Uni Mental Health Day 2025

Talking about mental health can be tough. But the more we do it, the easier it gets. It’s so important to speak about how we’re feeling and what we’re experiencing to help us process and improve our mental wellbeing.

Juggling a degree and navigating a newfound independence can sometimes get overwhelming as a student.

So, recognising Uni Mental Health Day is a fantastic opportunity to help each other, share our worries, and seek whatever assistance you need.

Finding support at University

We’re committed to offering excellent mental health support for students. You can contact the Mental Wellbeing Team at any point of your student journey - asking for help whenever you need it.

You can contact them via:

• An online registration form
• Email mentalwellbeing@canterbury.ac.uk.

The Mental Wellbeing Team also offer a range of face-to-face and online drop-ins, as well as regular wellbeing events to take time out of your studies and connect with others.

From a student's perspective

Callum, a third year Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Society student, shares his thoughts about student mental health. Through talking about his worries and experiences, he hopes to support students in sharing their own experiences and supports the notion that talking about your concerns will support you in improving your mental health.

Worrying about finances and the cost of living

“I think the first worry that we all have as students is the pressure of finances. Not only are we dealing with academic pressures, but we’re learning how to budget and fund our lifestyles during a cost-of-living crisis.

“It seems like there’s a constant underlying worry of paying your rent and bills, which is a hidden stress. You don’t know how much energy it zaps until you’re completely overwhelmed by everything.

“Sometimes it can feel like you’re on your own financially as your parents are expected to support you, but for many, that isn’t the case. So, it can make you feel like a failure because every penny you earn is spent on just surviving.

“But once you start talking about it to other students, you realise that everyone’s in the same boat – whether you’re a student or not, everyone’s feeling the financial squeeze. Knowing that you’re not alone makes you feel like you’re not the failure – it’s a wider issue in society rather than your personal issue.

“That’s not to say it makes things easier financially. But there’s a wealth of information out there to help you during your time at uni, including dedicated webpages on financial support at CCCU."

The freedom and challenges of independence

“Another thing that can knock your mental health as a student is moving away from home. It can feel really daunting moving to a place where you don’t know anyone. When you move away, there’s this personal shift, and it feels like your life has completely changed.

“Learning how to be independent is exciting because you finally taste freedom. But it can also come with its challenges - like, learning how to juggle your studies and working, budgeting, and knowing how to look after yourself.

“It’s hard being away from your family. But I think it helps you to grow up and become independent, which is something we all have to do at some point. It’s a vital lesson that we all need to learn, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t reach out for support if we’re struggling with an aspect of our new independence.”

“Thankfully, there are quite a few initiatives on offer at CCCU that offer support if you’re in need of it.

“The Chaplaincy is open to everyone and it’s very inclusive. Or if you’re keen to socialise and meet new people in a different setting, then there are lots of wellbeing events that are on each week, like Tea at Three, Chooseday Chill, and the Wellbeing Café.

“Not to mention the Wellbeing Team are always on hand for students to use, and everything’s free. Whether you’re feeling anxious about something, or you need some counselling, there’s specialist support for all CCCU students – so it’s reassuring to know that you have a support system here even if you are away from your family.”

Callum’s advice for starting university

“I have two pieces of advice for students. Firstly, reach out for support when you first need it. Don’t hesitate about talking to someone, whether that’s speaking to a friend or reaching out to the Wellbeing Team on campus.

“My second piece of advice is to always be your authentic self. When you start uni, you might feel pressure to ‘fit in’ and sometimes you can lose yourself. But if you stay conscious of where you’re at in the moment, you’ll be able to take care of yourself and do what you really want to do, not what you feel you have to do.”

A supportive CCCU community

Thanks to Callum for sharing his views and advice on student mental health. The more we share our worries, the easier it is to seek support to help us work through any challenges that might arise.

At CCCU, we make student mental health a University-wide priority. We’re here to support you through whatever challenges that might come your way. As a CCCU student, you’ll be a part of our community, meaning that you’ll always have someone to chat to – so that’s one less thing to worry about.