Preparing yourself for the return to Halls after the break?

Looking after your wellbeing is always a year-long priority but it’s especially important during the month of January.

As lots of residents will have spent time away from campus over the winter break, the thought of returning to Halls and getting back into the swing of things can be overwhelming. With short wintery days and exam season around the corner, there's no better time to think about how you can look after yourself and prepare to settle back into Halls...

Make your space sparkle 🧼

Start off on the right foot by giving your room a little TLC this January. Wipe down any dust in your room, let in  fresh air, change your bed sheets and give your desk a clear down. Having a clean and tidy space will help you bring in good habits for the new year and you’ll be surprised at how it improves productivity and sleep!

Cleaning and tidying isn’t the most fun of tasks, we know, but stick your fave podcast on and pop a timer on for 30 minutes so you don’t get distracted. It'll be done and dusted before you know it!

Go easy on yourself ✌

For lots of us the winter break is all about staying cosy, watching lots of tv, snacks and naps (guilty)! So, re-entering into the world of uni with lectures, exams, 9am’s and can feel like a lot to adjust to.

Remember, you’re not expected to snap back into routine. It may even take a few weeks to feel properly settled in when you come back to Halls. Try to make each day feel achievable for you, whatever that may look like. Maybe that’s setting an alarm in the morning? Maybe it’s planning your meals for the next few days (easy recipe ideas here!)?

Give yourself time and be patient while you find a routine that works for you.

Make time for you 🎬

It can be easy to get caught up in lectures, essays and revision but there’s always time to fit in the fun stuff, even during exam period. Avoid burnout and to prioritise your mental wellbeing by considering what you’ll do for yourself each day. Is it a coffee with your friend, reading your favourite book, going to the gym or trying a new sports class at Sport Liverpool? Making time for what you enjoy will mean you’ll come back to your revision a little more refreshed.

Check in with your flatmates ☕

Whether you’re BFFs with your flatmates or not, it may be a good time to reconnect with the people you live with. Whether it’s a quick “hi, how’re things?” or suggesting a flat movie night in, it can be super useful for setting the new year off on a positive note!

Living with other people can be one of the hardest parts of university life, especially with adjusting to everyone’s routine and habits. If this sounds familiar to you, you might want to read our advice on what to do if you’re living with people ‘who aren’t your people’.

We also have plenty of advice on being a good neighbour here!

Get excited for what’s to come… 🎉

First semester is all about settling in, finding your feet and working out this whole new way of life at uni! If first term didn’t go to plan or wasn’t what you expected, just remember that there’s a whole new semester ahead with new opportunities and activities to get involved in.

Whether you want to make a difference in your Hall and join your Hall’s Student Committee, try a Halls Sport Activity or pop along to a Halls Life event, there’ll be plenty to get stuck into. Stay tuned on our Halls Life events page and follow us on Instagram @livunihalls for all updates!

Support ⛅

If you have any concerns or worries you want to talk over, reach out to your Residential Adviser for advice. You can find their number on the poster in your kitchen and they'll be able to offer some support and signpost you in the right direction if you need it.

If you feel that some extra support will help you this semester, don't forget that the university has a Mental Health Advisory service where you can speak to the Wellbeing Advice and Guidance team for confidential, non-judgmental support. Talking through your worries can help you make sense of things, especially at times such as exam season. You can access a free, confidential advice helpline 24/7 through Health Assured. Speak with advisers about any issues you might be experiencing while at university on 0800 028 3766. 

Find out about all the support on offer to you here.