Wellbeing
Wellbeing for me is being able to find a balance between work, social life, and me-time.
We are here to support you
LSE has dedicated services to support you, your mental health and your wellbeing:
- The Student Wellbeing Service offers a range of support to students so you can make the most out of your LSE experience. This includes the Wellbeing and Counselling services, if your circumstances are affecting your wellbeing and/or academic progress. You can find out more here
- The Student Wellbeing webpage also includes information on what to do in an emergency or if you require urgent support and are in crisis. If you need any ‘out of hours’ support, you can find further information here on how to access help (including a 24/7 phone line for someone you can speak to)
- The Disability and Mental Health Service (DMHS) offers confidential advice and support to all disabled students, including support for students with physical impairments, long-term health conditions, mental health conditions, specific learning difficulties and autistic spectrum conditions. Please find out more here about the support they can provide, including how to set up any learning adjustments (My Adjustments) for your studies and assessments.
- Peer Supporters are trained student volunteers who you can turn to for a non-judgmental and confidential listening space. You can explore what they offer here.
- If you could use some advice and support on anything study-related, you may want to book a 1:1 meeting with a LSE LIFE study adviser! They can help talk to you about key skills such as reading, making notes, essay writing, managing your time and other study-related skills.
- Find out about Wellbeing support within the Department below. You will also find a range of advice and resources available on our Department Moodle page, in our ‘Wellbeing’ section.
- Follow our Community Wellbeing Wall to hear about what Wellbeing means to our community, with advice and tips included below and share your ideas here.
Department Resources
If you do have any concerns or are in need of support, please remember to reach out to us, there are many ways to contact us:.
- Your Student Community and Wellbeing Manager – Clare is a key contact within the Department and is there to hold space for you if you want to talk about anything that may be affecting your wellbeing and/or your studies. She can also explain and help signpost you to the various support available both within and outside of the School. Talk to Clare, too, about any trouble you may experience settling into LSE and London, as a new and/or international student.
- Your Academic Mentor (AM)- your AM will guide and assist you in your learning development and maintain an overview of your academic progress and overall wellbeing during your time at the School. Find out more about the role of your Academic Mentor here.
- Programme Support meetings- the Programme support teamsoffer weekly sessions where you can speak to us about anything with which you need help or advice. You can book sessions via the Student Hub.
- MHFA- Some of the Department's are Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA)- a point of contact if you, or someone you are concerned about, are experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. They can give you initial support and signpost you to appropriate help if required.
- Financial Support- If you find yourself in unexpected financial need or difficulty, you should apply to the School Hardship fund in the first instance. Contact the Financial Support Office for information on how to apply. Once you have applied to the School fund, you can also apply to the Department Hardship fund, if appropriate. This may be able to help you in the event that you do not receive funding from the School, or may be able to provide addition support to the School hardship fund in particular cases.
Speak to your Academic Mentor and/or the Programme support team for further information on how the Department Hardship fund may be able to help you.
For all further information on the financial advice and assistance the School can provide, take a look at this helpful webpage - Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) at the Department of Social Policy- The Department and its staff work to ensure respectful, inclusive and supporting working relationships, within the Department. Read more here.
- Reporting and safe contactsThe School's website, Making a Choice, is specifically designed to help you report any type of discrimination, sexual violence, bullying, harassment and hate crime experienced or witnessed on campus, and to provide sources of support to any student or staff member who has experienced this.The Safe Contacts and Support scheme is made up of members of LSE staff who have received training and can offer a confidential 'signposting' service for students and staff who have previously or are currently experiencing some form of bullying or harassment.
‘Report & Support’allows individuals to either anonymously or otherwise report any form of harassment, bullying, sexual violence, discrimination or hate crime to the School, whether they have experienced it themselves or been a witness.
You can find further information and support options (both within and outside of the School) via this helpful webpage.
Racism, homophobia/transphobia, sexism, discrimination, bullying and harassment are all unacceptable and will not be tolerated in the Department of Social Policy or at LSE.
Wellbeing tips that have been shared from our Department of Social Policy community (staff and students) feature on our Community Wellbeing Wall area below. We'd love to keep hearing from you about what Wellbeing means to you! Please share your top Wellbeing tips with us via the form here. NB: All submissions for the Wellbeing Wall will be posted anonymously.
Wellbeing tips
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Wellbeing means being at ease with one’s mental but also physical health. Either might not be perfect, but the status of both should be if not great then at least not a barrier to enjoying life.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
To be around people and when around them, focus on and care about them to the extent that you don’t think about yourself. Try to avoid all thoughts about oneself. It won’t be totally possible, but it will help reduce the self-centredness.
Tips for keeping motivated
Share your aims and aspirational paths with others and find ways to take these paths with others. It might be that others can only somewhat join you - that’s good enough. Care about their path and they will with yours.
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Ensuring that I am kind to myself during times of difficulty and stress.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
Practicing positive affirmations, taking regular breaks, doing something which your mind finds relaxing.
Tips for keeping motivated
Taking regular breaks by making sure I treat myself! I tend to reward myself with catching up on a Netflix show or going out shopping. Stay in touch with friends and discuss your stress, as it’s likely they are experiencing the same feelings and you can both work to motivate eachother.
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Satisfaction and happiness with regards to one's physical, mental, emotional and social health at a given point of time.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
1. Focusing on positivity and the little things that makes one happy 2. Exposure to nature - go for walks, see the sunset etc 3. Staying active 4. Developing a strong community / support system 5. Eating good food - sometimes not worrying about the diet and treating yourself goes a long way, especially in this weather when the body is already fighting the cold 6. Getting enough sleep
Tips for keeping motivated
1. Setting achievable goals 2. Incentivise yourself 3. Take periodic breaks 4. Celebrate achievements
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Doing things that make you happy and putting yourself first for a refreshed, clear mindset
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
Spend quality time with friends Do small acts of goodness to yourself or others Do calming activities, like painting
Tips for keeping motivated
Keep a daily planner to help organise yourself
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Finding a balance between what needs to be done and what is enjoyable. If possible, I think optimal wellbeing is where we are in a position to reframe our mindset towards all tasks and see the positives within them all.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
Ensure you have something to look forward to everyday! it can be something as small as making your favourite meal/ seeing a friend on campus. Try to find time for exercise
Tips for keeping motivated
Try to see the bigger picture and look at the end goal. Sometimes we get overly stressed on the minor details and forget how insignificant they are in the bigger picture!
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Peace
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
Practicing presence, breathing exercises and meditation
Tips for keeping motivated
Being grateful for what I have
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Wellbeing means maintaining a healthy balance between doing what you need to do and what makes you happy.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
Schedule time to do what you need to (like academics, part-time work, etc.) and time to do what makes you happy - hobbies, self-care, sports...
Tips for keeping motivated
Plan something - even small - to look forward to every week!
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Wellbeing, to me, is about balance and fulfillment. It’s not just about feeling good physically or mentally in isolation but about the harmony between my emotional, physical, and social needs. It’s waking up feeling aligned with my goals, having the energy to pursue them, and knowing I’ve made space for rest and joy. Wellbeing isn’t about being perfect or constantly productive—it’s about showing up for myself, prioritizing what matters, and having the resilience to navigate life’s challenges.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
1) Sunlight and Fresh Air: Especially in winter, I prioritize getting outside during the daylight hours to combat the gloom 2) Disconnect to Recharge: Taking intentional breaks from screens and social media allows me to fully unwind, whether it’s through journaling, meditating, or simply being present. 3) Creative Outlets: Cooking, exploring new recipes, or trying hobbies helps me engage in something fun and satisfying that’s just for me. 4) Connection: While I value alone time, staying in touch with friends and family reminds me that I’m supported and not alone in my journey.
Tips for keeping motivated
1) Set Incremental Goals: Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable pieces keeps me from feeling overwhelmed. I focus on progress over perfection. 2) Self-Discipline is Self-Care: Discipline isn’t about forcing myself to work—it’s about respecting my goals and long-term wellbeing. I remind myself that sticking to my priorities today means less stress tomorrow. 3) Create Boundaries: Knowing when to say no (to distractions, extra commitments, or even overworking) allows me to preserve energy for what truly matters. Boundaries help me avoid burnout and stay focused. 4) Focus on the Why: When motivation dips, I reconnect with my "why"—the reason I’m pursuing my degree, my goals, or even smaller habits like exercising or journaling.
Useful links to resources
| Wellbeing tips and strategies designed specifically for postgraduate students: https://thewellbeingthesis.org.uk One of my favorite pods: 10% Happier with Dan Harris Explores meditation and mindfulness in an approachable, often humorous way. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ten-percent-happier-with-dan-harris/id1087147821 |
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Striking a balance between all those necessary life tasks and meeting all of your needs. Waking up each morning and feeling excited about the day ahead :)
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
1. Keep a good routine and hold yourself accountable to it. Make sure you factor in all the things you love too. 2. Exercise, diet and sleep are your best friends. Find different forms of exercise that don't feel like a chore (I love hot yoga & cycling) and try to do them as frequently as you can. Stick to a whole foods, unprocessed diet and get your eight hours of sleep !
Tips for keeping motivated
Remember all the work it took you to get to where you are now. It's easy to get lost in comparison next to all the amazing people around you at LSE but just remember that you're with the best of the best and you deserve to be there too!
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Wellbeing means spending time with yourself and allowing yourself to do things that you enjoy and ease your mind. Learning to put distance between the stress that you experience and yourself. Taking time out of the day to unwind and rest.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
Making achievable goals everyday, even if it is something small as going for a walk or going to the bakery and getting your favourite treat. Journaling can help with releasing built up stress, and it's a good way to understand your own emotions better.
Tips for keeping motivated
Writing some goals down and having them on the wall or on some sticky note can help remind you. Or just meeting friends and doing something together, instead of alone, can also help. Otherwise, scheduling a downtime on your calendar might help as a reminder as well.
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Healthy mental health, happy and at peace with where you are at in life currently.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
Healthy mindsets Talking to friends when things get rough Explore some therapeutic activities to help when things are rough
Tips for keeping motivated
Plan a little surprise for yourself every now and then
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
For me wellbeing is not just about having a positive mindset and being comfortable and happy. Wellbeing is leading life with a goal to make a conscious decision to pursue and maintain happiness, no matter what life throws our way. Wellbeing is not something that can be achieved it’s something you consistently work to achieve to have stability and peace which will make you feel happy.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
For me: 1. praying 2. telling myself I’m pretty, I’m confident, I’m a bosswoman and I’m independent in the mirror every day 3. reflective journalling when and as needed
Tips for keeping motivated
1. Motivating quotes and poems being visible to you (i.e phone screen, desk)
2. Talking to yourself in a positive tone and using positive language (people usually tell themselves they aren't worthy, or use negative words to describe themselves)
3. Take a break (you can't work 24/7)
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Well-being means being comfortable in your mind as well as in your body, not feeling tension or pressure, simply do things how I feel they should be done. The best feeling for me is being serene, calm. Also it means having caring people around you, family, friends, school, that you can reach out if you need.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
Doing sports, writing your feelings, calling the people that are important for you
Tips for keeping motivated
Keep your goals in mind, being balanced (not burning yourself with work)
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Wellbeing means being a good friend to oneself.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
When things are getting difficult, make sure to focus on fundamentals: sleep well, eat well and move.
Tips for keeping motivated
If something's worth doing, it's worth doing badly - just try to the extent that you can.
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Wellbeing means happiness, emotional connection, feeling of being supported.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
Have regular communication with people in your life and try and have a positive outlook on most things.
Tips for keeping motivated
Reward yourself, be proud of yourself and take control of your identifiable Characteristics that are impacting your wellbeing.
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
To me, well-being means forgiveness. Knowing your limits and being accepting of them so that you can take a break when necessary.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
Try to physically move out of a space when stressed, even just for a couple of minutes.
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Balance - being able to be productive whilst being able to rest and do things you enjoy.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
Actively removing myself from work - only work in certain places, keep your room your own to relax in
Tips for keeping motivated
Exercising in the morning - helps you start feeling productive and gives you more energy throughout the day.
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Knowing it’s okay to take a break (short or long) when you’re stressed or have a lot of work to do.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
Maintaining social life (not partying but going on walks with friends, meeting for meals)
Tips for keeping motivated
Listening to music, having a schedule and sticking to it.
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
To feel happy and not anxious about deadlines...
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
London is amazing, take at least one hour to visit cool places around the city... it is possible to visit a new place each time.
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Wellbeing is how well we can function as an individual, as a community, as a nation, and globally.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
Develop meaningful connections based on common goals and interests. Get to know your own community Travel Immerse oneself in nature.
Tips for keeping motivated
Never forget to make our lives meaningful because we are in this world for a very short time.
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Well-being means prioritising rest, calm, and joy. It does not have an end goal. It is about enjoying the moment and slowing down (usually). Most importantly, it looks different for everyone.
Taking time for yourself every day - even if it is 20 min Breathing exercises LSE offers therapy sessions Avoid screens before sleeping.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
Plan & Make use of LSE's resources - Career services etc. Remember that you are not alone, and you do not have to do this alone.
Tips for keeping motivated
Remember that the goal is to get it done. Your thesis is probably going to be the "worst" work you would do in your career. It is just the beginning of your career.
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Well-being is a strongly knit community, peace with my circumstances and acceptance of the knowledge that university life can be challenging beyond academia.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
1. Build a close-knit community intentionally 2. Eat food that is beyond instant gratification
Tips for keeping motivated
1. Remember that university is transient period of life 2. Remember to make time for unbridled, silly fun
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Wellbeing means to me means feeling calm and in control of my life. It means feeling okay, even when things are new and overwhelming.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
Meditation, taking a break, exercise, eating well and giving yourself the space to procrastinate, relax and do what you want!
Tips for keeping motivated
Journalling, planning/organisations, TED talks and speaking to people that inspire you.
What does Wellbeing mean to you?
Wellbeing means feeling okay - not succumbing to stress, feeling supported and at peace in life.
Tips on maintaining Wellbeing
Getting enough sleep, letting yourself rest, maintaining social connections and experiences.
Tips for keeping motivated
Not making assignments feel too large; incrementalizing workloads to stay on top of your stress.
We hold wellbeing events at various times throughout the academic year. These will be advertised via our student newsletters.