Looking after your mental health as a Chevening scholar

The life of a Chevening scholar is full of academic enrichment, cultural experiences, and networking. But as amazing as it is, being far away from home can also be challenging.

You know the feeling. After a packed day at university, you find yourself back in your room… the one that still doesn’t quite feel like ‘home’.

Wrapped in a blanket that’s no substitute for the hug you crave, you watch the sky darken at 3pm and think, ‘I should be happy, right? I’m living my dream’. Yet instead of joy, there’s this strange, aching emptiness…

Sound familiar? If so, stick with me. What I’ve learnt might just help you.

Hi! My name is Sofia, and after moving a lot over the past few years, I’ve developed some great strategies for protecting my wellbeing and adapting to new environments.

Here are five tips that might help you on your Chevening journey too.

1. It’s okay to not be okay.

Let’s get one thing straight: even though you’re living the dream so many aspire to, you’re allowed to not feel okay sometimes. These moments of doubt, loneliness, or frustration don’t make you ungrateful; they make you human.

Instead of trying to force yourself to ‘snap out of it’, give those emotions the space they need.

Evening journaling and morning meditation work wonders for me, as does simply taking a walk while I let my thoughts untangle themselves.

If you ever feel like the weight is too much to carry on your own, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Your university’s wellbeing services are there for a reason, as are Chevening’s.

2. Create a sense of home, wherever you are.

For the longest time, I struggled with the feeling of not belonging anywhere. Constantly moving between beds, cities, and countries left me wondering if I’d lost the concept of ‘home’ entirely.

Then, during one of our sessions, my therapist asked, ‘Why not create a home wherever you are?’.

That simple question changed everything for me. Now, instead of searching for a home, I carry it with me, and I’ve built many along the way.

When I moved to Bristol to commence my Chevening journey, I came prepared. I printed out pictures of family and friends, and created a vision board filled with motivational quotes and a collection of beautiful postcards. On my very first night — before I had even unpacked properly — I began transforming the blank white walls of my room into something warm and cosy. Those small, grounding touches made the space feel less temporary and more mine.

3. Surround yourself with beauty.

My fellow Chevening scholars will remember the frenzy of buying essentials when we first landed in the UK! Total chaos, right?

I vividly recall eating from plastic bowls for weeks until it hit me — this doesn’t feel good. I’m here, even if temporarily, and I deserve to feel at home and to feel comfort and joy in my surroundings. So, I treated myself to some simple yet elegant white dishes, pink glasses, aromatic candles, and a vase for fresh flowers. These little upgrades weren’t solely about aesthetics; they were a declaration, because beauty isn’t just about what you see, it’s about how you feel.

To continue to nurture that inner glow everyday, I focus on positive affirmations, finding gratitude in the tiniest moments, and occasionally letting loose with a solo dance party in front of my mirror. Trust me, creating beauty both inside and outside can transform your experience.

4. Keep moving, literally.

When I first arrived in Bristol, one of the things that hit me most was the hills. Walking them was enough to leave me out of breath, but over time, those hills became my training ground. Now, I run them regularly, and they’ve made me stronger, both physically and mentally. I won’t lie, getting outside in the cold winter weather can feel like a battle. But every time I finish a run in the rain, I feel so much more alive.

Physical activity doesn’t have to mean running hills, though. It could be going to the gym, attending a bachata class, going on a countryside walk, or even just exploring a new library. The point is it’s important to keep moving, to shake off the stillness and let your body and mind recharge.

So here’s my challenge to you: take a day trip to a nearby town (like I did when I decided to have my morning coffee in Bath, followed by a visit to the Jane Austen museum). Or maybe just try a new route on your daily walk. Small changes like these can break the routine and bring fresh energy into your life.

5. Keep your people close (even if they’re far).

Mental health might feel like an individual journey, but it’s okay to let others walk alongside you.

Stay close to your people, even if they’re far away. Text or call them, and don’t be afraid to share your ups and downs.

But also make sure you fully embrace your new world. Say yes to a coffee with a stranger, join a club, or attend that event you’re curious about.

And don’t underestimate the magic of the Chevening community. No one else will understand this unique experience quite like them.

To sum up, you’re not just here to study; you’re here to grow, explore, and create a life full of meaning. And while a Chevening journey may feel overwhelming at times, remember that you’re not walking it alone.

Every step you take, whether uphill or through the rain, is shaping a stronger, more resilient version of you!