University life is full of ups and downs. From exciting social events to those late-night study sessions, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we spoke to two brilliant students, Ailbhe and Lorraine, who lived with us at Orlando Village during their studies. They’ve shared their best uni life self-care tips, and we’ve added a few extras to help you along the way.
Looking after yourself isn’t just about getting by—it’s about thriving. With these simple ideas, you can make uni life self-care a regular part of your routine.
Here’s a bit about Ailbhe and Lorraine:
- Ailbhe studied Special Effects Modelmaking for Film and Television. She graduated in 2024 with a first-class honours degree. Her impressive work was even featured in the Bolton Library exhibition during her third year. (Check it out here!)
- Lorraine lived with us from 2020 to 2024. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is now working on her master’s degree in the same field.
1. Set Small Goals – The First Step in Uni Life Self-Care
From Ailbhe:
“Setting small, achievable daily goals gave me a sense of accomplishment. Even little things like taking a walk or finishing a chapter of a book kept me grounded.”
Start small. For instance, write a to-do list with just three tasks. Every tick on that list is a win! This straightforward habit is one of the easiest ways to embrace uni life self-care.
2. Prioritise Self-Care – It’s Essential
From Lorraine:
“Setting aside even 10 minutes a day for mindfulness or a relaxing activity helped me recharge. It’s easy to forget about yourself, but taking that time is so important.”
So, don’t overthink it. Join a craft session at Orlando Village or pop into the weekly Breakfast Club. Small moments like these build the foundation for uni life self-care.
3. Take Time for Yourself – Rest Matters
Taking time for yourself isn’t lazy—it’s necessary. Here are a few simple ways to unwind:
- Join Weekly Events: A pub quiz or movie night could be just what you need.
- Cook with Your Flatmates: Try a new recipe and make it a fun group activity.
- Netflix & Recharge: Need ideas? Check out our blog on the Top 5 Things to Watch on Netflix Right Now.
This kind of downtime is crucial for your well-being. Plus, it’s a great excuse to focus on what makes you happy.
4. Stay Connected – Don’t Isolate Yourself
From Ailbhe:
“A quick message to a friend reminded me I wasn’t alone in navigating challenges. Those small connections really lifted my mood.”
Even if you’re busy, drop a text to a mate or grab a coffee. These small actions are powerful tools for uni life self-care.
5. Learn to Say “No” – Protect Your Energy
From Lorraine:
“Balancing social life and academics is tough but necessary. I learned to say no to extra commitments when I needed downtime.”
Saying no doesn’t make you rude or lazy—it makes you smart. Protecting your energy is a key part of uni life self-care.
Make Yourself a Priority
Uni life self-care is about balance. Whether it’s setting small goals, taking breaks, or staying connected, these steps can help you thrive. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish.
At Orlando Village, we are passionate about self-care and student well-being. We were recently privileged to be nominated for several awards at the Property Week Student Accommodation Awards, including the Social Impact Initiative Award for our work in mental health and inclusion for all students.
We work closely with the University of Bolton’s Life Lounge to ensure there’s always extra support available when needed. Whether you’re looking for someone to talk to or extra guidance, we aim to make accessing help as easy as possible.
Now, take a moment to breathe, grab a snack, and enjoy your favourite Netflix series. You’ve got this. 😊
