Managing your wellbeing when studying in the UK
This is a free online course created by Study UK at the British Council. The Chevening Secretariat is not responsible for its contents.
Mental health and wellbeing
Keeping healthy in body and mind is important so that you can focus on your studies and make the most of your time in the UK.
Being chosen for Chevening is an incredible achievement and the start of a transformative journey. However, moving to a new country also comes with its challenges. It’s important to be mindful of those challenges and aware of the support services available to help you thrive on your Chevening year.
Mental health support
Chevening provides current scholars with a 24/7 confidential support service and up to 6 sessions of counselling. Once you arrive in the UK, you will receive details on how to access this service.
UK universities also provide lots of resources to ensure that students are safe and supported.
Most universities will have:
- A counselling and wellbeing service if you need to speak to someone;
- Workshops, events, and online resources to help you with a range of issues from exam stress to anxiety and bereavement, and much more;
- The possibility to put provisions in place to support your studies and assessments if they are aware of your mental health needs. Mental health is taken very seriously in the UK and your disclosure would be treated sensitively and confidentially.
- Chaplaincy services which can provide pastoral support to their students.
In addition to university support you will find the other support services available:
- There are lots of other organisations providing support on a range of issues.
- Chevening’s welfare and immigration team can also advise you on how to get support. You should look out for regular wellbeing tips and wellbeing events in the monthly Scholargrams.
- Chevening Scholars also have membership to International Students House (ISH) in London, a charity and student residence for international students. Find out more about International Students House and the events and opportunities it offers.
Dealing with crisis
It’s very important to make sure that you get the help you need when you are distressed or in crisis. Whilst there is a lot of support to help you on an ongoing basis, if you need more immediate support then you can:
- Talk to the Samaritans – they are available to talk to 24 hours a day and can be contacted for free by phone on 116 123.
- Talk to Nightline – this is a confidential listening service at night time. You can see if your university subscribes to nightline on this website.
- Contact your GP to make an emergency appointment.
- Contact your university’s counselling service.
- Seek online counselling from organisations such as Big White Wall and Kooth.
If you or anyone else is in immediate danger of harm or hurting themselves or others, then please go straight to the Accident and Emergency Department of your local hospital or call for an ambulance by dialling 999.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts then please speak with your GP, but also know that you can call the Samaritans or make an appointment with the Listening Place.
Dealing with culture shock
You may find that cultural norms in the UK differ from those in your own country. This may make you feel unsettled, but don’t worry, this is completely normal!
Click on the expanding arrows for some advice to help you cope if you experience culture shock.
…but try imposing some limits on this so that you don’t isolate yourself and prevent yourself from making the most of your year in the UK.
Read newspapers and websites that give you updates from home, or watch internet TV from home. And don’t feel bad about not watching TV and films exclusively in English, it’s ok to give yourself a comfort break!
Lots of UK supermarkets and shops sell international food from many different cultures – search to see if there are shops selling food from your home country in your local area.
If you belong to a faith, link up to a local faith community, whether it is a church, mosque, synagogue, or temple, or a religious student society – the UK offers spaces and groups to practice many different religions.
You could also try joining a local hobby group – whether you’re into knitting or running, your university fresher’s fair will show you what groups and societies are on offer at your university.
Wellbeing tips
The NHS Moodzone lists just five simple things that you can do that will boost your wellbeing and help you feel more positive about life:
Strengthen relationships with family, friends, and peers. Chevening events are great for meeting new people and building networks.
Engage in enjoyable physical activities. Try walking, group fitness challenges, or active volunteering. Ramblers, Parkrun, and Couch to 5k are easy ways to get fit and, in the case of Ramblers and Parkrun, meet other people.
Boost your confidence by learning new skills. Explore cooking, take short courses, visit museums, or indulge in hobbies.
Volunteering and helping others can significantly enhance your sense of happiness and satisfaction. Chevening offers various volunteering opportunities throughout the year.
Practice mindfulness to stay present and aware. Keeping a journal and noticing daily sensations can help you stay grounded. You can also try free meditation apps like Insight Timer.
Find further tips and advice on looking after your mental health and wellbeing by taking part in this free Study UK course on Managing Your Wellbeing When Studying in the UK or by following the links below.
For any questions on mental health and wellbeing while in the UK, please email welfare@chevening.org.
