University Mental Health Day 2026

Top Self-Care Tips: SoHS Giveaway

Share your self-care tips and have a chance to win a goody bag from the School of Health Sciences this University Mental Health Day! One entry will be drawn per person but share as many tips as you like! To be entered into a chance to win, e-mail hs-studentexp@nottingham.ac.uk with your padlet entry's title and your name. We'll also have the padlet open to enter at our drop-in event in the School of Health Sciences on Thu 12 March! Best of luck!

Open to all students - Enter Top Self-Care Tips: SoHS Giveaway

Offline Moments padlet competition

Share one offline moment that helped you feel calmer, happier, or more connected. It could be a conversation, attending an event, cooking with friends, or simply taking a break from your phone. All entries will go into a prize draw to win 1 × £30 Love2Shop voucher and 2 × £10 Love2Shop vouchers + 2 positive student planners.

Open to all students - Enter Offline Moments padlet competition

University Mental Health Day Instagram Giveaway

Follow us on Instagram (@uonwellbeingteam), like the post, and tag a friend and share a supportive message under the Giveaway Post for a chance to win a £50 Love2Shop voucher!

Open to all students - Enter University Mental Health Day giveaway

Studying Effectively webinar series

Need more support with your studies, or want to feel more confident in using resources? Join the Libraries Learning Development team for free webinars to help you study smarter, not harder. 

Open to all students - Join the Libraries Learning Development team for free webinars

9am - 12pm

1pm - 4pm

Escape & Elevate: A VR Journey to Calm 

Fancy a break from reality, immerse yourself in a calm and relaxing virtual reality in the Engineering VR suite.

Open to all students - no booking necessary, just drop-in. 

Sessions run throughout the day Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and in the mornings on Tuesday and Friday 

9am - 12pm

Escape & Elevate: A VR Journey to Calm 

Fancy a break from reality, immerse yourself in a calm and relaxing virtual reality in the Engineering VR suite.

Open to all students - no booking necessary, just drop-in. 

Sessions run throughout the day Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and in the mornings on Tuesday and Friday 

A01, Engineering and Science Learning Centre (ESLC), University Park

10am - 12pm

Press pause with Libraries – refuel café

Take a well-deserved break and pick up a free hot drink from the library. Take some quiet time for yourself, explore activities in the library games zone or ask staff any questions you have about using library services.

Open to all students - no need to sign up, just turn up!

Hallward Library, University Park 

10am - 12pm

Press pause with Libraries – refuel café

Take a well-deserved break and pick up a free hot drink from the library. Take some quiet time for yourself, explore activities in the library games zone or ask staff any questions you have about using library services.

Open to all students - no need to sign up, just turn up!

11am - 1pm

Warm Hug in a Mug 

Come and join us for a cup of hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Open to all students - Just drop-in, no pre-booking needed!

Environmental Education Centre (EEC) Foyer, University Park

11am - 1pm

Warm Hug in a Mug 

Come and join us for a cup of hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Open to all students - Just drop-in, no pre-booking needed!

Advanced Manufacturing Building Foyer, Jubilee Campus

11am - 2pm

Tea and Tote Bags

Escape the daily grind and unleash your creativity at our Tea & Tote Bag Design event! Sip soothing teas while designing your own unique tote bag or accessory. We'll provide all the materials and inspiration you need to craft a personalized masterpiece. It's the perfect opportunity to relax, socialize, and express yourself. Join us for a fun and therapeutic experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.

Open to all students - no need to book, just turn up!

Foyer, Derby Medical School

11am - 3pm

Cakes, crafting, biscuits and board games  

Relax and do some crafting and board games with a biscuit and a cake

Open to all students - Just drop-in, no pre-booking needed!

Environmental Education Centre (EEC) Foyer, University Park

11am - 3pm

Engineering Growth 

We will be doing some seed planting and pot decoration. Seeds, compost and pots will all be provided on the day.

Open to all students - Just drop-in, no pre-booking needed!

Environmental Education Centre (EEC) Foyer, University Park

11am - 3pm

Cakes, crafting, biscuits and board games  

Relax and do some crafting and board games with a biscuit and a cake

Open to all students - Just drop-in, no pre-booking needed!

Advanced Manufacturing Building Foyer, Jubilee Campus 

11am - 3pm

Engineering Growth 

We will be doing some seed planting and pot decoration. Seeds, compost and pots will all be provided on the day.

Open to all students - Just drop-in, no pre-booking needed!

Advanced Manufacturing Building Foyer, Jubilee Campus

12pm - 1pm

Money Matters  

Come along and ask any questions about money management.

Open to all students - no need to book, just turn up!

Advanced Manufacturing Building Foyer, Jubilee Campus

9am - 12pm

1pm - 4pm

Escape & Elevate: A VR Journey to Calm 

Fancy a break from reality, immerse yourself in a calm and relaxing virtual reality in the Engineering VR suite.

Open to all students - no booking necessary, just drop-in. 

Sessions run throughout the day Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and in the mornings on Tuesday and Friday 

A01, Engineering and Science Learning Centre (ESLC), University Park

11am - 1pm

Study With Us

Finding it hard to focus? Join our online Study With Us sessions to find out how you can be more productive while chatting to and getting tips from fellow members of your University community. 

Open to all students - Join our online Study With Us sessions

Online

11.30am - 1.30pm

Paws and Pause: Therapy Dogs 

Are you looking to de-stress with some pet therapy? Slots will be available to book for 20 minutes with Ruby and Bertie.  

Open to Engineering students only - look out for an email/QR code to book. 

A01, Engineering and Science Learning Centre (ESLC), University Park

12pm - 2pm

SSP Mental Health Day Crafts

Drop-in to Crafts in the Atrium where students can paint an animal plant pot and plant a succulent, canvas tote bag painting and beaded jewellery making.

Open to School of Sociology and Social Policy students only - no need to book, just turn up!

The Atrium, Law and Social Sciences Building, University Park

1pm - 2pm

Jubilee Campus Nature Walk

We are offering with the University of Nottingham, Sustainability Team a Jubilee Campus Nature Walk. Our aim is to create a supportive, restorative experience for students by combining a gentle campus nature walk on Jubilee Campus. This initiative is designed to: 

1. Support student mental wellbeing by providing a calm, low‑pressure activity that encourages mindfulness, stress reduction, and time away from academic demands.

2. Introduces students to the natural spaces on Jubilee campus, helping them discover accessible, everyday ways to reconnect with nature to help to improve theirwellbeing.

3. And to foster social connection by offering a welcoming space for students to meet their peers, build community, and reduce feelings of isolation.

Open to all students - you can arrive on the day without booking

Meeting point in the Foyer,  Exchange Building, Jubilee Campus

1.30pm - 2.30pm

Wellbeing Wander

Run, jog or walk around Highfields lake 

Open to all students - no booking required

Opposite Lakeside Cafe 

1.30pm - 3.30pm

CommuniTEA and Zen Zone

Take some time out of your day to relax and chat with friends over a hot drink and relax with mindful crafting activities. We will also have the Faculty Wellbeing Team available for drop-in sessions, as well as a calm zone for a space to relax and pick up resources and tips for managing stress. Escape the academic hustle and find your inner peace at Zen Zone!

Open to all students - no need to book, just turn up!

The Hub, back of Greenfield Medical Library, Medical School 

3pm - 4pm 

Managing careers and financial pressures

Balancing study with work, family, and financial responsibilities can be challenging. Join the Careers Team and the Financial Capabilities Team for a thought-provoking session.

Open to all student - Sign up for managing careers and financial pressures workshop

D04, Monica Partridge, Unniversity Park

All day

techtimeout thursday

To mark #UniMentalHealthDay, we’re encouraging students to take a break from digital devices and spend at least one hour engaging in offline activities. Stepping away from screens can help you recharge, connect with others, and support your wellbeing.

 Here are some ways you can take part:

• Join the University Mental Health Day Steps Challenge on the UoN Moves app.
• Visit the Wellbeing Café in the Ex-Blackwell’s space, B Floor, Portland Building.
• Take part in the range of University Mental Health Day events happening across our campuses.

Open to all students - check the events list for full details and find something that works for you.

9am - 12pm

1pm - 4pm

Escape & Elevate: A VR Journey to Calm 

Fancy a break from reality, immerse yourself in a calm and relaxing virtual reality in the Engineering VR suite.

Open to all students - no booking necessary, just drop-in. 

Sessions run throughout the day Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and in the mornings on Tuesday and Friday 

A01, Engineering and Science Learning Centre (ESLC), University Park

10am - 12pm

Mental Health Cafe 

Take a break with us at our Mental Health Cafe! Join your peers for drinks, snacks, cake and more, and why not try a new craft? You can find out more about money saving tips and advice from a member of our Finance team as well. 

Open to School of CLAS student only - no need to sign up, just turn up!

B10 (CLAS common room), Trent Building, University Park

10am - 2.30pm

Craft and Chill Drop-in

Join us in a chill crafting space in B222, Medical School Building, between 10am and 2:30pm on Thursday 12 March. This event is open to all School of Health Sciences students. Make use of different crafting materials in the room - from friendship bracelet and keyring making, to bedazzling your own hand sanitiser or lotion holders to take away with you, crocheting and colouring and more! We'll even have possible chances to win a self-care goody bag! Or if you just want a calm space to find support, bring along your own projects, speak to staff and learn more about the services available at the University of Nottingham - we've got you covered this University Mental Health Day.

Open to School of Health Sciences students only - No sign up required, but some provided crafting materials may be limited as the day progresses, so make sure not to miss out!

B222 (Formerly known as Meeting Room 2), School of Health Sciences, Nottingham Medical School Building

11am - 1pm

Therapy Dogs

For UMHD, special VIP guests, Ruby and Bertie (therapy dogs) will be visiting Psychology!

Open to Psychology students only - no need to sign up, just turn up!

A22, Psychology Building, University Park

11am - 1pm

Warm Hug in a Mug

Come and join us for a cup of hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Open to all students - no booking required, just drop-in.

Engineering and Science Learning Centre (ESLC) Atrium, University Park

11am - 2pm

Wellbeing Café

Join us for a relaxed Wellbeing Café as part of University Mental Health Day.

Drop in for some free pizza, cakes and hot drinks. Get creative with a crafting session or simply take a breather in a welcoming space. It’s a chance to unwind, meet other students, and have an informal chat with a member of the wellbeing team if you’d like to. We’ll also have some freebies up for grabs!

Open to all students - no booking required, just turn up!

Ex-Blackwell’s space (near Portland Coffee), B floor, Portland Building, University Park

11am - 2pm

Support and Wellbeing Pop Up

Join us in the ESLC Atrium on Thursday 12th March, between 11am- 2pm for our Support and Wellbeing Pop‑Up!

Staff from the Engineering Support and Wellbeing Team will be available for you to meet, ask questions, or find out more about the wellbeing support available to students.We’ll also be offering some relaxed, mindful activities and sharing tips and guidance on looking after your wellbeing. Please drop by as you please – everyone is welcome.

Open to all students - Just drop-in, no pre-booking needed!

11am - 3pm

Biscuits and Board Games

Relax with some board games and a selection of biscuits

Open to all students - no booking required, just turn up!

Engineering and Science Learning Centre (ESLC) Atrium, University Park

11.30am - 2pm 

Grow My Wellbeing

Join us and take some time out for a relaxed afternoon chatting, doing fun activities and refreshments. Plant the seeds of wellbeing, by planting and decorating your own plant pot or try out some other craft activities. All supplies, including pots, decorating pens, soil and seeds will be provided—just bring your imagination!

Open to all students - Just drop-in, no pre-booking needed!

The Nest, The Barn, Sutton Boninton campus 

11am - 3pm

Cakes and Crafting 

Join us for some scratch art egg decoration.

Open to all students - Just drop-in, no pre-booking needed!

Engineering and Science Learning Centre (ESLC) Atrium, University Park

11am - 3pm

Engineering Growth: Seed Planting and Pot Decoration 

We will be doing some seed planting and pot decoration. Seeds, compost and pots will all be provided on the day.

Open to all students - Just drop-in, no pre-booking needed!

11am - 3pm

Money Matters: Financial Health Check 

Come along for a chat with our finance team and get some top tips on saving money.

Open to all students - Just drop-in, no pre-booking needed!

11am - 3pm

Build a Bug Hotel: Flat pack Insect houses  

Build and Paint your own bug hotel

Open to all students - Just drop-in, no pre-booking needed! 

11am - 3pm

ABLAZE 

Chaplaincy and Faith support led activities.

Open to all students - Just drop-in, no pre-booking needed!

12pm - 2pm

A Café for connection

Phones down. Conversations up. At A90, enjoy coffee, cake, and real conversations. Leave your phone aside, grab a seat in the Student Common Room, and join a session with the Poetry and Spoken Word Society, with brainstorming, writing, and readings included.

Open to all students - no need to sign up, just turn up!

Room A90, Trent Building, University Park

12pm - 2pm

Tea and Tote Bags

Escape the daily grind and unleash your creativity at our Tea & Tote Bag Design event! Sip soothing teas while designing your own unique tote bag or accessory. We'll provide all the materials and inspiration you need to craft a personalized masterpiece. It's the perfect opportunity to relax, socialize, and express yourself. Join us for a fun and therapeutic experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.

Open to all students - no need to book, just turn up!

Student Common Room, CSB, City Hospital

1pm - 3pm

HumaniTeas Reads Book Club

Welcome to the HumaniReads Book Club, a space for stories to spark conversation, curiosity, and connection. Those who have signed up, please meet us in the Humanities Atrium on Thursday 12 March at 1pm. Once greeted in the Humanities Atrium, you will be allocated a room with peers who have read the same book!  The vibe is relaxed discussion, no pressure.

Open to Students from Humanities that have signed up only 

Meet in the Humanities Atrium where you will be allocated a room with peers who have read the same book!

Cosy Corner

To mark University Mental Health Day, we’re inviting you to take a well-deserved pause at Cosy Corner. 

Cosy Corner is a relaxed drop-in space designed for you to unwind, recharge, and take a break from the busyness of the day. Bring along a book, settle into a comfy seat, and enjoy some quiet time, or simply come along for a calm, welcoming atmosphere. 

University Mental Health Day is all about making space for conversations, connection, and self-care. Whether you stay for five minutes or the whole time, we’d love to see you there. 

Open to Humanities students only - no need to sign up, just turn up!

2pm - 4pm

Press pause with Libraries – refuel café

Take a well-deserved break and pick up a free hot drink from the library. Take some quiet time for yourself, explore activities in the library games zone or ask staff any questions you have about using library services.

Open to all students - no need to sign up, just turn up!

George Green Library, University Park

9am - 12pm

Escape & Elevate: A VR Journey to Calm 

Fancy a break from reality, immerse yourself in a calm and relaxing virtual reality in the Engineering VR suite.

Open to all students - no booking necessary, just drop-in. 

Sessions run throughout the day Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and in the mornings on Tuesday and Friday 

A01, Engineering and Science Learning Centre (ESLC), University Park 

10am - 12pm

Press pause with Libraries – refuel café

Take a well-deserved break and pick up a free hot drink from the library. Take some quiet time for yourself, explore activities in the library games zone or ask staff any questions you have about using library services.

Open to all students - no need to sign up, just turn up!

James Cameron Gifford Library, Sutton Bonington Campus

11am - 2pm

Spring Pot Painting and Decorating

Design and paint your own plant pot, plant a sunflower seed, and take home something you have created yourself. A fun, social and creative activity. All materials provided and no need to book.

Open to Chemistry, Physics and Natural Science Students only - no need to book, just drop in

Chemistry Foyer, University Park

12pm - 1pm

Crochet with us – Libraries and Chaplaincy

Do you like to crochet, or are you interested in learning how to?

Press pause on your studies and take a break from screens as you join us for a relaxed crochet session. Friendly colleagues from Libraries and Chaplaincy will be on hand to offer support and provide demos. Materials will be provided. If you have your own equipment or projects that you are working on, feel free to bring them along!

Open to all students - no need to sign up, just turn up!

12pm - 2pm 

Keeping a BDI on our Mental Health

This event will focus on supporting each other in a shared school/resource building. Mindfulness activities as well as opportunities to speak to designated mental health first aiders for support or guidance on themselves or others

Open to BDI and Boots Inhabitants only (Schools include; Pharmacy, Medicine, Life Sciences, Engineering, Chemistry & Vet Medicine)

A208/209, Biodiscovery Institute 3, University Park

2pm - 4pm

Press pause with Libraries – refuel café

Take a well-deserved break and pick up a free hot drink from the library. Take some quiet time for yourself, explore activities in the library games zone or ask staff any questions you have about using library services.

Open to all students - no need to sign up, just turn up!

3pm - 4pm

Crochet with us – Libraries and Chaplaincy

Do you like to crochet, or are you interested in learning how to?

Press pause on your studies and take a break from screens as you join us for a relaxed crochet session. Friendly colleagues from Libraries and Chaplaincy will be on hand to offer support and provide demos. Materials will be provided. If you have your own equipment or projects that you are working on, feel free to bring them along!

Open to all students - no need to sign up, just turn up!

Library Games Zone, Business Library, Top Floor Business School South, Jubilee Campus  

Talk it out with pizza

Come and meet representatives from Sport, Support & Wellbeing, Financial Wellbeing and Student Experience Teams, whilst enjoying some games and free pizza.  This is an opportunity for you to understand the importance of looking after your mental health and wellbeing every day.

Open to Plant Biology, Enviromental Science & Environmental Biology students only - no need to sign up, just turn up

Mindful Making - Crafting For Calm

Crafting for Calm is a relaxed, drop-in wellbeing event open to all Faculty of Science students. Enjoy a range of beginner-friendly creative activities including tote bag embroidery, plant pot painting, and clay crafting, along with free healthy snacks. Students are welcome to drop in at any time, stay as long as they like, and leave with a handmade creation.

Open to Faculty of Science Students only - no need to sign up, just turn up