Your Mental Health toolkit
Today (Thursday 12 March 2026) is University Mental Health Day, and this year’s theme is Human Connection.
University Mental Health Day
From global and political changes, to daily pressures of social media and university life, it can be harder for us to connect. There are 2.9 million students, but at least 1 in 3 students has felt or feels lonely.We’ve pulled together a toolkit demonstrating how you can connect with others at Oxford Brookes and stay on top of your mental health - so you can get the most out of your university experience.
Be proactive
We each have mental health in the same way we have physical health; and just like our physical health, we need to look after it. How can we do this through human connection?- Talk to others about how you’re feeling - it could be someone on your course, society, or a family member, they may appreciate it too.
- Join a society or attend an in-person event - enjoy yourself at university! You could practice your hobby or learn something new while getting to know others with similar interests.
- Access Student Support Services - if you feel like you’re struggling, then it’s better to be proactive, rather than wait for it to get worse. We have free and confidential support services available to all Brookes students.
You can check out this article on advice and tips for connecting with others at Brookes, if you don’t know where to start.
Take some time alone
Stop, and breathe 😮💨. We’ve produced a meditation exercise video with Goodness Odiaka, our Brookes Union VP Liberation & Community, because it’s important to take time to pause and reflect.Use the prayer and quiet spaces across our campuses.
Drop into the Sensory Space on Headington Campus - take a break away from the busy environment on campus to unwind, do something creative or recharge in this calm social space.