Life at University can be full of ups and downs and managing both studies and personal life can feel overwhelming at times. So, taking care of yourself and looking after your overall wellbeing can make it easier for you to handle the challenges and joys of university life smoothly. This map is created using the 5 steps to wellbeing researched and developed by the New Economics Foundation, to help you identify what you can do, and activities you can get involved with while you are on campus which can improve your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.
5 steps to wellbeing
1. Recharge and Connect
Making time to connect with friends, family, classmates, or even new people on campus can really lift your mood. Social connections is a key human need which gives you support, joy, and a sense of belonging, helping you feel less alone and more grounded. Also, eating well keeps you healthy.
The Student Centre is a collaborative space for studying, relaxing, or catching up with your mates. There are microwaves to heat-up, and share food, as well as a café to spend time at lunch with friends or new people. The Community kitchen (2nd floor) has free food.
You can also join one of the SU Clubs and Societies or check out the lists. Check out ongoing events on SUBU's What’s on page.
Dylan’s bar is also a good place connect with mates over food or drinks.
2. Be Active
Regular physical activity helps boost mood, reduce stress, and improve overall health. Go outdoors, take a break. This allows you to return to your work with greater focus, creativity, and resilience.
You don’t have to commit to the gym. Going for a walk between lectures, taking the stairs instead of the lift to lecture hall, join a sports club, or even stretching in your room can boost your energy and clear your mind.
Sports BU Centre has everything from a fitness suite and yoga studios to a sports hall for, badminton and basketball.
Game tables can be spotted on the ground floor of the Student Centre.
3. Learn
Learning new things throughout life helps build self-esteem and better wellbeing. This includes going for your lectures and learning courses associated to your program. But also, reading a new book, listening to some different music, cooking something new, trying out new hobbies, learning about a new culture.
BU Library is well-equipped with resources for your course, but also fiction, cookbooks, news media (e.g. economist), tv channel access.
4. Take Notice
It’s easy to rush through the day without pausing. Paying attention to the present moment, your thoughts, feelings, and the world around you can help you feel calmer and more in control. Try to slow down and notice the small things around you.
Have a look at the Summer Ball Wall of Fame in the Student Centre which contains survivor’s photo’s from 1995 to date
The Community Garden is a great place to visit often and notice the garden change through seasons.
Stare at the walls located in Weymouth 4th floor of ….
5. Be Kind
Small acts of kindness, towards yourself and others, can make a big difference by creating a positive feeling for you.
You can check-in on a friend, be kind and do something nice for a classmate or stranger, or volunteer when you can. List of volunteering opportunities can be found on our volunteering page.
Talbot Campus
Recharge and Connect
- Student Centre (Microwaves on Ground floor, 1st floor and 2nd floor)
- Dylan’s Kitchen and Bar
- Community Kitchen on 2nd floor Student Centre
- Café Nero
- Ground floor Fusion Building
- Ground up café Student Centre Ground Floor
- Liberation lounge
- Bad hand coffee cafe
- Poole gateway café
Be Active
- Sports BU
- Cycling
- Talbot woods
Learn
- Michael Cobham Library
- Multifaith House
Take Notice
- Atrium Gallery
- Weymouth House
- Community Garden
- The Summer Ball Wall of Fame (1st floor of Student Centre)
Be Kind
- Volunteer
- Do something kind for someone else on campus
Travel
Where to get help/ wellbeing services
There are a range of places you can access wellbeing support - for the full range of options you can look at the link below: https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/students/health-wellbeing
BU Student Wellbeing
Student Wellbeing are operating both from Talbot Campus and remotely. They are contactable via phone and email during opening hours, Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm (term time only).
They offer a range of options, including remote sessions via telephone and video, as well as drop-in at The Hub in Poole House, Monday to Friday, 1 - 2pm.
To get in touch with them, fill in the Online enquiry form and choose 'counselling and mental health support'.
SUBU Advice
This is a free confidential and independent service by your students’ union that offer advice and support on academic, housing, personal, and money issues. Email subuadvice@bournemouth.ac.uk or give them a call 01202 965779 and they will arrange an appointment for you speak to an advisor.
Chaplaincy (Faith and Reflection)
This is not just for students with faith - the chaplaincy provides a safe space on campus where you can speak to one of the members of staff about any worries or concerns you have while waiting for counselling or in need of a last-minute chat.
The Faith & Reflection space is on the first floor of Talbot House open Monday-Friday, 8am - 8pm. As chaplains, they are on hand to offer a listening ear, in person or via Zoom.
To get in touch with them, fill in the Online enquiry form and choose Faith, Religion and Spiritual. https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/students/health-wellbeing/faith-reflection
If your situation is life threatening or of a serious nature and you require immediate and urgent assistance, then call the BU emergency line on 01202 962222
STARS
There is a charity called STARS (Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service) who can be a great support if you've experience sexual assault.
You can see how they can help and how to contact them here. You can call them on 01202 308 840
STARS are in SUBU (Ground floor) every Thursday between 10am-4pm, and you can drop by whenever suits you. They can use the Advice offices for a 1:1 if you need a private space to talk on campus.
ResLife
If you’re a student living in university accommodation, the ResLife Wellbeing Team are here to make sure that you feel safe, connected and confident as you adjust to university life and become a part of the BU community. You can contact the team by emailing ResLifeBU-support@bournemouth.ac.uk .
Police
If there’s a fire or crime taking place, call 999.
NHS
If there is medical emergency, call 111
Lansdowne Campus
Recharge and Connect
- Alumni café
- SUBU Space – BG301
- Ground floor Executive Business Centre
- Bournemouth Gateway Building Terrace on the 4th floor
- Community Fridge BGB
- Stores beside EBC – Tesco
Be Active
- Yoga sessions Every Thursday (12.15pm to 1pm)
- Beach walk
Learn
Take Time Out and Notice
- Bournemouth Gateway Building Terrace on the 4th floor
- The Old Fire Station (TOFS)
Be Kind
- Volunteer
- Do something kind for someone else on campus
Travel
- Cranborne house Bus stop
- Cotlands road bus stop
- Bournemouth Bus Hub (Town centre)
- Bournemouth Train/coach station
Where to get help/ wellbeing services
If you feel the anxious, agitated, or unwell and need to speak to some one please contact any of the below:
- If your situation is life threatening or of a serious nature and you require immediate and urgent assistance, then call the BU emergency line on 01202 962222
- For 24/7 non-urgent support, call 0800 028 3766 to speak with a trained advisor or counsellor.
- BU Wellbeing Services can be contacted through AskBU. Contact AskBU on 01202 969696 (Phone lines open: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4.30pm; Friday, 9am to 4pm) or askbu@bournemouth.ac.uk or Visit at : Helpzone, Bournemouth Gateway Building (closed 1pm to 2pm daily).
- To book an appointment with a Wellbeing advisor, fill the self-referral form (QR code attached)
- SUBU Advice is a free confidential and independent service that offer advice and support on academic, housing, personal, and money issues. Email subuadvice@bournemouth.ac.uk or give them a call 01202 965779 and they will arrange an appointment for you speak to an advisor. Drop in: Thursdays at BG301c
- STARS: There is a charity called STARS (Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service) who can be a great support if you've experience sexual assault.
You can see how they can help and how to contact them here. You can call them on 01202 308 840
STARS are in SUBU (Ground floor) every Thursday between 10am-4pm, and you can drop by whenever suits you. They can use the Advice offices for a 1:1 if you need a private space to talk on campus.
ResLife
If you’re a student living in university accommodation, the ResLife Wellbeing Team are here to make sure that you feel safe, connected and confident as you adjust to university life and become a part of the BU community. You can contact the team by emailing ResLifeBU-support@bournemouth.ac.uk .
Police
If there’s a fire or crime taking place, call 999.
NHS
If there is medical emergency, call 111