Start this module by watching one (or more) of the following short videos to gain a broad understanding:
In this module

Introduction
Ask yourself:
- Have you struggled to keep up good eating habits and fit in exercise while studying at university?
- Do you want to know what you can do to stay healthy while studying?
By the end of this module you will:
- Know why you need to prioritise your health and well-being in order to succeed as a student
- Know what you can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle while studying at university
- Have identified simple changes you can easily incorporate into your busy student life
What you need to know:
- It is well known that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be difficult for university students. The stress and demands of study can lead to exercise and healthy diet taking a back seat.
- Study pressures can also lead to students neglecting their relationships with friends and family at a time when social networks and supports are vital to help cope with the challenges and stress of studying at university.
- To be successful at university and beyond, you need to focus on exercising regularly, eating healthily, developing and maintaining healthy relationships, sleeping well (7-9 hours a night) and managing your stress and anxiety.
Video Content
Health, Fitness and Happiness
Tony Horton
Eat for real change
Dr Joanna McMillan
How to make stress your friend
Dr Kelly McGonigal
Take a Quiz
Take a look at and complete one of more the FEELING GOOD modules available on thedesk
(Note: you will need to register first to login)
Develop & Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Exercise! Make sure you exercise for about 30 minutes every day.
- If you’re involved in team sports, make sure you factor time for this into your weekly study plan. Or, join in on team sports offered by your university campus.
- Exercise doesn’t have to cost you anything – there are a number of websites with free workouts for any fitness level. A great list can be found in this article
Eat real foods! Focus on replacing processed foods with wholefoods.
- Eat more plant-based foods – eats lots of vegetables – e.g. eat carrot and celery sticks with cottage cheese or hummus if you get the munchies.
- Eat more fruits e.g. swap that afternoon chocolate bar or packet of chips for a piece of fruit and some raw almonds or cashews.
- Eat more wholegrains e.g. replace white bread with brown or multigrain bread, eat wholegrain crackers etc.
- Eat lentils, chickpeas, beans etc.
- Eat some meat and other foods but fill up on the above foods first as much as possible.
- Drink less caffeine: it’s fine to start the day with a caffeine boost but replace any afternoon caffeinated drinks with water, decaffeinated alternatives, herbal tea or a juice.
- Be patient – changing from poor eating habits to healthy eating won’t happen overnight. In fact, if you try to make too many changes all at once, you may give up. Adapting to a healthy diet can take time. Identify small steps you can take each day/week to continually improve your diet and health. Ask an understanding friend or family member to help you and be accountable to them.
- Want to keep track of your diet and exercise? There are heaps of FREE apps you can access – such as myfitnesspal
- Want some inspiration on what to eat/cook – here are some suggested websites:
Cut back on alcohol:
- Studies show that university students are at risk of hazardous drinking, which can cause you harm or affect your academic results.
- More than 4 standard drinks on one occasion doubles your risk of injury. Drinking a lot also puts you at risk of other problems, like getting into fights, sexual assault, and drink-driving charges.
- Use the module on ‘Cutting Back on Drinking’ under the Feeling Good modules in thedesk.
Focus on your relationships with friends and family
- Plan to spend time with family and friends during each week. For example, make a time to go out for coffee or go for a walk with friends and family members.
- Find out what’s happening on campus and identify any events or groups you can join in to meet other students. If you’re a commencing student – make sure you go to Orientation Week activities on campus and find out what’s going on and meet other students – this is a proven way to get connected.
Manage your stress
- Plan to take some time out each day to exercise and do something you like.
- Develop good stress management habits by doing the Staying Calm modules on thedesk whenever you feel stressed or anxious.
- Use the Tools on thedesk, such as the Relaxation Tool, regularly to help you relax and remain calm.
- If its money that’s causing you stress, then the My Budget Tool may be what you need.
- Also see this article on getting a balance between study and relaxation.
Other things to think about
Sleep:
- You probably know that sleep is essential for learning as well as your general well-being. Adequate sleep is needed for attention, concentration, and memory. Recent research suggests that as adults we need 8.5 to 9 hours a night, though many people don’t get anywhere near this amount.
- Take a look at the ‘Sleeping Better’ exercise under the Feeling Good modules on thedesk.
- If you’re having trouble getting to sleep, try out a free podcast, google ‘sleep podcasts’.
Study/work/life balance:
- We’ve all heard it before – maintaining a balance is important to get everything done without getting too stressed or overwhelmed. But how can a balance be achieved?
- Research shows that a full-time student should ideally work no more than 8 hours a week.
- Planning for balance and sticking to your plans as much as possible may help. Use one of the study/weekly planning tools available at your university or use the My168 Tools available on thedesk.
Websites to visit and videos to watch to find out more
- Complete the related modules on mindfulness, looking after yourself (self-care) and sleep.
- Health and well-being tips for students
- Healthy living tips for students
- Take a look at and complete the FEELING GOOD modules available on thedesk
- Read this article on eating clean while at university