Studying abroad or even taking on postgraduate education in your home country can be incredibly exciting but also overwhelming at times. With the academic pressure, unfamiliar surroundings and the daily hustle of adult life, it’s easy to forget that mental health is just as important as our grades.
As a law student, I’ve learned that looking after my mental health is essential, not optional. It affects how I study, connect with people, and show up for myself. If you're feeling anxious, homesick, isolated, or simply low, please know, it’s completely okay and far more common than you think.
Written by Esha Tibrewal, LLM International Business Law student and Student Ambassador. Published 10 October 2025.
Here are some practical ways to manage your mental health while studying, especially as an international student:
🏥 Register with a GP Early
One of the first things I did after arriving in the UK was register with a General Practitioner (GP). It’s easy to overlook but really important. Whether you’re dealing with physical or mental health concerns, your GP can guide you to appropriate support and you’ll already be in the system if you ever need urgent care.
🔹 Bonus tip: The NHS also offers 24-hour urgent mental health helplines in many areas, you can call them anytime.
💬 Use ULaw’s Wellbeing Support Services
One thing I truly appreciate about the University is how supportive they are when it comes to student mental health. You don’t need to feel “really bad” to reach out. If you're stressed, overwhelmed, or even just feeling off you can speak to someone.
ULaw offers:
- One-on-one well-being conversations
- Help accessing external counselling
- Immediate support when you're in crisis
- Assistance through student welfare staff
- They also share helpline contacts and encourage students to reach out before things build up.
👯♀️ Make Friends and Find Community
Being away from home can feel lonely, especially in the beginning. That’s why building a small support circle has helped me feel more grounded. Whether it’s through your course, student societies, or even your flatmates, surround yourself with people you can talk to or simply have fun with.
Don’t isolate yourself. Law school is intense, but it doesn’t mean you have to go through it alone.
🗓️ Create a Balanced Routine
I’m a big believer in timetables not just for studying, but for life. I make sure to block time for:
- Classes and revision
- Meals (without screens!)
- Walks or workouts
- Breaks and fun outings
Having a structure in place makes my days more manageable and gives me a sense of control.
And yes, it’s okay to take a full day off sometimes. Law school won’t fall apart. But your well-being is what keeps it all going.
🧠 Mental Health Isn’t a Weakness — It’s Human
Sometimes, mental health dips come out of nowhere. It doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you. It’s just part of life.
- Talk to someone, even if it feels small
- Visit friends or family if possible
- Take breaks without guilt
- Watch something light, journal, or go for a walk
- Most importantly: don’t stay silent
No matter how you’re feeling — it will pass.
🌟 Final Words:
You are not alone in feeling low, anxious, homesick, or overwhelmed. I’ve been there and so have many students around you. Ask for help. Talk to someone. Give yourself permission to rest.
Because taking care of your mental health isn’t selfish or indulgent. It’s what makes success and happiness sustainable.
If you ever feel like no one would understand, trust me, someone will. And sometimes, talking to a friend, a tutor, or a wellbeing officer can be the turning point.
You’re stronger than you think and support is always closer than it feels.
This article was first published on 3 August 2025 via Unibuddy. Chat to a current student today.
If you are a current student in need of support, please reach out to a member of the Wellbeing team via the ULaw Wellbeing app, the student intranet or via email. Additional support is available 24/7, 365 days a year via Spectrum.Life, our Student Assistance Programme. Call free from within the UK on 0800 031 8227 or from anywhere in the world on 00 353 1518 0277 (calls charged an standard international rates). Further information and support can be found on our student support pages.