Looking after yourself — small changes, big changes.

University life can be super busy with lectures, late nights, hangovers, deadlines, and occasional life crises in the LUU toilets. With so much going on, looking after your health can feel like a luxury. Luckily you don’t need to change your whole life to feel better.

Small, achievable changes can make a real difference. You may not be able to do all of these, and that’s OK; there’s something here for everyone.

Brush your teeth.

It seems really obvious, but poor dental care can lead to gum disease, infections, and even heart issues down the line.

Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Use floss or interdental brushes a few times a week. Done.

Stack the benefits of teeth cleaning by:

• balancing on one leg to improve posture and core strength
• tidy part of your room or desk
• practice breathing control
• plan part of your day

Prioritise sleep (even if you love a night out).

We know sleep feels optional when you’ve got an essay due and your mates are only just starting pre-drinks at 10pm. Consistently running on 4–5 hours a night can mess with your memory, immunity, mood, and ability to actually enjoy life.

Easy steps to sleep:

• try to keep a consistent sleep-wake time on weekdays
• use a blue light filter or night mode on your phone at night
• don’t doomscroll in bed! Turn on do not disturb; read, meditate, or listen to a podcast instead

You don’t have to be in bed by 10pm every night. Just get enough good quality sleep most of the time.

If you find yourself needing multiple coffees, energy drinks and big caffeine hits every day, then it’s time to have a rethink about sleep.

Better eating.

A balanced diet isn’t about perfection, it’s about getting a mix of nutrients and not living entirely on toast.

Tiny upgrades:

• add frozen veg to anything: curry, pasta, even a Pot Noodle
• keep easy fruit around — bananas, apples, satsumas
• swap one sugary drink a day for water or squash
• treat yourself to an emotional support water bottle (and actually clean the inside of it)

Also: eating becomes even more important if you’re drinking, vaping, or occasionally using recreational drugs. Substances mess with appetite, hydration, and sleep. Eating a good size, healthy meal before you go out and in the morning will help your body and mind recover faster.

Want cheap and healthy meal ideas? Read our blog for some tasty inspiration.

Move your body.

Just moving more improves your mood, brain function and sleep.

No-pressure movement:

• walk or cycle to campus
• join a sports society or community sports club — many are open to complete beginners and have GIAG (Give it a go) sessions.
• do a 10-minute YouTube workout or stretch before bed

Hydrate like you mean it.

Being dehydrated all the time is incredibly common; hello headaches, fatigue and lack of focus.

Fix it: Keep a reusable water bottle with you. Aim for around 1.5–2 litres a day, more if you’re active or drinking alcohol or taking substances that dehydrate you.

Get enough sunlight.

Daylight helps regulate your body clock and supports vitamin D production. It also boosts your mood, immunity and bone health and helps you sleep.

Try this:

• aim for 15–20 minutes of daylight in the morning, even if it’s grey
• eat lunch outside or sit by a window
• take a short walk between lectures
• consider a low-cost Vitamin D supplement during the winter months (NHS recommends this for most people in the UK)

Look after your skin

Healthy skin = confidence boost. You don’t need a 10-step routine, just a bit of consistency.

Simple habits:

• wash your face morning and night
• use moisturiser (with SPF if you can)
• don’t sleep in makeup. Keep micellar wipes on hand for the lazy nights

Substances like alcohol and drugs can dehydrate your skin or cause breakouts: another reason to keep skincare simple but consistent.

Keep your space semi-tidy.

A cluttered room can quietly mess with your head, increase stress, make procrastination worse, make you feel more overwhelmed, and even affect your sleep.

Try this:

• set a 5-minute timer and tidy one area — or do this while cleaning your teeth!
• make your bed every morning — it’s an easy mental win
• open a window for a bit of fresh air

Check in with your choices (not in a judgy way).

Drugs, alcohol, smoking and vaping are part of the uni experience for some students. The freedoms of independent living can make it easy to slip into substance addiction, so its worth regularly checking in with how often you use drugs, why, and how it makes you feel after. No guilt, just honesty.

Check out Forward Leeds for some no judgement info.

Small changes — like setting limits, taking a break, alternating drinks with water, avoiding mixing substances, or staying hydrated can make nights out (and the mornings after) a lot easier.

Set “health anchors” in your routine

Anchor new habits to existing ones. This helps you stick to changes without even thinking.

Examples:

• Do 10 stretches while waiting for your kettle to boil
• Brush your teeth, then take your vitamins
• If you speak to family or friends on the phone, do this while taking a walk
• Tidy or clean while waiting for your food to cook

Final word: progress over perfection.

You don’t have to overhaul your life to be healthy. Pick one or two things from this list to try this week. Stack those tiny wins. Be kind to yourself when you don’t stick to them.

Look forward to more energy, more focus, and more capacity to enjoy the best bits of uni life.