Whether you're new to BU or are looking for some support, here are our top tips for making the most of your student experience, while looking after your wellbeing.
Enjoy yourself
Uni is a great time to socialise – check out what life at BU has to offer; get involved in extra-curricular activities like the University choir or orchestra, try out for one of SportBU's teams or join a SUBU club or society.
- Get some great ideas from our BU student bloggers, Hannah, '7 ways to be social at university', and Kage, 'Making friends at uni'.
Starting university for the first time can be daunting, particularly the idea of making new friends and socialising but it’s not all scary!
Hannah, BA (Hons) Social Work
Feeling homesick?
Most students feel homesick at some point so you’re not the only one. One of the best ways to get over homesickness is to find something you really enjoy and take the time to do it.
Getting involved with something new is a good way to make friends with the same interests as you. Maybe you've always wanted to play a musical instrument but never found the time – why not now?
It won’t stop you missing your friends and family back home but the homesickness will pass. SUBU, our Students’ Union, have lots of clubs and activities to help you feel part of BU. If you're living in BU managed accommodation, our ResLifeBU team also run lots of social activities, as well as offering welfare support.
- Watch Kage's student vlog, 'My top tips for tackling homesickness at uni':
Starting uni for the first time can feel a bit daunting. Here’s my advice on ways to tackle homesickness and the support available from BU
Kage, BA (Hons) Television Production
You can always get in touch with our support teams on campus, including Achieve@BU, Student Wellbeing, Faith & Reflection and SUBU Advice.
Don’t worry if you feel you have made the wrong choice
A number of students feel this way at the start of term. Think about your reasons for coming to BU and choosing your course. What are your future career plans?
- Hannah talks about this in her student blog, 'Is university right for me?':
When deciding if university is right for you, always think about your personal circumstances and whether they fit right for you. The biggest question I had to ask myself, in order to answer ‘Is it right for me?’, was ‘Where do I see myself in 5 years’ time?’.
Hannah, BA (Hons) Social Work
If you are still having doubts make an appointment with our Achieve@BU team or talk to your faculty team. You might also find a chat with one of our careers consultants helpful. Our AskBU team can help you find out who is best to talk to. Don't forget, you can talk to your parents or friends about your options too.
Don’t overindulge!
Having a healthy lifestyle is really important. That doesn't mean you shouldn't have fun, but try to find a good balance between the fun stuff, getting a good night’s sleep, don’t drink too much and eat as well as you can.
Too much play and not enough rest can make you feel really low, so think about your lifestyle choices. Check out the BBC student recipes for tips on healthy eating. Our ResLifeBU team run lots of activities throughout the year, from yoga, surfing and rock climbing, to cooking classes and mindful drinking.
- Check out Jemma's ideas on her student blog, 'Five simple and affordable ways to keep healthy during university'
Regular walks in our beautiful nearby areas allow you to keep fit for free whilst taking advantage of such stunning scenery. Physical health isn’t the only thing to look after whilst at university, your mental wellbeing is too. For some people, and it has been proven, that the gym and walks can help you to clear your mind and destress.
Jemma, BA (Hons) Communication and Media
Register with a GP
Don’t wait until you need an appointment, take the time to register with a General Practitioner (GP) when you start at BU and check if you’re up to date with your vaccinations.
You can register with the student Medical Centre on Talbot Campus, although this is open during term time only.
- Read about how the service works on Chris's student blog, 'Making the most of your time at university'.
Based on campus, registering in the centre allows you to book and also cancel appointments online which comes in handy when you’ve come down with freshers flu and the last thing you want to do is catch the bus to uni and back just to book a doctors appointment. Time it right and you can roll out of a lecture and straight into the doctors surgery.
Chris, Music & Sound Production Technology
Plan your study time
Not a great organiser? Don’t worry. The Academic Skills Hub on Brightspace has loads of great information including how to manage your time effectively. You can also find out more about our Peer-Assisted Learning scheme (PAL), which helps you to develop independent learning and study skills with the help of fellow students.
- Get some tips from our student bloggers:
- Ashleigh - Study tips whilst at uni
- Katie - Tips on staying organised
- Zeynep - My favourite study places in Bournemouth
Getting used to the new style of independent learning that you have to adapt to when coming to uni can be difficult... identify which methods work best for you.
Ashleigh, BSc (Hons) Geography
Take a break
Having a healthy study/life balance is key for anyone's physical and mental wellbeing. Offering services across all BU campuses, SportBU provides organised, fun and engaging fitness and sporting activities for students of all ages and abilities.
- Read Linh's blog about, 'How SportBU Yoga classes have helped me stay healthy and find balance', as well as Melly's 'Summer of sport'.
The convenient location on campus, reasonable student membership fee, regular class schedules, and friendly instructors and staff are why I chose to register for Yoga classes at SportBU.
Linh, MA Marketing Communications
Worried about money while you're studying?
SUBU and BU both offer a number of student jobs as well as advertising for other local opportunities. Have a look on MyCareerHub to see what’s available.
- Check out our student blogs from David, 'Typical student jobs in Bournemouth and ways to make money during your studies', and Kyana 'Different job opportunities I’ve had during my time at Bournemouth University'.
I would highly recommend using MyCareerHub as there are plenty of new job roles being advertised that you could apply for.
Kyana, MSc Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship
And once your studies get into full swing, remember that if you want to be really productive you need to pace yourself
Studying is important but so are all the other aspects of university life. Try to find the balance between studying, socialising and taking care of yourself. You need all three elements if you are going to have a successful and enjoyable time at BU!
- Watch Emily's vlog about 'Balancing it all (part-time work, studies and a social life)'.
I think on certain busy weeks it can all seem a little too much and a bit overwhelming so I thought I’d give you my best tips on how to cope when you’re feeling like this.
Emily, BA (Hons) Television Production
Feeling unwell?
If you're feeling under the weather, find out what support is available for you. If you are not able to attend your classes, please contact your Programme Support Team and they will advise on any additional course information that you may need. If you do not know who your PST is, please contact AskBU.
If you have a part-time job, or are on placement, and are not able to attend, you should follow the guidance issued by your employer.
Don't struggle on your own
Our Student Wellbeing Service provides support for students who are experiencing stress, anxiety, or low mood, you can attend a drop-in session or book an apointment. If you are struggling to cope and feel yourself reaching crisis point, the University Retreat, based on Talbot Campus can help.
IT support
If you need some guidance about accessing BU’s IT systems, finding PCs on campus, using Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or other communications tools, check out our IT hub.
Visit our IT safety, security and wellbeing pages, where you can learn how to secure your devices, manage passwords, report suspicious emails, protect your personal data and take care of your wellbeing while you're online.
