We encourage you to work hard and do your best while you’re at university, but it’s also important to take time to relax and have fun. Our campuses have a range of Student Spaces for study and socialising. We focused on the study spaces in the libraries on Day 3; today we’ll look at how we can support your wellbeing.
Better Read – reading for pleasure and wellbeing
Reading for pleasure is a proven form of stress relief, so taking time to read something other than your course texts can be good for your wellbeing. The Better Read page has links to more information on the benefits of reading and suggestions of books you can borrow from the library. (Check back to Days 1and 2 for more information about borrowing from the library!)
The Better Read page also has a link to the Wellbeing Collection. This is a collection of self-help books on a range of subjects such as stress management, sleep, eating disorders, the menopause and even some cookery books. The Wellbeing Collection is available to all students and staff. You can find the books in the Study Area on Level 1 West in Singleton Park Library and in the Wellbeing Corner near the group study pod in Bay Library. There are also e-books available for some titles. There’s good evidence that bibliotherapy – using books for self-help therapy – can be very effective, but please do reach out to the university’s Student Support Services if you’re struggling.
Student kitchen
Bay and Singleton Park libraries both have kitchen facilities for you to use. You can help yourself to hot water to make a cup of tea or maybe some noodles; there’s drinking water if you need to top up your bottle; and there are microwaves if you want to heat up some food (please don’t leave microwaves unattended or heat up anything metal!). We’re happy for you to eat cold food anywhere in the library, but if you’re eating a hot meal, please do this in the kitchen. Students in St David’s Park can find microwaves and boiling water in the common room so you can have something hot to eat and a cuppa too!