Welcome to York: A Guide to Wellbeing for New Students

Starting university is an exciting chapter in life – a fresh start filled with opportunities, friendships, and growth. If you’re beginning your studies in York, you’re stepping into a city rich with history, culture, and community spirit. Alongside the excitement, it’s also natural to feel nervous, overwhelmed, or uncertain about what lies ahead.

Looking after your wellbeing – both physical and emotional – is key to enjoying your time here and thriving as a student. Here are some tips and resources to help you settle in.

Taking Care of Yourself Physically

Establish a routine: Even with a flexible timetable, aim for regular meals, sleep, and exercise. Your body will thank you for it.
Explore York actively: Walk or cycle around the city walls, enjoy the riverside paths, or visit Rowntree Park and Museum Gardens. Moving your body is a great way to reduce stress.
Eat well on a budget: University life often involves quick meals and late-night snacks, but try to balance this with nutritious food. York has great local markets for affordable fresh produce.
Sleep matters: Late nights are part of student life, but consistent rest will help your concentration, memory, and mood.

Caring for Your Emotional Wellbeing

Stay connected: University can feel overwhelming at first. Reach out to peers, join societies, and find communities that interest you.
Acknowledge your feelings: It’s okay to feel homesick, anxious, or low. Adjusting takes time, and you don’t have to manage everything on your own.
Build downtime into your week: Balance academic work with activities that recharge you – reading for pleasure, creative hobbies, mindfulness, or simply resting.
Limit comparison: Everyone adapts at a different pace. Just because someone else seems settled doesn’t mean you’re behind.

Support Available in York

At the University

University of York Student Wellbeing Services: Offers mental health support, disability services, and wellbeing workshops.
York St John University Wellbeing Team: Provides wellbeing workshops, and practical support.
Nightline: A confidential listening service run by students, for students.

In the Wider Community

Serendipity Counselling York: A confidential, independent counselling service in the city centre.
NHS Services: Register with a local GP as soon as possible – they are often your first point of contact for health concerns.
TalkCampus app: A peer-to-peer support platform for students worldwide, available 24/7.

Final Thoughts

University life is full of possibility, but it’s also a time of big change. Looking after your physical and emotional wellbeing will help you make the most of your time in York. Remember – it’s okay to ask for support, whether from friends, university staff, or local organisations.

York is a welcoming city, and you are not alone here. Take care of yourself, reach out when you need to, and allow yourself the time and space to settle in.

If you or anyone you know are interested in finding out more, contact us to arrange a free, initial telephone consultation. We can talk through the issues that are being experienced and how we can help. To get in touch contact us at admin@serendipityyork.co.uk or call 01904 948565.

Student Wellbeing