Starting university? Get a head start on your mental health

You’ve got your results, been offered a place, and a fresh start beckons. You’re off to uni!

There’s no doubting it – it’s a huge life step. No wonder this period in your life can be a whirlwind of anticipation, excitement and worry.

Why is it so mentally challenging?

“You’re facing a vast change in your routine,” says Sian Bengeyfield, mental health and counselling manager at Swansea University. “From finding your way around the campus to just knowing where to go shopping - everything is new, and for some students that can be really difficult to negotiate.”

The expectation that uni will be ‘the best years of your life’ can also create pressure. And homesickness, making new friends and juggling finances can add to the mental health burden - but a little preparation can make a massive difference.

“Come to university open days so you can get a feel for the place in advance,” says Sian. “Check out the accommodation options and have a look around the locality. You could even practice making meals at home instead of having them delivered to you by mum and dad!”

If you’ve been putting off getting mental health support, do it now

Perhaps you’ve been feeling low or just noticing things feel harder than they should? If so, it’s  time to reach out. Don’t wait until you’re in crisis – getting help now can prevent more serious problems developing.

NHS Wales’ Online CBT Service provides free and flexible support through SilverCloud. There’s a range of guided, self-help programmes with tools to help manage anxiety, low mood, stress, body image and sleep problems before things get out of hand. You don’t need to see a GP to sign up, and there’s no waiting list.

“If you’ve already got services involved for your mental health, speak to them and see if you need to transfer your support to where you’ll be living,” says Sian.

“Explore what mental health support will be available at your uni, and let the wellbeing team know about your situation – they may be able to apply for additional support for you from the Disabled Student Allowance, and they can put reasonable adjustments in place from day one to make university life easier to cope with.”

What might be on your mind?

You may be worried about fitting in, keeping up academically, or coping away from familiar surroundings. But remember you’re far from alone, and it’s OK if it takes time to adjust.

For Sian, again, preparation is key. “You might find there’s a WhatsApp group for the accommodation you’re moving into, so you can break the ice with housemates before meeting in person,” she says. “Similarly, you can check out Facebook groups for your course.”

Remember that if you’re struggling with anxiety, SilverCloud has a programme designed specifically for students to help you rise above negative thinking. Find it here.

Worried about alcohol?

You might be concerned about being put under pressure to drink, but it’s not a requirement for a good time and it’s a myth that student life is one endless pub crawl. The reality is that many students drink very little or not at all.

“Find your tribe,” says Stu Gray, who works with Sian on the welfare team at Swansea University. “These days, Student Unions offer a lot more non-alcohol events.

“You should be able to ask in advance to be placed in a non-alcohol flat. If you move into your university accommodation and find you’re sharing with a load of party animals, you can ask to be moved if it’s not for you.”

If you’re looking to delve into your relationship with booze, there’s a SilverCloud programme for that, too. Check out ‘Space from Alcohol’.

Money worries?

Trying to manage money when things are tight can be a cause of stress. “Seek help from your university’s money advice team if you’re worried,” Sian advises.

Stu recommends getting a part time job to ease the financial burden. “If you can find the right balance between work and studies, it can be a great way to gain skills and meet new people,” he says.

SilverCloud’s Space from Money Worries programme can help you understand spending habits, feel more in control over what’s in your wallet and ease financial anxiety.

Start building resilience now

You don’t need to be struggling to use SilverCloud. There’s a Space for Resilience programme designed with students in mind. As well as helping you to identify your values, passions and strengths, it will give those mental health batteries a boost in readiness for freshers’ week.

Grab the SilverCloud student programme miniguide

Check out what’s on offer by downloading a PDF guide to SilverCloud’s student programmes here. You’ll find support for anxiety, stress and depression – and for building resilience.

SilverCloud’s adult programmes are accessible to anyone in Wales aged 16 or over. Browse the full range and sign up for free here.

Published: 05/09/2025