Student mental health is a key factor for universities to address, and this is particularly true for new starters. Many incoming students feel pressured to make college ‘the best years of their life’ – and then find reality doesn’t match these expectations.

Whether you are struggling to meet new people, stay on top of the workload, or keep up with all the activities on, it’s natural to struggle with your mental health in your first few months at university.

There are steps you can take to manage yourself better as you adjust to college life, as well as a range of student mental health support services and resources provided by Trinity College Dublin. We are here to make your first 90 days of college a positive and fulfilling experience!

Learn to Say No for Your Mental Health

In can be tempting to immerse yourself fully in university right away. It starts with Fresher’s Week. All the societies and sports clubs to join, activities to do, and friends to make? Yes! Then term starts, and the workload increases, and you’re still trying to attend events and catch up with friends. Then there’s a part-time job, travelling, doing assignments, cooking and cleaning, and trying to exercise!

It’s easy to let things get all too much, so learning to say no is important. What may all seem like a great idea at the start of the term can soon become too much, so don’t try to do everything, and instead choose what events mean the most to you.

Surround Yourself with the Right People

You are going to meet lots of different types of people at Trinity but remember the friends you surround yourself with will have a direct impact on your overall college experience. Keep an open mind towards all sorts of people, as this natural curiosity will bring its own opportunities and help you grow as a person.

But, ultimately try to only hang out with people who are a positive influence. And, most importantly, don’t feel guilty about not wanting to keep old friends in your life forever. Some friends we make for a reason, some we make for just a season!

For more advice on meeting people, check out our article on how to Have the best university experience!

Build a Routine – And Stick to It!

No matter what some people say, humans thrive on routine and consistency. That doesn’t mean you have to do the same things every day, or that you need to be punished if you’re 20 minutes out from your normal structure. It’s about establishing a pattern of behaviour that maximises your effectiveness as an independent thinker and holding yourself accountable when these habits lapse.

One way to maximise the productivity of your routine is to write down goals you have for the day. These can be minor, such as making your bed, or major, like writing an essay. These goals should be achievable, measurable, and completable by the end of the day.

You can keep track using digital tools, such as Google Keep or Microsoft OneNote, or simply use a piece of paper. As you complete the tasks, cross them off. It’s so satisfying than seeing a completed list by the time you go to bed.

Also, ensure your routine balances work, play, household tasks, socialising, exercising, and rest.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

We need exercise for healthy bodies AND healthy minds. Exercise, even something as simple as a walk around the block, relieves tension, works our muscles, and releases dopamine around your body. This dopamine improves mood, focus, and can even stimulate more creative thinking. When you are feeling overwhelmed or low, getting active is one of the best short-term solutions.

And there is a type of sport for everyone. If you like connecting with other people around teamwork, team sports will be perfect for you. If you are driven by personal goals, an athletics activity, such as running or swimming, may suit instead. You can get active anywhere, anytime, and with anyone. You will not be able to succeed at college — or in life — without building exercise into your daily routine.

Talk to People

Don’t be afraid to talk to others about your mental health issues. All new students have struggled at first to adjust to university life, and so there are plenty of people that will empathise with your situation. Friends and family from home can be a great support in this time as they know you best; however, be careful not to isolate yourself from your peers at college and try to build bridges there too.

There are always events run by societies on campus by students and for students, while there are a range of support services at Trinity, such as student-to-student counselling, that can also help.

Use Trinity’s Student Mental Health Resources

Trinity offers a range of free, one-on-one counselling services with qualified psychiatrists for students. No issue is too small, so if you feel like it has all become a little too much why not speak to a professional qualified to help with everything from anxiety to sleep issues to homesickness.

The Healthy Trinity online tool for first year students is also an excellent asset to help address any mental health concerns.

To thrive in your first few months at university and make use of Trinity’s mental health supports, check out our Student Counselling services, which includes everything from coping skills workshops to drop-in support groups of fellow students.