Staying Healthy

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Your health should be one of your key priorities; looking after yourself will help you study better and give you more energy to enjoy your student experience with us.

Combining study with a job or a family, living away from home for the first time, or being on a tight budget can all impact on our ‘healthy habits’. Here is an example of five simple rules to help you stay at your best physically:

  • Eat a balanced diet: holistic nutrition includes consciously eating healthy foods that promote vibrant physical and mental health, while supporting a strong immune system and preventing disease. Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods including at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, whole grains, and good fats in moderation. Try to minimise refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup, artificial additives, and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame.
  • Get active: 30 minutes energetic cycling or walking a day can be just as healthy as going to the gym, although we have also agreed a corporate partnership for discounted High Life Highland membership to help you with this.
  • Give up smoking: Why not take this opportunity to think about quitting? For help and guidance you can visit the NHS Stop Smoking website or call the NHS Smokeline on 0800 84 84 84. You can also access advice and support from Quit Your Way Scotland.
  • Get enough sleep: sleep researchers recommend 7-8 hours sleep a night.
  • Relax and have fun: find time to unwind and do the things you enjoy.
  • Be moderate: too much alcohol will upset your health, studies, and bank balance! Find out more about the effects of alcohol on the body.

Useful health related services and guidance

  • NHS Inform - an online guide to help students to use NHS services to get the right care, in the right place.
  • Student Health - contains information on all aspects of health and disease.
  • ReviveR - do you know CPR? Learn when and how to do CPR to save someone's life with this free 15 minute training from British Heart Foundation.
  • MyPeriod - download an app to find free period products near you. The website also has advice and guidance about periods.
  • Health & Wellbeing Library Resources - resources available through the Library services to support your mental and physical wellbeing.
  • Student Recipes – some easy, healthy recipes which won’t break the bank!
  • Support Helplines - a comprehensive list of external helplines and agencies who deal with a wide range of issues from mental health difficulties to bullying, and more.
  • Action for Happiness - helps people take action for a happier and more caring world.
  • UHI Health and Wellbeing - visit our dedicated Health and Wellbeing page on Facebook.

Need medical advice now?

Additional information