Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, it’s reassessment week, plus we look at some ideas to help you look after your mental health this summer…
POINT ONE: IT’S REASSESSMENT WEEK…
firstpoint would like to wish ‘good luck’ to all students sitting reassessments this week!
We’ve included some points to remember to help you feel prepared:
- Try to get a good night’s sleep – set your alarm, have a good breakfast and check your route into campus to avoid any delays.
- Remember your ID – you’ll need to bring your Student ID card, or an alternative form of photographic ID for exam entrance. Double check you have this before you leave!
- Be clear on equipment, check the exam details in advance to see what you will need. There are lockers available across campuses to store any other personal belongings during your exam.
- Check your timetable – and check it again! Be confident with your exam time and location – if you’re not sure where to go, call firstpoint during opening hours for further support on 01905 542551.
You can find more information on exams on the Registry Services Exams FAQ pages.
POINT TWO: LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH THIS SUMMER…
For any students submitting reassessments, or resitting and exam week, and for all of our student body over the summer, it’s important to maintain good mental health and focus on your wellbeing.
If you’re working hard to complete your reassessments, or revising for an exam, try to schedule in some breaks to help you rest and refocus. Take a short walk, make a drink and prepare a healthy snack. Look after your body and mind will support you to perform more effectively during assessments.
The University Health and Wellbeing pages include some helpful tips and advice on how to work Well, Study Well and Stay Well, and Student Services pages offer additional links to a range of external and university Wellbeing support.
POINT THREE: CONNECT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS…
Good relationships are important for mental wellbeing. Connecting with family and friends can help you feel a sense of belonging, share your positive experiences and good times, as well as offering support to each other when needed. You can always use technology to connect with each other if you’re too far away to catch up face to face.
You may want to establish new relationships or networks; perhaps you’d like to volunteer for a local organisation. Find out how to volunteer on the GOV.UK website
The Student Support and Wellbeing team are continuing the Fancy a Cuppa events in June and July, each Wednesday 1pm-2pm at firstpoint and so if you are staying in Worcester over the summer pop in and see us and stay connected with support staff and fellow students, whilst enjoying a free drink and biscuit. Staff are also very welcome to join and come and say hello. If you would like any further information regarding these events, please contact: fac@worc.ac.uk.
POINT FOUR: STAY ACTIVE…OR GET ACTIVE…
There are lots of options and they don’t have to cost a lot – try walking, running, swimming, yoga or cycling. Join a local club – you can search for a fitness club in your area via the NHS website. You could swim for a charity like Alzheimers.org or take part in one of Mind’s active challenges.
Many local parks have free exercise equipment available for public use and of course, you can download your favourite app on-line to exercise in your own time. There are many free apps you can download such as Couch to 5k. Being outside can boost your mood, help you keep active, relieve stress and anxiety, give you a boost of vitamin D and serotonin and improve your sleep – so many reasons to get out and explore.
Take a look at MIND’s information on taking a mindful moment in nature for ideas you could try and don’t forget to stay sun safe.
POINT FIVE: TRY SOMETHING NEW OR SET SOME GOALS…
What have you been wanting to do but just never had the time? Set aside some time so you can work towards those goals. It doesn’t have to be anything big; you don’t have to write a novel but maybe you wanted to organise your photos or declutter your wardrobe – you’ll feel a great sense of achievement getting those things done.
Take up a new hobby, try art, cooking, meditation; find something you enjoy and invest some time in yourself. Remember it’s important to connect with other people, perhaps you can get a friend involved too. Search for “free events near me” on-line and you’ll be surprised what you can get involved in.
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