Today (Monday 7th April) marks World Health Day, with today also being the start of the spring vacation for many of us we thought now was a perfect time to remind you of some of the fantastic resources available to you as a University of Plymouth student which can help you to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We know that when you're moving from deadline to deadline, running to lectures, squeezing in seminars, and revising while the sun's shining outside it can be hard to prioritise your health and wellbeing but hopefully these resources will help you work towards finding that work/life balance.
What is health?
"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." - World Health Organization
Physical wellbeing
- Getting active on campus couldn't be easier - join the SU Gym! The SU Gym is based in the Nancy Astor building right in the heart of campus. There is a wide range of classes all year round as well as offers to help you get the best for money. Find out more and sign up here
- Looking for ways to get active and try new activities without the commitment of signing up to a club or regular sessions? Check out the Give it a Go programme which gives you the opportunity to pay as you play; check out the timetable and sign up for sessions today
- Did you catch our Top Ten Tips for Teeth on Oral Health Day last month? Read it here
- A healthy and nutritional diet is essential for your overall wellbeing, most obviously your physical health but also for your mental wellbeing. Make sure you have a balanced diet, you're drinking enough water, and you're eating regular meals. If you're struggling with the cost of food or your budget is making it difficult to make ends meet then check the 'Money' page. If you're struggling financially, we have two food-based schemes in place to support you - the Community Larder and the Fruit and Vegetable Co-Operative
- Make sure you know where you need to go for support with physical health if or when you need it. Whether it's registering with a GP, finding a dentist, or accessing sexual health resources such as contraception - take a look at where you can find these services before you need it. Check out the SU Advice resources here
Mental wellbeing
Social wellbeing
- If you are someone who has joined university and perhaps hasn’t formed friendships within your accommodation or with others on your course, or if you’re looking to expand your social circle further by getting involved with a diversity of activities with like-minded peers, the SU Buddy Scheme is for you! You can either apply for a 1-1 SU Buddy—where you're matched with a trained student volunteer who shares your interests for meetups and support—or join the SU Buddy Group Scheme, which offers a Teams chat and regular social activities to help you connect with others in a friendly, informal setting, find out more about the Buddy Scheme here
- This year we've introduced crafting sessions to give you an opportunity to get together and get creative. We've hosted everything from air-drying clay ghosts to tote bag painting. Check out what's on via the UPSU events page here
- With almost 200 different student-led groups it couldn't be easier to find your people at Uni. You can sign up for clubs, societies, and networks at any point in the academic year and whichever year of study you're in. Browse groups, find out more, and sign up here
- Looking to give back? Volunteering not only supports the local community and makes a real difference to the lives of others but it also gives you, the volunteer, an opportunity to meet new people, connect with your local area, and gain new skills. Browse volunteering opportunities here
- Introduced last year, networks are a safe space for you, UoP students, to build communities, meet other students with shared interests to discuss lived experiences, and even lobby the university for change. Find out more and sign up for free.