Accessibility Tools
Sign in
Click to Search Click to Search

In the hustle and bustle of student life, taking care of yourself is more important than ever. Our Self-Care page is dedicated to helping you find balance, build resilience, and nurture your well-being. Here, you'll discover a wealth of resources, tips, and support designed specifically for students.

From stress management techniques and mindfulness practices to healthy lifestyle advice and mental health support, our goal is to empower you with the tools you need to succeed both academically and personally. We believe that self-care isn't just a luxury – it's a necessity for achieving your full potential.

Your well-being matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

 

Looking after yourself in Winter 

Physical Self-Care 

  • Stay Active  

  • Even when it’s cold outside, it’s still important to stay active! Why not try indoor workouts, yoga, or home exercises? 

  • Alternatively, why not join one of our Activity Groups to get out of the house? Our Sports Teams provide a way to socialise and stay active, and can be joined at any point during the year! 

  • Eat Healthy 

  • As the days get colder and darker it can be tempting to snack more whilst being indoors, make sure to keep up with eating nutritious meals that provide comfort and nourishment. 

  • Stay Hydrated 

  • During the winter the cold winds and indoor heating can really dry out your skin! Make sure to remember to drink water and moisturise, 

  • Sleep Well 

  • As it gets darker, make sure to adapt your sleep schedule (if you can) to ensure you’re still getting enough rest – even during shorter days. 

  • Why not consider aids such as a sunrise alarm clock, which can help you wake up on dark mornings if you have to be up early. 

  • Stay Warm 

  • During winter it can be tempting to avoid putting the heating on for a long as possible due to finances. Please don’t skimp on keeping warm, as this has an  affect on your physical and mental wellbeing! 

  • Try to ensure your home is heated, either through central heating, a hot water bottle, electric blanket, or heater. 

  • If you really can’t put any form of heating on, why not layer up? Lots of thin layers can be more effective than one thick layer. 

  • We also have warm spaces on campus such as the Libraries or Learning Cafe – there are also blankets available at the counter at WD Library, so you can also go there to keep warm. 

  • Try to heat rooms you spend a lot of time in, such as the living room or bedroom, to at least 18°C (GOV.UK). 

Mental Self-Care 

  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) 

  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern, it is sometimes known as "winter depression" because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter. Click here to find out more. 

  • The shorter days and less daylight can affect our normal circadian rhythm as our hormones are thrown off track. Being out and about during daylight hours can help to boost your mood – a form of light therapy. 

  • If you’re feeling low during the winter months, try to reach out to Student Support or our Advice Centre (which can be accessed even if you’re not on campus, or it’s not semeter-time). 

  • The NHS also recommends getting as much sunlight as possible (try a lunchtime walk), regular exercise, avoiding stress and eating a balanced diet. 

  • Many people also say sunrise alarms can help with SAD, find out more here. 

  • Stay Connected: 

  • Just because you may not be on campus as much during Winter doesn’t mean that you can’t still do things with your university friends. 

  • Reach out to friends (at home or at university) or family. Why not host a Teams study session, or meet all of your friends in a city and go to the Christmas Markets? 

  • Seek Support 

  • Resources for mental health support available at the university and Students’ Union. More online resources can also be found here (link). 

  • Assignments 

  • Winter can also bring about deadlines and exams for many students, causing a lot of stress and anxiety. 

  • Time Management 

  • Why not check out some of our Time Management tips to ensure you can balance the fun of the festive season, with completing university work? 

  • Limit Social Media  

  • You may find that you have a lower mood and more stress during the winter months. If so, you may want to limit your social media use to avoid negative impacts on your mental health. 

  • Remembers – just because people look like they’re doing lots of fund things online, doesn’t mean this is reality! 

Practical Tips  

  • Dress Warmly 

  • Try wearing multiple thin layers rather than one thick layer. 

  • When preparing to go out for the day, you may not dress well enough for the cold weather due to the fact that it’s warm inside your house! Try to keep a pair of gloves, a scarf, umbrella, or a thermal in your bag in case the cold hits you whilst you’re out. 

  • Winter-Proof Your Room: Stock up on blankets, heaters (if allowed), and check that the radiators work or if there’s any drafts.  Make sure to contact your landlord if there are any issues. 

  • Financial Tips 

  • Check out our Cost of Living blogs for during winter! 

Fun Winter Activities 

  • Outdoor Fun 

  • Why not go into Winchester or Southampton for their Christmas Markets, take the 1hr tain into London to see the lights? 

  • There are some ice-skating rinks close by (such as West Quay in Southampton) - why not try these? 

  • Indoor Hobbies 

  • You could also try to pick up some indoor hobbies for the cozy season! Maybe start a new TV series, crafting/sewing, baking, or anything else that seems fun to pass the time. 

General Wellness Tips 

  • Boost Your Immunity 

  • During winter, the reduction in sunlight may cause you to want to take supplements, why not try Vitamin C ones. 

  • Make sure to eat hearty foods, such as stew or soups! 

  • Stay Informed 

  • Make sure to regularly check in with weather forecasts and university announcements! 

 

Second year housing 

Housing Advice @ Winchester Student Union 

Listen to Yourself 

  • If something feels off about a property, landlord, or agreement, trust your gut. It’s okay to walk away if you’re not comfortable. Make sure to check in with trusted people such as friends or family – or our Student Union Advisor & Wellbeing Coordinator, to get a second opinion. 

No Rush 

  • Don’t feel rushed into making a decision. It’s better to wait and find a place that truly fits your needs and comforts. Don’t feel pressured to accept or agree to anything on the spot – take your time! 

  • Landlords or estate agents may make you feel as if you have to make a decision quickly, or on the spot. More often than not this is just a scare tactic to make you sign a letting agreement quickly. 

Individual Needs 

  • Your needs may differ from your friends’. Don’t feel obligated to sign a lease just because your friends are. You may prefer to live alone, or you might want to live with other people. You may want to consider renting a room in halls, a house off-campus, or a studio, etc... 

Seek Advice 

  • Speak with University and Union support services. They can offer guidance without any bias. 

Ask Questions 

  • Never hesitate to ask questions about the lease terms, fees, and conditions. Clear understanding can prevent future issues.  

  • You may want to write out a list of questions beforehand, so you are prepared. 

Tenant Rights 

  • Familiarize yourself with your rights as a tenant. Being informed helps you recognize unfair treatment or conditions. 

Declining Offers: You’re allowed to say no to offers or agreements that don’t align with your needs or values. 

Research 

  • Begin your housing search early to find the best options. Understand the demand and timing in Winchester, but remember to not get caught up in the house-hunt frenzy, there will still be time. 

Talk to Others 

  • Discuss plans with friends or potential roommates to align your preferences and budget. 

Set a Budget 

  • Consider rent, utilities, groceries, and other living expenses. Make sure to factor in any deposit and fees. 

Proximity to Campus 

  • Consider how close the housing is to campus, public transportation, and other amenities like grocery stores. 

Inspect Thoroughly 

  • Check the condition of the property, including appliances, plumbing, heating, and overall cleanliness. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. 

Compatibility 

  • Choose roommates with similar lifestyles and study habits. Discuss expectations regarding cleanliness, bills, and visitors. 

Roommate Agreement 

  • Consider creating a roommate agreement to outline responsibilities and expectations, such as a bin rota. 

 

Navigating Winter: What to Expect and How to Cope 

Shorter Days and Reduced Sunlight 

  • Your mood and energy levels may be affected. 

  • You may have more difficulty getting out of bed. 

Colder Weather 

  • Lower temperatures can make outdoor activities less appealing and increase indoor time. 

  • You may have to dress warmer to cope, or schedule activities to be indoors. 

Increased Stress Levels 

  • The academic pressure often ramps up with exams and assignment deadlines. 

  • You may feel more stressed or anxious. 

Social Isolation 

  • The colder weather might make it harder to socialize, leading to feelings of isolation. 

Changes in Appetite and Eating Habits 

  • You might crave more comfort foods and have changes in appetite. 

  • Maintain a balanced diet. Include nutritious, warming meals like soups and stews. Don’t forget to stay hydrated! 

Financial Strain 

  • Higher heating bills and holiday expenses can strain your budget. 

  • Plan your finances and create a budget. Look for university resources or discounts on utilities and essentials. 

Flu and Cold Season 

  • Increased likelihood of catching colds and flu. 

  • Get vaccinated, wash your hands frequently, and boost your immunity with a healthy diet rich in vitamins. 

Warm Places on campus 

  • The West Downs Library features two floors with spaces for study and sitting, blankets have been provided for your warmth and are available year round (please note these are to only be used within the library). 
    It is open 24/7 (you just need your physical ID card for access). 

  • The Learning Cafe (Level 4 - King Alfred Centre) provides an environment for students and staff to relax and study. Open 07.30 - 16.00 (Mon-Fri). 

Blogs 

Cost of living spotlight – Keeping warm in Winter @ Winchester Student Union 

Cost of Living Spotlight - Energy Bills @ Winchester Student Union