Part 1: A Guide to Physical and Mental Health Support for International Students in the UK
Categories: Camden, Kentish Town, London Living, North Acton
HEALTH GUIDANCE WHEN STUDYING IN LONDON
Studying in London as an international student is an exciting opportunity, and looking after your health and wellbeing from day one can help you make the most of your experience abroad.
At SCL International College, we believe that feeling your best is an important part of achieving your best. That means supporting you beyond the classroom with practical advice that helps you settle into life in the UK and build healthy habits that support your wellbeing.
In the first half of this guide, we’ll share simple tips to help you stay healthy as an international student in London. In the second half, we’ll explain how the UK healthcare system applies to international students studying in the UK.
How Physical and Mental Health Impacts Students
Moving to a foreign country is a significant milestone. Settling into your new accommodation, meeting new people from around the world, exploring London - there’s a lot to look forward to. As a result, your health can become an afterthought. However, looking after your physical and mental health is the foundation for a successful overseas adventure.
When you’re physically and mentally healthy, it’s easier to:
- Stay focused in class
- Build meaningful friendships
- Explore everything London has to offer
- Feel confident living independently
Looking after yourself is not something to think about only when you’re unwell. If you’re feeling stressed or sick, even everyday tasks can become more difficult, making it hard to feel settled and achieve your goals. Creating healthy habits from the start can help you enjoy your experience as a student throughout your time in the UK.
How to Look After Your Mental Health as a Student
Your mental wellbeing is just as important as keeping up with your studies. Moving to a new country, adjusting to a different culture whilst balancing homework can feel overwhelming.
A few ways to keep your mental health strong are:
- Have a routine
- See friends
- Exercise regularly
- Get enough sleep
- Eat healthy foods
- Make time to relax and recharge
If you need more tips on how to elevate your energy and mood, take a dive into our blog with 10 tips on how to beat the blues.
At SCL International College, we make it easy for you to look after your mental health. We have four London campuses where you can live and learn under one roof, so you can forget about transport costs - one less thing to worry about.
We even host free in-house social events and walking tours with Gen, head of our social programme. Here you can meet people from different corners of the world and explore one of the world’s greatest cities together! Find out more about our walking tours and ask to join the next one at the reception desk at each campus.
How to Look After Your Physical Wellbeing as a Student in London
The importance of looking after your physical wellbeing cannot be understated. It’s also one of the most effective ways to improve your mental health.
Sometimes the hardest part of a workout is getting there, but at SCL, we make it easy! Our fully-equipped gym is free, and in the same building where you live and learn, so all you need to do is take the elevator (or as we call it in the UK, the lift).
Alternatively, just around the corner from our Kentish Town campus is the Kentish Town Sports Centre. A gym with a swimming pool and a variety of strength and conditioning, dance, HiiT and boxing classes, there’s something for everyone! SCL students get the extra benefit of having an exclusive resident offer.
Tip! Learn more about the discounts exclusive to SCL students.
Exploring London as an international student
Staying active doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the gym. It also includes going for walks in the beautiful green spaces near our campuses such as Hampstead Heath or Waterlow Park, both less than 20 minutes from our Kentish Town campus.
Studying in the UK is also the perfect opportunity to try traditional British sports like cricket, rugby or tennis. At all four of our London campuses, you can find many opportunities to get active.
From our Camden campus, you’re less than half an hour away from Belsize Park RFC. With a 4.9 stars review on Google, Belsize Park RFC is London’s most central rugby club.
If rugby is not what you’re looking for, then just a 15-minute walk from our North Acton campus is the North Acton Playing Fields, where you can play tennis with friends. No membership required; simply bring your own equipment and book in advance.
For a fun twist on one of the most popular sports in the UK, head to Sixers to play cricket indoors. Located in London Bridge and less than an hour away from all four of our campuses, Sixers is suitable for all levels. From beginner to advanced, everyone gets a swing!
Healthy eating tips for students in London
One aspect of physical health that gets overlooked is nutrition. What you put into your body is the foundation of your health and quality of life. Macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats) provide your body with the fuel it needs to stay physically and mentally active. Eating unhealthy foods on a consistent basis can make it harder to pay attention in class and lead to not having enough energy for activities with friends.
Tip! Our en-suite studios are equipped with kitchenettes, making it easy to stay on track with nutrition and make healthy meals.
In the absence of good health, achieving academic success can be challenging. Take a proactive approach by staying active and eating well.
And remember, any time you’re feeling overwhelmed, our student services team is here to support you in your journey from the day you land to the day you leave our campus. We offer guidance, wellbeing resources and practical advice whenever you need it!
Stay tuned for the second part of our health guide where we’ll dive into the UK’s healthcare system and how it applies to international students.
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