As well as spending time on your studies, it’s really important to take care of yourself too.

We have put together some tips and information on how you can make sure you are looking after your mental and physical wellbeing while at University.

Sleep

Everybody needs a different amount of sleep. Get to know what’s right for you. Listening to your body will help you find what you need. Get into good sleep habits. We recommend having at least 30 minutes of downtime from electronic devices before bed. This way you’ll have a better sleep.

Exercise and fresh air

There are loads of ways to stay active and get out at Edge Hill. From local walks and countryside including the trim trail and Ruff Woods to joining the Sports Centre. Edge Hill’s campus has won the Green Flag Award as one of the UK’s Best Green Spaces for 12 successive years. Make the most of our beautiful grounds by taking time to wander around.

Social life

There are many ways to make friends at University. The first people you’ll meet are flatmates or other students on your course. But you can also make friends by joining clubs and societies, as well as getting involved with events across campus. Make time to look at what’s on in the Arts Centre, the Sports Centre or any plans that the Students’ Union has. No matter what your interests are, you will find like-minded people to socialise with.

Check the Student Life Portal to keep up to date with what’s on.

We know that nights out are a big part of university life. While having fun, it is important to take steps to keep you and your friends safe. Read our advice for keeping safe when going out.

Self-care

Life can be busy, and it can feel sometimes like there are too many things to do, but it’s important that we don’t forget to take care of ourselves in the process. Why not start by blocking some time out each week to do something that helps to improve your wellbeing?

Hobbies

Studying is important. But you also need to make time to do things you enjoy. Maybe you don’t have any active hobbies right now. That’s okay. Being at University can open so many doors. You may find a hobby you love, that you’ve never tried before. Check out the Students’ Union Societies list. Have a look at Team Edge Hill for competing in sports. And you can always rely on the Student Life Portal for a rundown of everything you can get involved with. There is something for everyone at Edge Hill.

Personal Health

If you’re moving away from home to live closer to university, we strongly encourage you to register with a GP service close to where you live as soon as possible. Beacon Primary Care is Edge Hill University’s nominated practice and has a local site situated on Railway Road in Ormskirk. Registering with Beacon Primary Care will mean you get access to support for your physical and mental health when you need it. You can register through Patient Access.

There are many more inclusive GP practices in Ormskirk with which you may wish to register, for more details please visit our webpage.

Sexual Health

West Lancs Sexual Health Services will be providing walk-in confidential sexual health services from 9am until 4pm each Monday in Milton House. Milton House is located right next to campus at 41 Ruff Lane, Ormskirk, L39 4QX.

Services include pregnancy testing, emergency contraception, and any necessary treatment of sexually transmitted infections. You can also book an appointment at one of their clinics in Ormskirk or Skelmersdale, as well as signposting to other services that may be relevant.

Mental Health

Togetherall

As an Edge Hill student have free access to Togetherall. Togetherall is an online community which can help to support your mental health 24/7. With creative tools to express how you’re feeling as well as a wide range of self-guided courses to do at your own pace. There is plenty of support available. Visit www.togetherall.com for more info and to sign up.

To create an account you will need up under ‘organisation’ with your Edge Hill University email address. You can then create your profile by choosing an anonymous username.

Workshops

Want a little extra support? Why not attend our workshops? Whether it’s beating the blues, stressing less or addressing anxiety, there’s a workshop for you.

Access support

The Wellbeing team

The Wellbeing Team are here to support you with all of your health and mental wellbeing needs throughout your time at Edge Hill. If you would like to book an appointment to discuss anything at all you can do so using via their webpages, going to the front desk in Catalyst or emailing [email protected].

Let Us Know

It’s important to not only take care of ourselves, but other people to. If you have any concerns about another student you can use our anonymous reporting form to Let Us Know.

Your GP

Your GP can also help you if you feel you need support with your mental health. Are you a new Edge Hill student? Be sure to register with Edge Hill’s local GP or find a GP near you.

October 6, 2023