5th Week at Oxford is sadly known as the week in which many students struggle with burnout, low mood and homesickness. At the halfway point in the term, it’s easy to neglect wellbeing in favour of putting university assignments first. However, here at the SSL, we have collated some ways you can prioritise your welfare whilst at the library or as a student in Oxford more generally.
Take regular study breaks
Whilst studying, it’s important to take regular breaks to care for your mental health and prevent burnout. Taking a rest also stops you from having too much screentime and ensures you’re more productive too. We have a comfy seating area at the back of the Reader PC section where you can take a break away from your desk and unwind in the middle of a study session. There are also power sockets if you need to charge up your phone.
Study in a group in one of our discussion rooms
Studying in a group can be helpful to combat isolation, stress and pressure in academic environments. A 2017 study even discovered that a study group could be beneficial for mental health at university. Additionally, studying with others can help to avoid procrastination and break up the monotony of spending hours revising alone. You can book one of our discussion rooms for a study group via our online form here.
photo (c) John Cairns
Enjoy the fresh air outside on the picnic benches
Time outside in the fresh air is proven to increase creativity, aid concentration, and boost your mood. Getting outside and away from the library environment can help to clear the head and get a fresh perspective. The Manor Road Building now has picnic benches situated outside under cover, so you can take a break in the fresh air in all weathers. You can also visit the University Parks if you’re looking to take a slightly longer break, as they are only a 5 minute walk away from us here at the SSL.
Stay hydrated – visit the cafe upstairs for drinks, snacks and hot meals
Drinking plenty of water while studying helps to avoid headaches and maintain good health. You can bring bottled water into the SSL, and any other drinks must be contained in a Keep Cup. We have a water fountain available outside in the main foyer of the Manor Road Building where you can refill your bottle also. Eating regularly is important too, so why not visit the Manor Road Cafe upstairs where you can buy snacks, drinks and hot meals? It’s open from 8am-3pm, and outside of those times coffee, cold drinks and a selection of snacks are available to buy from the vending machines opposite too.
Make plans to do something you enjoy after studying
Having plans to look forward to after a long session at the library can help you to relax and switch off after an intense day of studying. It’s also motivating throughout the day to have a goal to work towards! Making plans with a friend or buying tickets to a new film in advance can help to ensure that you’ll definitely take that much needed rest away from studying.
Access the University Counselling Service
The University Counselling Service is there to support all students at the university, working with 11-12% of the student population each year. With individual counselling sessions, group sessions and workshops, there are a variety of ways to access the service however would be most beneficial to you. Talking to a professional about your mental health, worries or problems can be important for wellbeing at university, and with appointments available both online and in-person, the service is more accessible than ever this year.
Peer Support Programme
The Peer Support Programme at Oxford is a first-step/early intervention structure that deals with mild mental health needs. Trained students act as Peer Supporters, facilitating conversations about mental health and sharing their own experiences, as well as allowing for mutual support through challenges. This offers social support whilst fighting the stigma and encouraging empathy around mental health issues. Additionally, there are also Peers of Colour and Rainbow Peers who identify as people of colour or LGBTQ+ respectively. They have undergone further training and you can reach out to them if it would be helpful to talk about issues relating to race/racism and sexuality/gender.
Free access for Oxford University Students to Togetherall
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the impact this has had on our mental health and the student experience at Oxford, the university has expanded its welfare services to include Togetherall, a free service for all Oxford students giving you access to a global welfare community 24/7. It is a safe online community where people support each other anonymously to improve mental health and wellbeing. Millions of people in the UK have access via their participating employer, university, college, NHS provider or local council.
Services external to the university
There are various local and national organisations that can provide support to you whilst you’re at Oxford too.
Nightline – a completely independent listening, support and information service run for and by students of Oxford and Oxford Brookes universities. The line runs from 8pm-8am Monday to Sunday, 0th week to 9th week during Oxford University term time. (01865270270)
Students Against Depression – self-help resources and signposting specifically for student mental health issues.
Oxford SU Student Advice Service – an independent advice and information service for Oxford University students. The service offers a space for you to talk in confidence and information on a range of issues you might encounter during your time at Oxford.
Samaritans – a crisis line run 24/7 for anyone who’s struggling to cope or who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. Call 116 123 anytime to talk through anything from study-related stress, bereavement to mental health problems, or anything else you may need a neutral ear for.
