Flat Wellbeing

Flatting can pose a lot of challenges – living independently for the first time, managing budgets, prioritising health and wellbeing, forming new friendships and facing new academic challenges. Here are some tips to look out for your wellbeing: 

Create a Routine: Building a solid routine can help you stay on top of things. Dedicate time for study, exercise, meals, and relaxing. Avoid staying cooped up in your room all day, mix things up by studying in the library, going for a walk, or socialising with your flatmates. There’s a direct link between what we do and how we feel. Striking a balance is important – work hard but allow yourself moments to relax and enjoy other activities.  

Focus on Healthy Habits: It’s easy to forget about the basics when life gets busy. Making sure you are getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, drinking enough water and staying active can make a real difference to how you feel and prevent your wellbeing from taking a hit when things get tough.  

Connect with Others: Spending time with others is important to feel connected. Spending time doing flat activities to get to know your flatties is great, but building a network outside your flat can also be valuable. Join Clubs and Societies to meet people with similar interests -OUSA Clubs and Socs offer plenty of options! Volunteering can also provide a great space to meet like-minded people, check out Are You OK? and UniCrew.  

If forming connections feels daunting, OUSA’s Peer Support program a great way to meet others and build confidence in developing friendships. 

Give Yourself Time to Unwind:  

Balancing academic and social demands can feel exhausting. It’s okay to say ‘no’ to a night out and recharge instead. Whether it’s Netflix, listening to music, painting, or taking a quiet walk, find activities you enjoy that may help you relax and recharge. 

Know When to Seek Professional Help: 

If things are feeling too much and you’re overwhelmed with coursework, stressed about balancing responsibilities, or struggling with your mental health, seeking professional support can make a big difference. 

Here are some free/low cost options: 

  • Student Health for GP, counselling, psychology or psychiatrist support. Call 0800 479 821 to book an appointment. 
  • Puāwaitanga offers free phone and web-based counselling to University students. You can book an appointment via the website. https://www.puawaitanga.nz/ 

Helplines: 

  • Need to Talk – text or call 1737. 
  • Youthline – text 234 or call 0800 367 633.  
  • Depression Helpline – text 4202 or call 0800 111 757. 
  • Anxiety NZ – 0800 269 4389. 
  • Lifeline – text 4334 or call 0800 543 354. 

Concerned for a Flatmate’s Wellbeing?  

It’s great to be mindful of your flattie’s wellbeing, especially during stressful periods like exams or deadlines. Here are some signs to watch out for that may indicate that your flattie is struggling with their wellbeing: 

  • Withdrawal, isolation, or avoiding others. 
  • Mood changes, excessive worrying, tearfulness. 
  • Significant shifts in eating or sleeping habits. 
  • Erratic, irrational, manic behaviour. 
  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs. 
  • Self-harm or suicidal ideation. 

What you can do to help: 

  • Check In  
    A simple “How are you?” or an invitation to hang out can make all the difference. It can often take time for someone to feel comfortable opening up.  Keep checking in if you are concerned but don’t pressure them to share anything they aren’t ready to. 
  • Acknowledge and Validate Their Feelings 
    Often, the best way to support someone isn’t by offering solutions right away. Sometimes, they just need to feel heard. Rather than jumping straight into problem-solving mode, take a moment to acknowledge their feelings. Let them know it’s okay to feel what they’re feeling and that you’re there to listen. 
  • Avoid Making Assumptions 
    Everyone handles stress and emotions differently, so it’s important not to assume you know what’s going on. Take the time to ask open-ended questions and truly listen to what they have to say. Show you care by asking open-ended questions like, “How can I help?” or “What do you need right now?”. 
  • Support them to Reach out for Help 
    If you’re concerned about your flatmate’s mental health, don’t hesitate to encourage them to seek help. You could encourage them to chat with Student Health, OUSA Student Support, or support them to reach out to others they trust. You could offer to go with them for extra support, but ultimately, it’s their choice to seek help when they are ready. This process can be difficult for us to manage and sometimes we may feel frustrated, but key to remember that we ultimately we can’t control others’ behaviour. 
  • Check in around Safety  

If you are concerned about your flatmate’s safety or if you have concerns about self-harm or suicide, here are some options to reach out for more help:  

  • EPS (Emergency Psychiatric Services), call them on 0800 467 846 or access through ED at the Dunedin Hospital.  
  • Campus Watch on 0800 479 5000 are available 24/7 and can do a welfare check or take your flatmate to EPS.  
  • If there are immediate safety concerns, don’t hesitate to call police on 111.  
  • Remember to Care for Yourself and Know your Limits 
    You can’t effectively support your flatmates if you’re not looking after yourself first. Prioritise your own self-care, whether that’s through rest, exercise, or simply taking a step back when you need it. Connect with your own support network and remember you are supporting as a friend not a professional. It is important to remind yourself that are not responsible for someone else’s wellbeing. If you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to get support for yourself. When your own mental and physical health is in check, you’re in a much better place to be there for those around you.  

OUSA Student Support is here to help, whether you are concerned about your own or your flattie’s wellbeing. Don’t hesitate to reach out!