Friday 26-09-2014 - 11:31

So first week of Fresher’s is officially over! Hope everyone had the best time, I know myself and the rest of the Exec team did!
So let’s get serious for a minute…

As fun as Fresher’s is, you also need to be looking out for number 1 – yourself! It is so easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of takeaways, late nights, cheap alcohol, and general lazing about without thinking of the serious consequences it has on your personal health, finances, mental state, and mood.

After chatting to our friendly Welfare Officer Katie Pether, I have created a list of top tips to keep you lovely students happy and healthy in the upcoming weeks at Winch :)

1. Diet.
Although the time it takes to call for a takeaway can be much quicker than home-cooking, try to limit the amount of junk food you eat. I myself know how it feels to want nothing more than a large pizza all to myself after a busy day of lectures, but in the long run it can leave you feeling worse than before. Try and keep up to the traditional 5 portions of fruit or vegetables a day, and you’ll find yourself feeling more fresh, alert, and more energetic in no time!
PS. it does wonders for your skin and hair too, just sayin’.

2. Sleepytime.
Now, I do not know a single student who doesn’t know how good a mid-afternoon nap feels. Granted, with variations from the ‘Power Nap’ to the ‘Nasa Nap’ (proven by actual NASA scientists that a 26minute nap is the optimum length to recharge your batteries) its easy and seemingly harmless to doze off for a couple of hours after lectures. BUT don’t let your body clock fall out of sync because of this! Everyone should still aim for at least 8 hours of sleep a night – including students!

3. Drinking
WOAH BOY WHERE DO I BEGIN. I’m not going to preach about how everyone should become teetotal, but do take care of yourselves on nights out. Most students know their limits and know when to slow down on the alcohol during a night out with their pals, however I would suggest drinking lots of water throughout the night – an old relative of mine swears that by alternating between alcoholic drinks and water, she still had fun with the added bonus of no hangover the next day! If ever in doubt on a night out at the SU, don’t hesitate to ask the lovely staff for a drink of water – they are there to look out for students and make sure everyone has a fun and safe time.

4. Exercise
After this Saturday’s Fresher’s Fayre there is no excuse for not joining one of our amazing and varied sports teams! Not only is the exercise great for your health, great friends can be made in the process, it improves your mood and just makes you feel better in every way! Try and aim for a least 30 minutes of exercise a day – from marching up the hills of Winchester to a solid workout at the gym – make sure you get your blood pumping to stay healthy.

5. Working and Organisation
As someone who is no stranger to juggling things in life (I held down 2 part time jobs during my A-Levels and currently work part time and on the exec team alongside my degree. Sorry I’ll stop bragging now…) I know how hard and often lonely it can feel to keep on top of lectures AND social life AND sport teams AND societies AND looking after yourself ALL AT THE SAME TIME. But here’s the secret – you are not alone. Never be too scared to seek help when necessary – even if its just asking a couple of classmates to meet up to discuss a seminar idea you didn’t quite understand, or speaking to lecturers or Student Services about essay tips, there are so many helpful resources here at the University for you to use! And like I mentioned, look after yourself first! There is no point trying to finish off an essay at 3am after an hours sleep – you won’t be working at your best and the long term effects of lack of efficient sleep weigh out the possibility of one so-so essay!

So enjoy yourself, keep safe, and whenever in doubt – seek help! I hear those guys in green are a good place to start…

Until next time! And remember, you can't spell 'super' without 'SU'!