Late nights, new routines, unfamiliar bugs and a lot of new people can be a recipe for feeling under the weather during your first few weeks. There's a reason why "Freshers Flu" is a familiar phrase...
You don't need to avoid all the fun to stay well, but a few simple habits can make a big difference. And if you do start feeling unwell, knowing where to get help means you won't have to figure it out when you're already feeling rubbish.
Know where to get help
Before you arrive, save the details of the health services available to you.
If you're living in halls or in Tower Hamlets, you can access Queen Mary's Student Health Service. You should also register with a doctor when you arrive if you need to. You can find your local one on the NHS website.
Not sure where to go with a health problem? Check Queen Mary's healthcare guidance or speak to a health professional for advice.
Top tip: Save useful numbers and links in your phone now. Future-you will be grateful.
Sleep is not optional
We know there's a lot happening during Welcome, but you don't have to go to everything.
Give yourself time to sleep and recover between busy days. We have loads of day events planned, you don't need to be out every night to have a great Welcome.
Feeling rested will also make it much easier to enjoy the things you do decide to go to.
Keep yourself hydrated
Especially if you're spending long days on campus, exercising or drinking alcohol, remember to drink water regularly.
Keep a reusable bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.
Having an alcoholic drink? Have a class of water in between each one to slow down the drinking and keep hydrated. But remember, if you've been drinking alcohol, that water won't cancel out its effects. Know your limits, look after your friends and make sure you have a safe way home.
Eat something
It sounds obvious, but it's easy to forget to eat properly when your routine changes or you're not used to cooking for yourself.
Try to have regular meals and keep a few easy snacks around for busy days. You don't need to eat perfectly. Just give your body enough fuel to get you through the day.
If you're living in halls, having a few simple things in the kitchen can save you from relying on takeaway every night or see if your housemates are up for cooking with you or alternating food days so you don't always have to be the one to cook.
Get moving
You don't need to become a gym regular overnight but exercise is good for the body and soul.
A walk around campus, a Qmotion (our on campus gym!) session, a Get Active class or joining a sports club can all help you stay active and give you a break from studying.
The important thing is finding something you actually enjoy.
Look after your mind too
Starting university is a big change. You might feel excited, homesick, overwhelmed, lonely, stressed or a combination of all five.
There's no "correct" way to feel.
Keep in touch with people you trust, make time for things you enjoy and give yourself permission to have quieter days. If things start feeling difficult, you don't have to deal with them alone.
Queen Mary has support services available to help with your wellbeing and mental health, so reach out if you need them.
What if you actually get ill?
If you're feeling unwell, give yourself time to recover rather than trying to push through everything.
Speak to a healthcare professional if you need medical advice, particularly if your symptoms are worrying, severe or aren't improving.
And remember the basics: wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid spreading bugs to other people when you're unwell.
Your Welcome survival kit
A few useful things to have around:
- A reusable water bottle
- Basic toiletries and personal medication
- Tissues and hand sanitiser
- A few easy meals or snacks
- Your healthcare information and useful contacts
- Anything that helps you relax and feel at home
Most importantly, look after yourself, not just your social calendar.
You don't need to say yes to everything. Go out when you want to, stay in when you need to, and give yourself time to settle into your new routine.
University is a marathon, not a Welcome Week endurance challenge.
Need support?
If you're worried about your health or wellbeing, don't wait until things become overwhelming. Find out more about Queen Mary's Student Support and healthcare services and see what help is available to you.