Sometimes it can feel difficult to find time to look after your health and wellbeing, especially between studying and socialising. We’ve collated some information below to help keep it simple.

It is natural if you find you are concerned about a friend or flatmate’s wellbeing.

• Try to listen to your friend without judgment and urge them to seek appropriate support
• Appropriate support will vary per issue, but may include the Counselling Service, their college support staff, their GP, or Disability Support
• Ensure your own wellbeing is also being looked after and ask for help if you need it
• If your friend is unwilling to access support, you can contact the Counselling Service or your college support staff to make them aware of your concerns

If you are experiencing an emergency or would like to report an incident, please contact the police at 999.

We have a whole page about what to do in the above situations here. You can also find a comprehensive list of organisations you may report an incident to or receive support from on the Students’ Union Pincident page here. Pincident is an anonymous online mapping tool that allows students and staff to record their experiences and/or intervention of bullying, harassment or assault in Durham.

The Students’ Union also provides Active Bystander Training. If you are interested in participating in this training, please contact the Students’ Union on dsu.training@durham.ac.uk.

• Take a break and make time for you!
• Get enough sleep: adults need an average of 8 hours a sleep per night
• Eat healthily and drink responsibly
• Get active: students should be getting between 75 to 150 minutes of exercise per week
• Get involved: why not join one of our societies or associations?
• Foster positive relationships: keep in touch with your friends and family
• Give back: volunteer your time with the University or see how you can help DUCK
• Talk to someone: don’t hesitate to talk to someone when you are struggling or feeling stressed

The NHS recommends a number of proven ways to boost your mental wellbeing that you can view here.

Page last reviewed: 09/12/2025