Supporting University Mental Health Day 2025

It's okay to take a break and rest. Learn more about our free Pause at UoB service on campus.

Thursday 13 March marks University Mental Health Day 2025, an annual event dedicated to starting conversations about student mental health and prioritising your wellbeing.

Becoming a student is an exciting milestone, but it can also come with its fair share of pressures. From academic and financial worries, to experiencing homesickness or loneliness, we know there’s a lot to deal with.

We never want you to feel like you have to cope with things alone. Through our Time to Talk? campaign, we want to ensure no student is held back by their mental health. We have a range of free services and resources available for all students, whenever you need it.

During this week, and throughout March the University and Guild of Students have put together a programme of wellbeing events and activities to help you unwind and join in the conversation about mental health.

What's on for you

Want to start a conversation, but not sure how to find the words?

Sometimes, a friendly chat or even a smile can brighten someone’s day up. Throughout this month, look out for our conversation starter cards on benches across campus and strike up a conversation with a stranger.

Student Content Shapers Robert, Hanna and Robin sit on a bench with Conversation Starter cards.

Guild Wellbeing Cafe

  • Tuesday 11 March, Chamberlain Tower, Hampton Room and Social Space, 16:00-19:00
  • Take a break, recharge and focus on wellbeing in a relaxed environment. You’ll find painting by numbers, therapy dogs and more. This event is free for all students, just bring along your Student ID card to check in. Read more about the event.

Mindful Colouring with Life and Environmental Sciences (LES students only)

  • Wednesday 12 March, Old Gym, Room LG10 from 13:30-14:30
  • Take some time to relax and de-stress with some mindful colouring. Wellbeing Officers will be on hand for a friendly chat and to answer any questions. No booking is required but please note this event is open to LES students only.

Sip and Paint Session (CMH students only)

  • Wednesday 12 March, Medical School, IBR Seminar Room from 14:30-16:30
  • Join the College of Medicine and Health for a relaxing Sip & Paint Session, with non-alcoholic drinks and external speakers from Russell's Hall Addiction Team, Aquarius Gambling Addiction Services and Punjabi AA. Due to limited capacity, we will contact you closer to the date to confirm your attendance - we look forward to seeing you! Open to CMH students. Sign up to Sip and Paint.

Revise and Refresh

  • Thursday 13 March and Thursday 27 March, Main Library, 11:00-15:00
  • As exams get closer, it’s good to spend time preparing, but you’ll also need to look after your mental health and wellbeing. Open for all students, come along to any of the below sessions, no booking required:
  • 10:00-12:00: Pets as Therapy Dogs (only on Thursday 27 March)
  • 11:00-14:00: Arts and crafts
  • 11:00-11:30: Sports meditation
  • 12:00: Wellbeing walk
  • 13:00: Academic Skills Centre drop ins
  • 14:00: Chair yoga

You’ll also be able to pick up some printed resources at our Time to Talk? stand including our new self-care checklist bookmarks.

Chill out with Pause@UoB

Three students sit with a Pause representative doing arts and crafts.

Comfort Zone with Pause

  • Thursday 13 March from 14:00-15:00 at No.1 Lodge, North Gate
  • Open to all students, you can pop in for a space to meet others, create, play and relax whilst enjoying a free snack and a drink. No need to book, just come along. Read more about the event.

Pause Open House

  • Wednesday 19 March from 10:00-11:00 at No.1 Lodge, North Gate
  • Ever wondered what Pause@UoB is like? All students can drop into the weekly open house to meet the team, explore the space, and have your questions answered over a cuppa. No booking required. Find out more about Pause.

Wednesday Crafternoon with Pause

  • Wednesday 19 March in the Library Lounge, Main Library from 13:00-16:00
  • Join Pause@UoB for a relaxed afternoon getting creative with some free arts and crafts, and space to chat and relax for all students. No need to book, just drop in. Read more about the event.

Postgrad Conversation and Cake

  • Monday 17 March, 14:00-15:00 at Oasis Lounge, St Francis Hall
  • Take some time out of your day and chat with other postgrads and early career researchers. Add to your calendar here.
  • Don’t forget, if you’re a postgraduate, the University Graduate School also hosts social events and drop-ins just for you. See what's on.

LGBTQ+ Wellbeing drop in

  • Monday 24 March, 12:30-16:00, Mermaid Bar at the Guild of Students
  • Are you a LGBTQ+ student at UoB? Drop in for free sexual health and rapid HIV testing, wellbeing support and signposting. No appointments necessary. Learn more about the drop in.

Walk and Draw

  • Monday 31 March, 13:00-14:00, the Barber Institute of Fine Arts
  • Come for a relaxed walk and draw and explore your campus. Take notice, look deeper, and have fun while learning new drawing techniques. Open to all UoB students and staff. Book your free space.

Active Residences (daily)

Are you a UoB student living in University or nominated partner-owned accommodation? Whether you’d like to de-stress with some yoga or try a new sport to improve your physical health, there’s something for you with UoB’s free Active Residences scheme. Book on to a free activity.

Student blogs on mental health and wellbeing

Sometimes, it can help to hear someone talk about an experience that you identify with, because it means you’re not facing it alone. That’s why we offer a platform for our students to share their lived experiences of mental health and looking after their wellbeing. Have a read of some of their blogs:

  • It's okay to ask for help if you need it. Student Content Shaper Caitlin shares her experience and where you can find support for your mental health at university. Read Caitlin's blog.
  • Feeling a bit homesick? It's a common feeling for many students. Follow some of these tips from international student Fathima on how to deal with your homesickness so you can enjoy your university experience. Read Fathima's blog.
  • Being a student is an exciting time but a busy calendar of social events and studying can take its toll. Student Content Shaper May shares the five habits that have helped her stay on top of her mental and physical health. Read May's blog.

You can read more blogs on our Student Stories intranet page, as part of our Time to Talk? campaign.

Colleges

Professional Services