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Looking after yourself and others

Here at NTU we're committed to ensuring you've got access to tailored support and opportunities to help you to succeed. We offer 1-2-1 support and plenty of online resources to look after your mind, and when it comes to your body we believe keeping active is key to a balanced lifestyle. Whether you're encountering problems yourself, or worried about a friend we’re here to offer the guidance you need.

Looking after yourself

Whether you're new to NTU or returning, it can sometimes be a little overwhelming. It may take a few weeks for you to settle in, so it’s important to take care of yourself and give yourself time to adjust.

Here are our top tips for looking after yourself.

Our mental health can be fluid, and some days will be better than others. Feeling low can be a healthy reaction to difficult situations. However, at NTU we don’t want you to go through this alone. If you ever find you’re not feeling on form, it’s important you do something about it. This can be easier said than done, but getting support early can make all the difference. Check out our advice and guidance about managing your mental health.

A certain amount of stress is good for us, but it’s important to do something about it before it gets too overwhelming. We all deal with stress differently, so try different coping strategies to find out what works for you. There are a range of resources to help you develop your skills in managing stress, as well as advice on how to contact one of our specialists if you need support.

Visit our Health and Wellbeing resources on StudentHub to get advice and support.

Uni life can be busy. Trying lots of new things and meeting new people can lead to you not having enough time for yourself. It’s really important to make sure you leave some space each week to do something for you. Chat with friends, watch your favourite film, go for a walk – do what works for you.

You might like to follow one of our mindfulness walks at the City Campus or Brackenhurst Campus, or listen into one of our recommended wellbeing podcasts.

Getting a decent night’s sleep on a regular basis will help you cope with the demands of student life. Aim for seven to eight hours’ sleep per night, so you’ll be well-rested and ready to take on the day. If you can’t sleep, try reading an easy-to-read book, or listen to some chilled music. You could even try meditation – Headspace is a good app to use. Try not to stress about not getting enough sleep, and recognise the value of rest to your physical and mental health and wellbeing.

If you eat well-balanced meals, you’ll have more energy, find it easier to concentrate, and feel on top form. This doesn’t mean you have to follow a certain diet – it’s just about moderation and making sure your body gets the nutrients you need to stay healthy and well.

Being active is a great way to make friends and meet new people. It’s fun and has many benefits including producing happy hormones, boosting your immune system, and increasing your energy levels. It’s important you choose an activity you enjoy doing. Being a member of NTU Sport gives you access to on-campus fitness suites, classes and facilities.

Looking after your friends

NTU students outside Arkwright

A problem shared is a problem halved. If you think a friend might be struggling, ask them if they’re okay and get the conversation going. It can sometimes be hard to know what to say, so if you would like some tips Student Minds have useful resources about how to start a conversation.

We offer free Look After Your Mates training via Student Minds, this is nationally recognised training on how to support yourself and your friends.

If you’re worried about a friend at NTU and you need our help, we’re here. You can complete an online form for another student explaining your concerns.

Our students discuss what it's like to be part of the NTU Community:

 

Health and Wellbeing services

University life is exciting, but can come with its own challenges. Our Health and Wellbeing service ensures that you can find the right help at the right time to help tackle whatever issues you might be encountering. We can offer you advice, guidance and a safe space to talk about personal, emotional and psychological issues impacting on your studies.

There are some great online resources you can use to help you manage your mental wellbeing and track your progress. SilverCloud is an online mental health platform offering over 30 specialist programmes designed specifically to help you if you are experiencing anxiety; depression; stress or eating issues.

Student Space also offers a range of trusted information, services and tools to help you with the challenges of student life. It  is a trusted place to:

  • access confidential support via text, phone, email and webchat
  • explore online resources
  • find help available at university

Our Wellbeing section on StudentHub gives you comprehensive guidance on who to contact and how we can help. Plus, we have safeguarding measures and support provision in place to protect the safety and welfare of children and vulnerable adults participating in university activities.

We're here for you

NTU has a team of specialist Health and Wellbeing services committed to supporting you throughout your time here. Our Wellbeing Advisers, Mental Health Support TeamCounselling Service and Student Support Advisers all offer support to students depending on the situation.

You can always tell us if you’re having personal, emotional or mental health difficulties by completing the get support for yourself form.

Nottingham Trent Students' Union also has an Information and Advice Service offering independent, free and confidential advice to students. If you feel as though you are in need of more urgent, emergency support, visit the Get Help and Support page.

Respect and consent

NTU and the city of Nottingham are diverse places, and it’s great to have so many people from all walks of life living here. It’s therefore very important that we respect each other.

Discriminatory and negative behaviour, including the use of social media to demean and humiliate, is not tolerated and may also be unlawful.

It’s important to know about consent, what it means, and the boundaries that surround it.

Every first year undergraduate student will have a consent workshop scheduled into their timetable for either Term One or Term Two.

Student Code of Behaviour

We're committed to making NTU an enjoyable and safe place for all students.

We're very clear on how we expect our students to conduct themselves. You must be responsible and respectful to other people. That includes other students, NTU staff, visitors, and the local community alike.

Any behaviour that breaches the Student Code of Behaviour can have very serious consequences.

Staying safe

Feeling safe and secure can play a big part in helping you feel at home at university. There are a few simple precautions you can take to stay safe on a night out:

  • Don't walk home alone.
  • Stay on main roads as there are more likely to be other people around and the lighting tends to be better.
  • Use a reputable taxi company to make sure you get home without a problem.

NTU and our Students' Union (NTSU) have worked closely together to look at a variety of ways we can help to ensure all students feel safe whether on or off campus including:

  • access to our NTU security team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • a safe taxi scheme to get you home if you've run out of cash
  • staffed safe places at our City, Clifton and Brackenhurst campuses each evening.

Find out more about student safety at NTU.

Register with a Student Health Centre

We strongly recommend that you register with a doctor in Nottingham:

Or with a local medical practice for:

For more information about registering with a doctor, and to search for a local doctor if you are living in other areas of Nottingham, visit the NHS website.

Are your vaccinations up to date?

Protect against Meningitis

We encourage all our new students under 25 years old to protect themselves against Meningitis, especially if you’re attending university for the first time. You can request to have the MenACWY vaccine from your GP before you arrive at NTU.

Identifying Meningitis isn’t always easy. Early symptoms can be missed or mistaken for something else, including flu or a hangover. Visit the Meningitis now website for a full list of signs and symptoms, as well as some useful tips on keeping yourself safe.

Let someone know if you are feeling unwell. If you are concerned about yourself or a friend, trust your instincts and get urgent medical advice. Call NHS 111 or in an emergency, dial 999

It's important to check that you are up to date with all your vaccinations such as Measles, Mumps, Rubella. Tetanus, Polio and Diphtheria.

UCAS have published a helpful article to help students plan ahead when getting their vaccinations before attending university.

Healthy NTU

NTU's in-house health and wellbeing programme, Healthy NTU helps you to make sure that you're happy and healthy. The programme offers support throughout your time at NTU, covering key health themes — from sexual health and alcohol and drugs, to nutrition and emotional welfare. The programme also includes workshops and wellness sessions, as well as University-wide initiatives. Our Healthy NTU guide also contains lots of useful tips and information on various support services.

For useful resources, helpful tips and advice from the Wellbeing Team visit the Healthy NTU blog or follow us on social media.

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