As we mark University Mental Health Day this 5 March, graphic design student Margaux reflects on her re-connection with uni life via her internship
University is like a roller-coaster ride with ups and downs, and a whole spectrum of sideways.
My expectation of what life at university would be like has changed since the day I first stepped foot onto campus.
It wasn’t easy for me to find a routine at first. Being a commuter student especially impacted my mental health daily what with train delays and the waits to get to and from campus and home. I really hit a low in the run up to Christmas; I felt disconnected from uni, my course and the social life on campus. I felt like I couldn’t enjoy the ‘uni life’ I was supposed to and yet, it seemed like everyone around me was – especially those living closer to campus in halls etc.
Fortunately, I decided to apply to internships and jobs via Unitemps, which offered positions on campus at the beginning of the year. I was determined to get a role on campus, not only for the professional experience and development it could offer me but also to shift my focus around what it meant to be an MDX student.
Once I got my role as student communications intern here, it changed my perception and made me feel more connected with university in a very different way. I was able to work flexible hours around my lessons, as well as be on campus all the time. I finally felt like I was a part of the Middlesex community.
And being part of the community is exactly what we all need to strive towards this University Mental Health Day. It doesn’t have to be getting a job on campus, it could be joining a society, taking part in an event or even just meeting up with a uni friend who lives close by at your favourite café. After all, your mental health is a personal journey – so you need to find out works for you.
Advertising, branding and PR student Hannah talks about the opportunities available to help support our mental health at MDX
Being part of #TeamMDX is easier than you think, and as you have heard from Margaux feeling connected to a community can really improve your wellbeing.
#TeamMDX is all about looking out for each other and being there when it matters. It’s amazing what a sense of togetherness can bring.
One act of kindness can change the world. It is so easy to make someone’s day simply by smiling at someone who is looking a little sad, giving out compliments or just by listening and asking ‘how are you?’.
Did you know?
MDX is proud to also offer Angie’s Keep Calm and Sing weekly group, weekly Yoga for Wellbeing sessions, Wellbeing Heroes peer to peer wellbeing workshops, GP clinics on campus and more!
Have you heard about?
Fika is an emotional fitness app and its premium content is free for MDX students. With real stories from MDX students, new weekly mental health and emotional fitness challenges every week, and easy to set goals and self-care tips, this is a great app for keeping yourself well during your time as an MDX student.
The most important thing you can do for your mental health is to speak to somebody if you are struggling. Being part of #TeamMDX means that there is always somebody here who cares.
If you’re looking for more support, please chat to us over at Sunny Hill House. We have weekday drop ins from 2-3pm with a member of the Counselling and Mental Health team – there’s no need to book. If you’re looking for more support, please refer yourself for counselling by filling in the online self-referral form.
If you’re worried about your own or another student’s safety, health, wellbeing, or risk of harm (this could include harassment, violence or hate crimes), speak to the Care and Concern team who are here to help. For non-urgent support, email careandconcern@mdx.ac.uk.
For urgent support, including urgent mental health support, call Security on 0208 411 6200 and ask to speak to a Designated Safeguarding Officer who will come to support you (9am-5pm Mon-Fri).
External mental health and crisis support:
If you’re in a crisis, text Shout to 85258 (free) from anywhere in the UK for support. Available 24/7.
Phone The Samaritans on 116 123 (free) for support. Available 24/7.
If you do not feel that you can keep yourself safe, speak with your GP or go to A&E.
More crisis and emergency support including CALM (a helpline for men or those who identify as male), and Switchboard (an LGBT+ helpline) available on UniHub.
Student lifestyle posts which reflect the interests of our students are written by student interns working within the Marketing department and do not reflect the research, guidance or opinions of Middlesex University. If you have feedback or want to suggest ideas for future student lifestyle posts, please email communications@mdx.ac.uk
