Looking after your well-being

Our CODE promise

CODE are committed to making sure you have a positive experience at University and have a range of resources to support you. 

Should you ever feel you are becoming stressed, isolated, homesick or if you just need someone to chat we can help:

  • Our staff have received expert training and are on hand to help you should the need arise.
  • If you would prefer a discreet confidential appointment with a manager, then please visit the office to arrange one or:
  • contact us on welfare@codestudents.co.uk

Please also let us know if you have a disability - we will be happy to accommodate any adjustments that will make your stay as comfortable as possible. Let us know in your induction, at check-in, or let the office know whenever suits you best.

Help available

WELLBEING EVENTS

Throughout the year we offer social events, information and advice to keep your mind and body healthy. We host well-being fairs and celebrate University Mental Health Day. Activities can include mindfulness sessions, free healthy shake sampling or maybe even a petting zoo!

We also carry out weekly social nights that have a well-being focus. Previous events have included pottery, adult colouring and plant growing.

HELPFUL DOCUMENTS AND SIGN-POSTING

When you move into CODE we'll give you printed material that aims to make your transition back to uni an easy one. 

MENTAL HEALTH 'FIRST AIDERS'

Should you ever feel stressed, isolated or homesick you don’t have to suffer alone. You can chat to our mental health first aiders about the issues that are affecting you. Our staff have received expert training and are on hand to help you. 

FREE GIFT GIVEAWAYS

We know sometimes all you need is a little pick-me-up! Which is why we regularly drop off free gifts just to make you smile. These could be anything from a fun game to a food themed goodie bag.

WELFARE CHECKS

We operate regular well-being checks for those that are finding things difficult, sometimes that's a daily call and others a weekly email. 

We also work with the university mental health teams on a number of individual cases, helping to ensure the safety and well-being of those with greater needs.

WELLNESS LIBRARY

We have motivational and support books you can also hire - simply ask in the office or visit one of our 'Grab n Go' events

Mental Health Support booksLife Advice booksInspirational books
8 Keys to mental health12 Rules of LifeA Promised Land by Barack Obama
Anxiety: Panicking about PanicAtomic HabitsBecoming by Michelle Obama
Quiet the mindEat that frogCan't Hurt Me by David Goggins

 

Feeling good handbook

Good Vibes, Good LifeEleanor Oriphant is completely fine
Frazzled by Ruby WaxMiracle MorningElon Musk
Gut & psychology syndromeSutble Art of not giving a F***Everything Store by Jeff Bezos (Amazon)
How to stop overthinkingThe Bezos Letters: 14 principlesGotta get Theroux this
I had a black dogThink like a MonkThe Happiest Man on Earth: The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor by Eddie Jaku
Little Book of ResilienceThe Whole Brain dietShoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of NIKE
Mindfulness: A practical guideWhy we sleepSteve Jobs
Ordinary dude's guide to meditationYou are a badassThe Midnight Library
Calm by Fearne CottonThe secret (create the life you want)The Unlikely Pilgramage of Harold Fry
Quiet by Fearne CottonGetting things done Three things about Elsie
Happy by Fearne CottonPower of SmallWim Hof Method
The worry trick   

HELPFUL RESOURCES

Useful external resources

If you are feeling worried or distressed, you can also use:

Student Minds for more guidance and support. 

Or the NHS has some useful mental wellbeing audio guides.

CODE'S tips on improving well-being

Reframe unhelpful thoughts

The way we think, feel and behave are linked. Sometimes we develop patterns of thoughts or behaviours that are unhelpful so recognising them, and taking steps to think about things differently, can improve your mental health and wellbeing.

Be in the present

If we take time to be aware of ourselves and be in the present moment, noticing our own thoughts and feelings, and the world around us, we can gain a better perspective. Sometimes this is known as being more mindful.

Get good sleep

Good-quality sleep makes a big difference to how we feel mentally and physically, so it's important to get enough.

Our top sleep tips

  • Try to go to sleep at a similar time each evening. This will help regulate your body clock
  • Relax before sleeping – read a book or listen to music instead of watching TV
  • Avoid caffeinated or sugary drinks before bed.

Connect with others

Spending quality time with friends or family, talking to someone about how we are feeling or finding ways to help other people can all help stop you from feeling lonely and improve your mental health and wellbeing. This can be online, by phone or seeing someone in person.

Here at CODE we have many social nights and events to get involved with. Our communal rooms are also a great environment to make friends.

Live a healthy life

Being active, enjoying the outdoors and having a healthy, balanced diet all impact how we feel. Also, binning bad habits like smoking, and cutting down on alcohol and caffeine can have a positive effect on our mood.

Don’t forget we provide free gym access for all residents 😊

 

Coventry University support

Coventry University’s Health and Well-being Service includes welfare, disabilities, counselling, mental health and the Medical Centre. You can download their Health and Wellbeing App for up to the minute information or access a collection of self-help guides online.

You can usually book an appointment up to 3 weeks in advance using the Universities online booking system Connect 2.

Contact
To find out more contact the Counselling and Mental Health team on:
Tel: +44 (0) 24 7765 8029
Email: counsell.ss@coventry.ac.uk

University of Warwick support

Warwick University has a range of services including a Health Centre, Counselling Service, Disability Support and Well-being Support Services. Here you can find practical support with accommodation worries, harassment, health, specialist study skills and mentoring – and anything else that’s troubling you.

­­Register with a local Doctor/ GP

If you’ve not yet registered at a doctor’s at uni, we enourage you to do so as soon as possible. Use the NHS GP Finder to find your nearest surgery.

Your doctor is there to help with all kind of physical and mental health conditions. If you’ve noticed changes in the way you feel or think over the past few weeks you should consider going to see your GP. This includes if you have experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Feeling low or constantly anxious or worrying
  • Not enjoying your life as much as you once did
  • Trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much

As well as offering support, your doctor will be aware of the services that are available to you and will be able to point you in the right direction.