Know someone at uni who is struggling with their mental health? Not sure what to do? Here’s how to support them when they need you.
Updated: 08 Jun 2026
Being a uni student can be a stressful period in your life. Your mental health can feel under pressure at times, especially when assignment deadlines and exams come around.
When stress starts to build, it’s likely that some of your friends or coursemates are feeling it too. Struggling with your mental health can feel incredibly lonely, but you’re not the only one who might be finding things difficult.
With that in mind, we want to give you some tips about how you can support your friends who are struggling with their mental health while at uni.
You could also use these ideas to check in with friends before things feel difficult, or even to look after your own wellbeing. Small, regular acts of support can make it easier to notice when someone, including you, might need a bit more help.
The mountain of research pouring out of psychology labs in recent years, identifying the positive relationship between exercise and wellbeing, seems to be perpetually growing.
According to this research, physical movement, taking some time to get the heart pumping and the blood flowing, sends a wealth of positive endorphins throughout our neural networks. In other words, exercise makes us happy!
Doing some exercise with a friend, even if it’s just going for a walk, can help stimulate you both into a positive mindset. It can also be an opportunity to have a chat with them, see how they are, and strengthen the friendship you already have.
Grabbing food together can be a simple, low-pressure way to check in with a friend. Whether it’s a quick coffee, lunch between lectures or a takeaway after a long day, it gives you both a change of scene and a chance to talk without making the whole thing feel too serious.
During the course of a uni week, students have a lot on their mind. At times, it can feel as though you can barely look after yourself. However, you don’t have to take on everything, small check-ins can still make a difference.
Noticing a change in mood to how they usually may be, or not seeing them around as much, could be a sign that something’s up. Being aware of your mates, taking note of any changes in behaviour, is a good way to tell whether they may need your support.
When someone is struggling, keeping their room tidy can start to feel like a much bigger task than usual, especially if they’re living in halls and that small space is where they sleep, study and relax. If you’ve noticed your friend’s room is becoming overwhelming for them, you could offer to help with something simple, like clearing mugs, taking rubbish out or making a bit more space on their desk.
Their room is still their personal space, so don’t push it if they say no. But if they’re open to it, helping them tidy up a little can be a practical way to show you care.
When you’re in a low place, talking can seem like the toughest thing to do. It can feel easier to sweep how you may be feeling under the rug, rather than laying it out on the table. Yet what we find most difficult, is often what will be most effective.
Try having a chat with your mate, asking what’s up. They may not want to talk right away, and that’s OK. But the simple act of letting them know you’re there, and you care, can do wonders for their wellbeing. As the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved.
Never underestimate the ability you have to help somebody struggling. Sometimes, it can be as simple as being present, without saying or doing anything, that makes all the difference.
Biologically, as humans, we are hardwired to need social connectedness, to feel as though we are connected to others and are a part of something bigger than ourselves. Knowing that you’re not alone can brighten up somebody’s darkest day.
Don’t be discouraged either if your friend doesn’t want to talk right away. The effect of you even trying can have a positive impact that you may not notice right away.
You may feel as though you are helpless, but by continuing to remind them that you’re there, and that your support for them is always there when they need it, could really change their outlook.
Just remember that you're a friend, not a therapist, and there's only so much you can do to support someone with mental health issues without professional qualifications. If you’re worried your friend is struggling with more than everyday stress or homesickness, encourage them to reach out to wellbeing services, whether it's university-provided ones, NHS or private healthcare.
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