Moving away from home for the first time can be both exciting and daunting. In this week’s blog, our Facilities and Operations Manager, Gordon Aitken, shares how regular physical activity can support your wellbeing and help you adjust to university life!
Starting university or college is one of life’s biggest transitions. For many, it’s the first time living away from home. A time filled with excitement, independence, and new challenges. Amid managing classes, social life, and responsibilities, it’s easy to overlook personal wellbeing. Yet, one of the most effective and enjoyable ways you can stay balanced and feel your best is by making physical activity a regular part of your routine. Here are 5 benefits of staying active while living away from home:
🧠 Supports mental health and helps to reduce stress
Leaving home for the first time often brings feelings of homesickness, anxiety, or loneliness. Exercise can be an effective way to manage these emotions. Physical activity releases endorphins, chemicals in the brain that improve mood and reduce stress. A brisk walk, a quick gym session, or yoga class can provide mental clarity and help you cope with academic pressure. Regular movement also improves sleep quality, which directly impacts focus and emotional resilience.
🗓️ Builds a routine and sense of stability
When moving to a new environment, routines can disappear overnight. Regular exercise provides structure in an otherwise unpredictable schedule. Whether it’s a morning jog before lectures or an evening fitness class, having a set time to move helps create a sense of normality and control. This routine can act as an anchor, a small but steady part of the day that boosts motivation and time management.
🤝 Creates social connections
Joining a sports club, fitness class, or an intramural team is one of the easiest ways to meet new people and build friendships. Shared physical activities create natural opportunities for social interaction without the pressure of formal settings. These communities can quickly become support networks, helping you feel less isolated. For those far from home, that sense of belonging can make a huge difference in adjusting to university life.
💡 Can boost academic performance
Research consistently shows that physical activity improves concentration, memory, and cognitive function. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which enhances alertness and creativity, two things students can benefit from!
💪 Promotes independence and self-care
Being away from home means taking responsibility for your own wellbeing. Developing a personal fitness routine teaches discipline, self-awareness, and the importance of self-care. Whether it’s learning to cook nutritious meals, cycling to campus, or taking up a new sport, these habits encourage a balanced and healthy lifestyle that will last long beyond university years.
Physical activity is far more than just fitness. It’s a foundation for mental health, social connection, and personal growth. For anyone navigating the challenges of independence, exercise can be both a grounding routine and a reminder of strength, both physically and emotionally.