January can be a tough month. You might have been away from Sussex for the Winter Vacation, perhaps enjoying the company of family and friends, and so returning to university life can feel really hard. It can be especially tough when the weather is so dark and dreary, and you’re facing exams and assessments too.

Here are a few things that can help at this time of year:

You are not alone

The important thing to remember is that many students feel this way, so you’re not alone. It can be common to experience a new wave of homesickness in January, and maybe question whether being at university is the right thing for you.

Make plans

Try to get back into the swing of university life. Make plans to see friends, get involved in a sports team or go along to a society meeting. 

Even if you didn’t join a team or society during Welcome Week, it’s never too late. The Refreshers Fair is a great opportunity to find out about and get involved with clubs, societies and campaigns at Sussex, or you can check out all the opportunities on the Students’ Union website.

Get some exercise

It could be a walk, a swim, the gym, yoga or something else, but try to build exercise into your routine. Getting out and about in the fresh air, especially if the sun is shining, can be particularly helpful as this can have a positive effect on mood.

Look after yourself

Make sure you look after your physical health, especially when you’re studying hard. Eat well, drink plenty of water, keep caffeine to a minimum, get enough rest, try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, take breaks from studying and plan time to relax and unwind.

Reach out for help

It’s important to reach out for help if you think it could be useful. 

If you’re continuing to feel low, or are questioning whether university is right for you, you can speak to a Student Life Advisor in the Student Life Centre about the way that you’re feeling. They can give you information and advice on how to manage your feelings and the different options that are available to you. 

You can also find details of other mental and emotional health and wellbeing support on our web pages.