues, like making sure you are getting the correct funding.
International Student Advisors : The International Student Advice Service provides high-quality support and advice for students from outside the UK. Our service is free, confidential, and non-judgmental.
Knowing where to get to the right resources and support will make it easier for you to achieve your goals.
Personal support: Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) , Student Support and Guidance Tutor (SSGT) , Peer Assisted Study Support are here to help, and there is extra support if you have a specific learning difficulty.
Brighton Skills Hub : The Brighton Student Skills Hub enables you to develop skills for confident university study, so you can achieve your full potential in your education, and your career.
Disability and Dyslexia : Staff in the Disability and Dyslexia team can assist you with your enquiries in a sensitive and respectful way.
Wellbeing Is Better Together
Wellbeing is often easier to nurture alongside others. Connection, belonging, and community are some of the greatest protective factors for our mental health.
Throughout the year, Brighton Students’ Union offers a wide range of free wellbeing activities designed to help you feel happier, healthier, and more connected.
Join us for a mixture of online and in-person sessions, including weekly mindfulness, craft and creative wellbeing sessions, alongside monthly yoga, sound healing for deep relaxation, singing, painting, gardening, and regular visits from the wonderful pet therapy dogs.
These sessions are free for all students and are a chance to slow down, meet new people, learn practical wellbeing tools, and take care of yourself throughout your university journey. As well as learning skills for life.
To find out more and book your free place, visit the BSU Events page. We can’t wait to meet you!
Creating habits of happiness
Being human isn’t always easy. In our fast-paced modern world, it can be challenging to stay balanced and well. There are constant demands on our time and attention, and it’s all too easy to become caught in a downward spiral of stress, worry, or self-criticism.
The good news is that wellbeing isn’t just something we hope for – it’s something we can actively cultivate. Science has shown that there are simple, practical habits that can help us make friends with our minds, navigate difficult emotions with greater ease, and build emotional resilience, no matter what tests life sends our way.
Make Friends with Your Mind
The mind can sometimes be like a wild horse, creating all kinds of worry, fear, and suffering. But with the right training, it can become one of your greatest allies.
One helpful thing to know is that the brain has a negativity bias. This evolved to keep our ancestors safe by constantly scanning for danger and what could go wrong. While that was useful thousands of years ago, today it often means our minds naturally jump to the worst-case scenario or create fear-based stories.
Remember: thoughts are not facts.
When you notice your mind telling a fearful story, pause and ask yourself:
- Is this thought helpful?
- What else could be possible?
- What’s the best-case scenario?
You don’t need to believe everything your mind tells you – especially the unhelpful stories. Instead, choose thoughts that are kind, supportive and encouraging. Speak to yourself as you would a good friend and remember that the stories you repeat to yourself help shape how you feel and how you move through the world.