Uni is a time for indulging in freedoms. Plenty of fun, a surprising amount of free time and no supervision. Awesome.
You may feel indestructible, but you need good health to get the most out of it.
EAT PROPERLY
A diet of alternate pot snacks and alcohol may be low effort, but it won’t be long before your body rebels. Lack of cash does not equal lack of nutrition. At home, do a bit of meal planning and go easy on the food waste. On the move, remember that eat out need not equal pig out.
GET OUT FROM UNDERCOVER
Get up late. Attend the odd lecture. Afternoon in the library. Union bar in the evening. Late night snack and late home. Where’s the daylight in all this?
Don’t be a student mole! Make sure you get your daily dose of natural light and air. And make sure you get enough sleep – candles burned at both ends burn out quicker.
GET EXERCISE
University offers a massive choice of sporting and fitness opportunities. Don’t let your fitness slide so you regret it in later years. Team sports are everywhere, but if the Wednesday afternoon gang isn’t for you, there are plenty of alternatives.
Hussle is perfect for uni life. There’s a massive range of fitness classes, gym machines and swimming possibilities just there for the taking.
EASY ON THE ALCOHOL
No-one is saying a flat ‘no’ to a student tipple or three. All that matters is to keep to sensible levels. That’s not only for liver health, but also for weight control. Gently does it at the bar, eh?
IT’S OK NOT TO BE OK
Mental health matters a lot in the university pressure cooker. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Stress, relationships, financial worries; university pastoral care teams are there for you.
Look after yourself. Three years of fun can still leave you healthy.
Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash
the author
Patrick Law
Patrick is a keen touch rugby and football player and regular gym goer. He also enjoys long-distance running.