Resolutions for a healthy and happy year as a uni student.
About the Author
My name is Hannah, I’m 21 and I’m currently doing my Master’s Degree in Marketing here in Exeter. My family and I live in Oxfordshire, however I wouldn’t exactly say that was home. I’ve been an army child for most of my childhood, and because of this I’ve lived all around the world, which has definitely had its ups and downs. The reason I mention this is because I have experienced being an international student, so I understand how daunting (but also exciting) it is to be in a whole new country and atmosphere.
One thing I’ve loved about moving around (besides the travelling and the amazing experiences) has been being able to try new things and find the aspects of my life that I really want to improve on.
Throughout my undergraduate degree I did feel a bit lost and struggled with being unmotivated and anxious quite a lot of the time. Then, when I came to Exeter, I decided to give myself a resolution for my new year and work towards making it the best experience that I could. Since then I’ve completely turned my life around, and even though there’s still a few bumps on the road ahead, I’m learning to be present and healthy, and to manage my stress.
In this blog, I’m going to mention New Years resolutions and goals which can be applied to each and every one of you, as well as going through how Exeter and the University can cater to these resolutions. We will mention mental health, wellbeing, and healthier lifestyles. I’m excited to bring my experiences in these areas to the University, and hopefully to help ease the minds of anyone who has gone through similar things.
Healthier Lifestyles
New Year’s resolutions are a set of goals that most people set themselves at the beginning of the year, and try to carry throughout the year. Whether it’s spending less money, talking to friends more, or even staying healthier and active, they are challenges that we set ourselves in order to feel accomplished and motivated.
Starting a new year (calendar and university) can be daunting, but it’s also a great time to challenge yourself and become the best version of YOU that there is.
One of my personal resolutions last year post-graduation and when starting my master’s degree was to take control of my health. Now this is a very common resolution that most people share, however it’s a tough one as it needs a lot of involvement and motivation. I really wanted to get healthier and to feel better with myself and my body so that this would have a positive impact on my stress and my day-to-day life. I’m someone who now loves a strong daily routine, which includes going to the gym most days of the week. I find that not only does this increase my healthy lifestyle, but it also benefits me when I’m stressed about exams and coursework as I can switch off for an hour and just have that time to focus on myself and let out that anxious energy!
Exeter has many options if you’re looking to be healthier and to join a gym or fitness group. There is, of course, the University gym located at the Sports Park, at the top of Streatham campus. It has great facilities and equipment from treadmills to power racks, and it is used by many of the current university students and sports society members. If you’re unsure about the Uni gym and would like something quieter and away from campus, there is a PureGym in town located near the beautiful Exeter Cathedral and is a 25 minute walk from the main campus.
Now, personally I love going to the gym and lifting weights, however I do understand that this is not everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re still looking for a healthier lifestyle and a way to exercise without going to the gym, there are many alternatives. In town, there are a few yoga and Pilates studios which can challenge you just as much and help you stick to your goals. As well as this, I would recommend the Body Society at the University which offers a range of activities from Zumba to HIIT workouts at discounted prices and also provides a social aspect to exercising. There are also many scenic routes to walk around and discover around Exeter, if you just want a mindful walk or a quick run. One of my favourite places to go for a walk since starting university here has been the Quay.
To me, walking around the Quay has been so peaceful and pretty, and a good way to have a nice walk and some fresh air. A reason why I love the Quay is that it’s a very walkable area, and lively majority of the time, which is great to experience when I’m constantly studying in my accommodation or stuck in lectures.
Now don’t get me wrong, it’s cold outside at the moment, but I love wrapping up warm and getting some fresh winter air every now and again in order to do something different and to clear my mind. Do I sometimes treat myself to lunch out while I’m down there? Absolutely! But I think that when you’re trying to achieve a healthier lifestyle, it’s also very important to implement balance and to treat yourself every now and again.
De-stressing and taking control
If your goal this year is to de-stress and take back a little bit more control of your life from those stressors, then keep reading!
Now I know that it is easier said than done, but please remember that it is important to take care of yourselves, both physically and mentally. I have always struggled with feeling a little out of control of my life, and I always look at all of my tasks as one big ‘monster’ rather than breaking them down step by step. Because of this I often have days when I feel so stressed and anxious and have no idea what to do, which causes me to spiral even more. If you feel like this as well, it’s okay you’re not alone.
One tool I have found so useful at the University of Exeter has been my Pastoral Mentors and the Wellbeing Services team. Don’t forget that these teams are there to support you, that is their job, and they will be more than happy to listen to you and point you in the direction of more connections and people that can help you further. I reached out to my Pastoral Mentors at the beginning of the year because I was stressed and anxious about starting a new University and my Master’s degree, and I also wanted to learn some tools to help me de-stress when it came to my exams and honestly, I’m so glad that I did! They have been so good at listening to my worries and my stresses and giving me tips and tools to use to de-stress about life, exams and assignments. Sometimes it really is just nice having someone (other than friends and family) to talk to, however I do understand that just taking the step of asking for help can be difficult.
If this isn’t for you, but you still want to learn how to de-stress then that’s okay! One big thing I try to do with my friends once or twice a month is go out for coffee and just have a big catch up. Spending time with people who make you laugh and smile is a HUGE part of de-stressing and feeling better. Exeter has so many spots in town for a good catch-up, whether it’s over coffee or a nice glass of wine, there is so much Exeter has to offer. One of my favourite spots to go to with my friends is Artigiano. I’m a huge fan of their food and drinks, but most of all I love the comfortable and friendly atmosphere, as well as the decent prices (student budgets am I right?!).
Going out for a catch up with friends isn’t always on the cards as schedules can get busy and hectic. There are simple ways to de-stress on your own in your room as well! One that I would recommend would honestly be to stretch and do some deep breathing. This calms the nervous system and will allow your body to relax and clear your mind. As well as this, another way would be to listen to some music or read a book and allow your brain to switch off from what you are doing for a bit.
Before I move on, I really would just like to stress how important taking care of yourself mentally is, and that you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it as the University has many resources for you to use!
Making new friends and trying new things
Maybe your goal this year is to make new friends, try new things, or even to just be a friendlier person in general. I think one of the best things about university is that you get the opportunity to meet so many new people from all over the place, which yes, can be nerve-wracking, but honestly some of the people you meet at university will be your friends for life. I love meeting new people and making new friends, as well as just chatting to people and learning new things every day. However, making new friends is something that most people do worry about when starting university as you are used to being around the same people all of the time.
One of the best things I can recommend on making new friends and meeting new people is joining a sports team or society within your first year. The University of Exeter offers so many opportunities to do this! The Exeter Students’ Guild has over 100+ societies ranging from the Exepresso Coffee Society to a Birdwatching Society. There are literally so many new things you could try during your time here. Societies are a great way to make friends because you already share a common interest and everyone is super excited and passionate about what they are doing.
I joined a sports team during my undergraduate degree and I loved it because it kept me fit and active but also I went into university having a set of friends already there waiting to meet me, which was a huge comfort! Exeter’s student sport is so amazing as there are 52 sports to try and to join, each offering a range of expertise as well so don’t worry if you’re not a pro at the sport you may choose to join, sometimes it’s just nice to be there for the people and the community!
So to summarise, no matter if it’s a new calendar year or a new year at university, think of it as a fresh start and a great way to become your best self. Literally take your life into your own hands and get healthier, de-stress and maybe even try a new hobby or two! If a year-long goal isn’t something that you think you can maintain or stick to, maybe try and set monthly goals and see how you go! Exeter has so many opportunities for every single goal you may set, so get out and go exploring! But before you do all of this, please remember to do things at your own pace and to take care of yourselves.
I hope that you have enjoyed reading and find these tips and tricks useful.
Until next time!