Social Wellbeing
University is a unique opportunity to engage with lots of new people and to:
Broaden our horizons
Develop new social networks, join new clubs, and learn new things
Improve our relationship skills, which is vital to future professional and personal life
Learn to live with difference – The Times and Sunday Times have named the University of Bradford as the UK’s University of the Year for Social Inclusion 2020
Our specialists’ top tips
- Connect with others – try not to isolate yourself - settling into a new social environment can feel hard at first but is worth it in the long run
- Build your Confidence & Esteem – build your confidence by stepping outside of your comfort zone – do something different!
- Manage your expectations – Higher Education is supposed to be challenging so don’t worry if you feel out of your depth at times – we are here to support you!
- Don’t forget friends and family - whether you live in the UK or are travelling here from abroad, it is always important to keep in touch with the special people in your life
- Help others (and don’t forget about yourself) - helping other people is a great way to feel a sense of purpose and personal reward
- Adapt to difference and diversity - learning to live and work alongside different people from around the world is one of the greatest joys of university. It will enable you to develop your social skills and challenge your ideas about how to live, work and play!
What do our students say?
University is an opportunity for self and social development. With more than 20 sports club and activity groups you will definitely find something that interests you, meet new people and make new friends.
In my first year I was part of a Bollywood dance society, Sikh society, ClinSci society, Medical Ethics society and I played badminton. The face-to-face interactions with people really helped to enhance my mood and productivity.
Your next steps
Read about the other aspects of wellbeing or return to the section homepage and complete our next steps exercise.