Adjusting to university life is different for everyone. For some, it's instant and exciting, while for others it's challenging and takes time and some extra support. In this blog, a student shares how joining Student Support’s Explore Bath group helped them manage low mood, connect with others and discover the city.
It is always fun and exciting when moving to a new place, as it opens doors to new friends, new life, and new culture, until we start craving the familiarity and comfort we once had. Ever noticed how everything works well in the beginning, when it's still exciting and unfamiliar? However, the heart always looks for ways to return to the fun and peace we were used to. It was just when I started to feel the jitters and was keeping in dull and low moods, that I discovered the Explore Bath initiative by the University of Bath's Student Support.
It was a six-week programme across different places in Bath every Saturday, led by Emma and Marta, the loveliest humans I came across after moving to Bath. It was the perfect escape from the university work week and coursework. I met a lot of people from different disciplines, different grad years, and most importantly from different parts of the world. My most memorable trip with them was the very first one, which was at the American Museum and Gardens. It was the best way to start the Explore Bath tours. We went walking across the lush greenery on campus (a part which I had never explored) to the gardens.
Another favourite of mine was visiting Sydney Gardens. It became my go-to place, which I still visit quite often to this date. Emma came up with a fun activity: collecting random things we found during the visit, which she turned into a beautiful mandala. It was a perfect example of how random things put together turned into a beautiful piece of art.
Also, after every visit, the team was so kind to treat us to a cup of hot chocolate. We then started rating all the places we visited to see which place had the best hot chocolate in Bath. This was also when we sat together, discussed the trip, and made new friends.
On days when the weather wasn't great, they made alternative arrangements for an indoor activity or moved it to another date. How cool is that? I learnt that I had to break the pattern of continuously being indoors. Going outdoors is very important for your wellbeing, both physically and mentally. The smallest things, like breathing more oxygen and breaking the monotony of living indoors, are great mood lifters that I was able to achieve through Explore Bath. Also, the fact that it involved walking, just enough for my body to move for the day, made me realise that it is one of the fastest ways to improve my mood.
I recommend this group to anyone who’s still finding their way around the new city and trying to settle in just right. The team is extremely warm, kind, and welcoming. You’re sure to finish your Saturdays with a smile.
To find out more about Explore Bath and our other groups for wellbeing (such as Art and Yoga) please visit Social Prescribing at Bath. You can also read our Adjusting to university life guide and Loneliness guide for practical tips to help you settle in and overcome loneliness at University.
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