wellbeing

Mind your Head

Posted on 9 October 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Rachel from the Health and Wellbeing Team talks about World Mental Health Day and gives advice on maintaining your mental health whilst at university. World Mental Health Day is on Tuesday 10 October and all week at Cardiff University we are promoting awareness of mental health through ‘Mind Your Head Week’ organised by your VP
Read more

Feeling homesick? Here are some tips to help

Posted on 6 October 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Amy, from our Counselling, Health & Team, talks about dealing with homesickness. The transition for students when starting university can be smooth for some and really tough for others. It’s not surprising that some students find the change difficult. Some will also have the added challenge of missing home or struggling with adapting to a new
Read more

Meet Paula, the key contact for care leavers and estranged students

Posted on 4 October 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Paula, our dedicated contact for care leavers and estranged students, gives a warm welcome to new and returning students and explains the support available… My name is Paula Barker and I’m the dedicated contact for care leavers and estranged students at Cardiff University. I’m based in the Advice and Money Team within the Graduate Centre (3rd floor)
Read more

Student Veterans’ Meet Up

Posted on 2 October 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Rachel, Wellbeing Practitioner, talks about the first Student Veterans’ Meet Up of the term. Have you served or are you serving in the British Armed Forces? We would like to invite you to our Forces’ Veteran’s Meet Up to meet with other Student Veterans for the opportunity to get to know each other and talk
Read more

Tips for settling in

Posted on 2 October 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Term time has officially begun! Student Intern, Sophie, has some top tips for managing the pressures of a new academic year. Some students have been counting down the minutes until uni starts back, but others might be a little nervous.  It can be difficult to leave home after a summer spent with family and old
Read more

Drink safe

Posted on 27 September 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Student intern, Victoria, shares her rules to live by this Freshers’ Week. So! The Freshers’ Week madness begins and alongside it students everywhere are thrashed by the media for being grossly irresponsible hedonists (my new favourite word). It means ‘obsessed with self-indulgence’, and I’m sure they wouldn’t call us that if they saw the number
Read more

Top tips to thrive at uni!

Posted on 22 September 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Tamzin, Wellbeing Champion for the Counselling, Health and Wellbeing Service, talks about getting the most out of your experience when starting uni for the first time… Well it’s here! You’ve aced your A-levels and now the day is upon you – you’re starting uni! Starting university can be very daunting – you may be moving to
Read more

The essential guide to getting around Cardiff

Posted on 20 September 2017 by Your student life, Supported

Our student intern, Kate, explains how to get around Cardiff easily… Moving to a new city can be quite daunting. However, this guide should help you learn your way around Cardiff and the public transport available to you. Not only this, but it will highlight key services the university provide, like the Safe Taxi Scheme.
Read more

Time to talk about sex!

Posted on 18 September 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Evie, Wellbeing Champion for the Counselling, Health & Wellbeing Service, talks about looking after your sexual health… Sexual health is a topic which isn’t talked about in detail. It seems awkward to talk about and nothing seems sexy about discussing your sexual health with a potential partner. It is currently “SEXtember” which is a monthly campaign
Read more

Living a healthy University life

Posted on 1 September 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Two of our students have teamed up to share advice for freshers and current students on leading a healthy life whilst making the most of your time here at Cardiff University! Well done! You’ve made it to university and you’re probably enthusiastic to explore and try new things, whilst also a bit anxious about how
Read more

WhatsUp? App – A blog by Vincent Pericard…

Posted on 17 August 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

The WhatsUp? App is a wellbeing phone app offering 24/7 safeguarding, wellbeing and emotional health support. Features include: Rate your mood Ask a question Personal journal Inspirational notifications Raise a concern for someone SOS button links to urgent support, and during out of hours links to the Samaritans Bilingual: some of the app has been
Read more

Would you like to become a Student Wellbeing Champion? We are now recruiting volunteers!

Posted on 7 July 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Jo, from the Student Wellbeing Team, talks about how you can become a Student Wellbeing Champion… Are you passionate about your own wellbeing? Passionate about the wellbeing of others? A caring person? A great communicator? Eager to increase self-awareness, confidence and self-esteem? Wanting to further your employability skills? If you answered yes to any of
Read more

Re-sitting an exam? Top tips to keep you on track

Posted on 27 June 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Our student intern Victoria shares some advice for students re-sitting exams this summer. After months of lectures, work and revision, it can be really disheartening to get your results only to realise that you have failed an exam. As a previous student shared, ‘nothing can prepare you for that sinking feeling’, and whether the news
Read more

Meet Paula, the dedicated contact for care leavers and estranged students

Posted on 26 June 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Einir, our dedicated contact for care leavers and estranged students will be going on maternity leave from the end of June 2017 and would like to introduce you to Paula who will be the dedicated contact in her absence. Some of you have seen me over the past few months and will know that I will
Read more

Transitioning from University: Coping with change

Posted on 21 June 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Wellbeing Champion, Tsvetina, shares some guidance for those moving back home for the summer and those leaving University altogether… It’s that time of the year again and everyone is packing away to go home. Going back to see your family can be an exciting and heartwarming experience, but it involves a transition which may not
Read more

Gwasanaeth Cwnsela a Lles yn yr iaith Gymraeg / Counselling and Wellbeing service through the Welsh language

Posted on 21 June 2017 by Your Student Life Supported

Mae Gwenan, Ymarferydd Cwnsela a Lles dwyieithog, yn rhannu gwybodaeth am y gwasanaethau Cwnsela a Lles sydd ar gael yn yr iaith Gymraeg. Mae dros hanner poblogaeth y byd yn siarad mwy nag un iaith*. Felly mae’n hollol naturiol i lawer o bobl allu cyfathrebu mewn mwy na un iaith. Rydym yn byw ym mhrifddinas
Read more

Wellness beyond University

Posted on 20 June 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Rachel, Wellbeing Practitioner from the Counselling, Health & Wellbeing Service, talks about support outside of University and how to look after your wellbeing when you have finished. The dreaded dissertation is done, exams are but a distant memory and suddenly you’re thrown out into the ‘real world.’ Whether you’re remaining in Cardiff, moving back home or
Read more

Supporting you this summer

Posted on 15 June 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Student intern, Victoria, shares information about the support available to students during the summer. Assessments and exams are finally over! Sighs of relief swept Cathays on the 9th June, alongside torrents of rain and the chaos of General Election results. Now, undergraduate students across campus are getting ready to pack up their things and head
Read more

Ready, steady, get set for the Cardiff University Student Fun Run 2017!

Posted on 15 June 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

After hundreds of students took part in our Student Life Fun Run last year, it’s back again this year with new t-shirts, new participants and new prizes! Student intern, Sophie, tells us more… Cardiff University students, staff and alumni are invited to walk, jog, skip or run around the 2.4 km route through Cardiff’s Civic
Read more

Celebrating Armed Forces Day and supporting our student veterans

Posted on 15 June 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Rachel, Wellbeing Practitioner from our Counselling, Health & Wellbeing Service, talks about the dedicated support available to student veterans… Armed Forces Day is an annual event which provides an opportunity to show our support for the men and women in the armed forces who are currently, or have previously served, as well as their families and
Read more

Boost your self-love and wellbeing with these body image apps

Posted on 30 May 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Tsvetina, placement student with the Counselling, Health and Wellbeing Team, shares some of the best body image apps to boost your self-love and wellbeing. With summer approaching a lot of us will become more conscious of our bodies than usual. The hype surrounding getting a ‘summer body’ is only one of the triggers that can
Read more

Surf your way to better Wellbeing

Posted on 24 May 2017 by Your Student Life Supported

Do you fancy learning surfing in a friendly environment this summer? Do you want to boost your wellbeing and gain more confidence? The Wave Project may be just for you… What is The Wave Project? The Wave project is a charity that was started in 2010 as a voluntary group funded by the National Health
Read more

Seeking help for self-harm or supporting someone who self-harms

Posted on 16 May 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Amy from our Counselling, Health and Wellbeing Team discusses self-harm and the help resources available. As a Counselling, Health and Wellbeing Service we have frequent contact with students who are self-harming. We acknowledge that this is a coping strategy for many students and something that can be difficult to change. This blog will summarise some
Read more

Book now for wellbeing workshops, courses and groups in May

Posted on 2 May 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Rachel, Wellbeing Practitioner, tells us more about the different events Counselling, Health and Wellbeing are holding for students throughout May… In addition to providing one-to-one Counselling and Wellbeing support, the Counselling, Health and Wellbeing Service offer a number of one-off workshops, taught courses (running between 2-4 weeks) and groups to help tackle the difficulties students may face. Workshops
Read more

4 great apps to build your confidence…

Posted on 2 May 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Try out one of these apps, recommended by the Counselling, Health and Wellbeing team to help you build your confidence.   Have you ever wondered what could’ve happened if your shyness or fear of rejection had not gotten in the way? Do you sometimes wish you could believe in yourself no matter what people say
Read more

Help us to create a suicide-safer University

Posted on 20 April 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Jo, Wellbeing Practitioner & Counsellor from our Counselling, Health and Wellbeing team, talks about creating a Suicide-Safer University.  Find out how you can become a Suicide-Alert Helper and learn the skills to identify and support any person who may be having thoughts of suicide… Suicide is one of the most serious issues all universities face,
Read more

5 Hops on the Wellbeing Hunt

Posted on 19 April 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Our student intern Victoria, shares 5 hops on the Wellbeing hunt for you to follow this Easter. Though Easter egg hunts may (unfortunately) be a thing of the past, you’re never too young or too old to start caring about your wellbeing. So this Easter break, join us on a Wellbeing Hunt! Easter is the
Read more

Book now for wellbeing workshops, courses and groups in April

Posted on 3 April 2017 by Your Student Life Supported

Rachel, Wellbeing Practitioner, tells us more about the different events Counselling, Health and Wellbeing are holding for students throughout April… In addition to providing one-to-one Counselling and Wellbeing support, the Counselling, Health and Wellbeing Service provide a number of one-off workshops, taught courses (running between 2-4 weeks) and groups to help tackle the difficulties students may face.
Read more

Tips on coping with homesickness whilst at University

Posted on 29 March 2017 by Your student life, Supported

We recognise the additional challenges that  International and EU students’ face when moving to the UK and in particular the challenges of coping with homesickness … For many students, coming to university is the first time you have lived far away from home, which is why feelings of homesickness can often creep in. On some occasions you will be
Read more

1 in 10 young people will experience a mental health problem – It’s Time to Talk Day 2 February 2017, join the conversation!

Posted on 1 February 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Jo, Wellbeing Practitioner and Counsellor and Tsvetina, Placement Student, from our Counselling, Health and Wellbeing team tell us more about the importance of getting people talking about mental health…   At the moment, too many people with mental health problems are made to feel isolated, ashamed and worthless by other people’s reactions. How we act, talk and react can
Read more

Chat to a Champion: Online Peer Support

Posted on 29 January 2017 by Your Student Life, Supported

Jo and Rachel, Wellbeing Practitioners, talk about the new online peer support available from Student Wellbeing Champions… ‘Chat to a Champion’ is an opportunity for you to chat online with a fellow student, who has received training in the areas of health and wellbeing, for support and advice about anything you might be struggling with
Read more

December Downloads: Apps to keep you on the right track

Posted on 12 December 2016 by Your Student Life Supported

Tsvetina, Counselling, Health and Wellbeing placement student, shares her tips on the best apps on the market to help you get through the month of December … December is known for its festive activities which bring joy to many but can also be frustrating for others. Winter recess is that time of the year when student
Read more

Walking to Wellbeing – My story

Posted on 12 October 2016 by Your Student Life, Supported

Sophie, Student Intern, shares her experience of joining the Walking to Wellbeing group for their first walk of the year… Do you enjoy meeting new people and visiting the beautiful sights of Cardiff for free? Does the idea of fresh air and a healthier mind interest you? If you answered yes to any of the
Read more

Are you experiencing homesickness? Here are some tips…

Posted on 1 October 2016 by Your Student Life, Supported

 Wellbeing Champion Natalie shares her tips on overcoming homesickness… Welcome to Cardiff! Moving away from home and coming to university… we’ve all heard stories about how great living on your own for the first time is. You can go out on weekdays, binge watch TV series’ or have two pints of Ben & Jerry’s for dinner.
Read more

Discover Cardiff and beyond on a budget

Posted on 7 September 2016 by Your Student Life, Supported

Victoria, our Advice & Money Student Intern, shares her pick of Cardiff’s best budget-friendly locations… New to Cardiff? Or a golden oldie in your third year? If you’re a new student, exploring your new home can help you feel more settled – and no matter how long you’ve been here, can you really say that you’ve seen all
Read more

Try ‘Uni Om’ today! A new office yoga workshop for students

Posted on 25 May 2016 by Your Student Life, Supported

Cathy, one of our Student Counsellors tell us more about ‘Uni Om’ and the benefits for students… Have you heard of Office Yoga? It really is a ‘thing’. If I were to ask you to think about yoga, chances are, you’re making an image of someone dressed in Lycra doing yoga on a yoga mat, maybe
Read more

Tips for recognising and reducing stress

Posted on 25 May 2016 by Your Student Life Supported

Rachel, Wellbeing Practitioner from our Counselling, Health & Wellbeing Service, talks about stress and strategies you can use for reducing stress… Stress is our emotional and physical response to pressure. That pressure can arise from external factors including life events, living conditions, work, study, home and family, or from internal factors such as self-criticism and the
Read more

Dealing with Exam Anxieties

Posted on 5 May 2016 by Your Student Life Supported

Rachel, Wellbeing Practitioner from the Counselling, Health & Wellbeing Service, talks about strategies for coping with exam anxiety… What is Exam Anxiety? It is natural to feel anxious prior to an exam. In fact, a little anxiety can actually help performance. Anxiety and stress cause the body to release adrenalin which can be helpful when responding to
Read more

On Your Head Son! Men’s mental health awareness event and support

Posted on 27 April 2016 by Your Student Life, Supported

Will, our Student Intern, tells us about the ‘On Your Head Son’ football tournament and why men’s mental health awareness is so important… Our tournament referees pictured with the four semi-finalists (left to right)   On Sunday 17th April, Student Minds and the Cardiff University ‘s Student Support & Wellbeing Service hosted a 5-a-side football tournament
Read more

All you need to know about our online counselling and wellbeing services

Posted on 11 April 2016 by Your Student Life, Supported

Did you know that our Counselling, Health and Wellbeing Team offer online sessions and support?  Sarah one of our Senior Counsellors gives us a short guide to what this is and how to access it… What is online counselling and wellbeing and why should I try it? It’s having counselling or wellbeing appointments either via webcam, Instant Messaging or
Read more

Campus Culture – what it means and what support is available?

Posted on 21 March 2016 by Your Student Life, Supported

Amy, Wellbeing Practitioner talks about the importance of creating a supportive culture at Cardiff University and contributing something positive… The University experience for many of our students will be one to remember and one that shapes their future. Unfortunately, for some students, their experience of University is negatively affected by some aspects of Campus Culture, including: Misogynistic
Read more

Would you like to become a Wellbeing Champion? We are now recruiting

Posted on 21 March 2016 by Your Student Life, Supported

A new and exciting opportunity for students – here we tell you more about becoming a Wellbeing Champion… Are you passionate about your own wellbeing? Passionate about the wellbeing of others? A great communicator? Eager to increase self-awareness, confidence and self-esteem? Wanting to further your employability skills? Interested in the area of wellbeing? If you answered
Read more

Meningitis – What it is and how to identify it

Posted on 9 March 2016 by Your Student Life, Supported

Ruth, one of our Nurses in Student Occupational Health, talks more about Meningitis and what to do if you suspect you, or someone you know might be infected…             What is Meningitis? Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes (meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord. The inflammation that
Read more

Free exercise referral programme to help students

Posted on 8 March 2016 by Your Student Life, Supported

Student Interns, Annie and Will, tell us how exercise can benefit your wellbeing with the new Exercise on Referral scheme… University life is full of daily obstacles that can interfere with our mood and wellbeing. The accumulation of certain events can lead to many students’ studies being interrupted by depression and/or anxiety as motivation and decision-making
Read more

What has the potential to make students more vulnerable to emotional and mental distress? Please help with our research

Posted on 3 March 2016 by Your Student Life, Supported

Amy, Wellbeing Practitioner from Counselling, Health & Wellbeing talks about the importance of supporting students who are vulnerable… As a Counselling, Health and Wellbeing Service we have frequent contact with students who are struggling. These struggles might include difficulties in their relationships, their studies, a mental health problem, a physical health problem, their family, the transition
Read more

Self-Harm – a students personal account

Posted on 2 March 2016 by Your Student Life, Supported

A personal story of self-harm…  Anonymous Cardiff University student talks about her personal experiences of self-harming behaviour and challenges some tired clichés…    As March is self-harm awareness month I wanted to share my story. I currently study at Cardiff University, and if we got talking somewhere on campus you’d probably think I was a
Read more

Self-harm – what it is and what may help?

Posted on 29 February 2016 by Your Student Life, Supported

Amy, Wellbeing Practitioner from Counselling, Health & Wellbeing talks about Self-harm and how students can get support… Did you know that March is Self-harm Awareness Month and Self-Injury Awareness Day is March 1st 2016. Unfortunately there is still a stigma attached to talking openly about self-harm. Some common myths around self-harm include that it is something
Read more

Using alcohol & drugs safely – new student drop-in service

Posted on 28 February 2016 by Your Student Life, Supported

Bel, Counselling & Wellbeing Placement Student, provides more information about a new drop-in drugs and alcohol service for the university…  As part of the Student Support team, we are aware that student safety is one of the most important things to focus on, and this encompasses many things, including: safety at night; safety with money; sexual safety;
Read more

Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Posted on 25 February 2016 by Your Student Life, Supported

Bel, Counselling & Wellbeing Placement Student, provides more information about Eating Disorder Awareness Week…  What is an Eating Disorder? An eating disorder can be any one of a range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits (such as anorexia nervosa).
Read more

It’s LGBT+ History Month – this week ‘B’ is for Bisexual

Posted on 19 February 2016 by Your Student Life, Supported

 Jo from the Student Wellbeing Team talks about LGBT+ History Month – this week ‘B’ is for Bisexual…     Following on from last week’s blog in recognition of LGBT+ History Month (‘G is for Gay’), this week’s blog is ‘B is for Bisexual’… A number of events have already taken place on campus in
Read more