Starting university and possibly moving away from home is a really exciting time – new experiences, new friends, new memories, and new things to learn and do. But this big change can also bring about worries if you have an eating disorder.
Going to university is a big transition in someone’s life, so it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed and experiencing lots of different emotions. However, these uncomfortable feelings can make some people in eating disorder recovery want to lean on their eating disorder behaviours as coping strategies.
So, whether you are starting university for the first time, or returning after taking some time out, this page aims to give you tips about how to handle this transition positively.
University isn’t for everyone – you might prefer to do an apprenticeship, or go straight into work.
But, if you do want to go to university, here are a few questions to ask yourself (alone or with loved ones) to make sure this is a good time for you:
If you are working with an eating disorder team, they should be able to support you on answering these questions, and give you support for your transition to university.
Lists all across the internet will give you some great ideas of things to pack for your first year of university. Preparing for university while in eating disorder recovery is just the same, with a few extra steps.
Reach out to the disability services ahead of joining university. They will be able to get you support, extensions on your work if your wellbeing is affected, and put you in touch with mental health advisors.
Apply for the Student’s Disability Allowance - if you’re not sure you’re eligible, it’s still worth applying.
If you’re not living locally for university, you’ll need to update your GP to make sure you can still get support near you. You can now change your GP via the NHS app, and only takes a few minutes to apply.
Before going to university, you might want to practice what independent cooking and mealtimes look like.
Try writing shopping lists, trialling food shopping, and making meals with this food. You might want to do this with your loved ones and eating disorder team. You can find our tips on food shopping here: Food Shopping with an Eating Disorder
You could make lists of ‘safe’ meals for when you get to university, to minimise overwhelm at the start. Add to these as you find more, or feel more confident.
If you have a meal plan, make sure to bring it with you to keep your recovery on track. This can also help you shop for food if you feel overwhelmed by the choice.
Universities usually offer catered options too - do some research to see if this might be for you!
There are also some self-care items you can pack, which can help soothe or distract you if you start to feel negative feelings and emotions too.
Bring items that bring you calm, such as special clothing, favourite books, a cuddly toy or game, your favourite perfume, or favourite mug for a cup of tea.
Soothing activities that take your mind off your thoughts – nail polish, colouring pad and pens, your favourite mug and teabags, fidget toys, a journal, or creative outlets.
University halls don’t allow candles, but if you want to create a calming environment, you can bring fairy lights (don’t forget batteries!), lamps, reed diffusers, or fake plastic candles.
You can find more self-care tips here: Self-Help & Self-Care
Freshers Week is a really fun and exciting time, with lots of activities to take part in, including Freshers Fair and themed nights out. With all these exciting changes, it can be easy to throw yourself in and de-prioritise your health and wellbeing. So, there are a few ways you can support your recovery.
Keep some snacks, non-perishables and safe foods at hand, such as in your room and in your bag.
Try meal-prepping, so you don’t need to cook every day, or worry about what you’re going to eat if you’re feeling anxious.
You might find it helpful to go food shopping with your flat-mates together, and maybe even cook together. This may help lessen your anxiety, hold you accountable with your shopping list, and make the experience more fun!
Eating in front of other people can feel difficult, especially in front of people you don’t know very well. Head here for tips on how you can eat in front of your flat mates: Coping with Eating in Front of Others
Before your course begins, you may not have a decided routine – including when you eat. If structure helps you, create your own routine, following your meal plan if you have one.
If you’re struggling, remember we’re here for you - through our Helpline, online support groups, and resources.
When you first get to university, you’ll meet so many new people, through your flat mates and activities taking part during Freshers Week. But, friends don’t just stop there – you'll meet so many more people on your course and through clubs and societies, so don’t worry if you don’t ‘click’ with people straight away.
Societies can help you meet like-minded people, and do activities that you’re passionate about, or never tried but want to give it a go.
Lots of universities have societies dedicated to supporting and connecting people who’ve experienced mental health issues, and raising awareness. Some universities even have their own Beat society!
Every university has a different but wide list of societies, which you’ll be able to find on their website. You’ll also be able to find out more about societies through Fresher’s Fair.
And, not everything will revolve around drinking alcohol or going out clubbing, if you’re worried about this. Lots of people will like a quiet night in – and you’ll be able to find these people when socialising in the first few weeks.
You might find that you need support at the beginning of university while you find your feet - or you might find your need support throughout.
Whenever you need eating disorder support, remember we're here for you!
Just because you’re away from home at university – or being away from your usual routine, if you’re living at home while at university – doesn't mean you’ll lose your support system. If anything, you might gain more support, by making more friends!
Your friends, family, and loved ones are still there for you, even if contacting them might look a little different:
You’ll also have lots of new resources while at university too:
Your university will have student wellbeing services that you can access – some ahead of starting too. This includes counsellors, buddy schemes with older students, mental health advisors, and disability services.
Each student is assigned to a tutor, who can support you academically, but also can help you get the support that you need. This might be extensions on your work if you needed to take time out for your wellbeing or treatment.
Many universities have services like Nightline, where you can anonymously contact volunteers in the listening service.
And, our Helpline is still available for you, Monday to Friday, 3-8pm.
You can also join our online support groups, which take place every week too.
A lot of university courses have exams and essays, which can increase your stress levels. But, some people recovering from their eating disorder may fall back to negative coping mechanisms to cope.
We have lots of information on how to manage your stress during exams and university in general here: Eating Disorders and Exams
University is full of amazing experiences – and amazing people. Much like life, there will be ups and downs at university, and looking after your mental health and wellbeing is key to support your recovery.
But remember, you're not alone in this!
If you start to feel overwhelmed at university, tell someone – your loved ones at home, your flat mates and friends, your eating disorder treatment team, or our Helpline.
And, above all, we hope you have a fantastic time at university!