Stay well, stay connected
Living away from home and family is an exciting time for many international students, but it can be a challenge too.
During the COVID-19 pandemic we all learnt so many new things, including how to better look after our health and wellbeing. This is still really important. and this page has information and resources to help you stay well and stay connected.
Stay well, stay connected
Stay connected with your family and friends here and around the world withย WhatsApp(external link that opens in a new tab),ย WeChat(external link that opens in a new tab),ย Skype(external link that opens in a new tab),ย Google Hangouts(external link that opens in a new tab)ย orย Zoom(external link that opens in a new tab). Why not say โhelloโ to someone on yourย Facebook(external link that opens in a new tab)ย friend group that you havenโt contacted for years?
Maintain routines and exercise
Be sure to build exercise into your daily routine. Exercise helps keep us physically and mentally fit, as well as strengthening our immune system.
As well as joining a gym or the recreation centre at your education provider, you can also workout with apps likeย Sworkit(external link that opens in a new tab),ย Seven - 7-minute workout(external link that opens in a new tab)ย andย Smart gym(external link that opens in a new tab), or with theย Les Mills(external link that opens in a new tab)ย andย Blogilates(external link that opens in a new tab)ย YouTube channels.
Going for a walk or run is always a great thing to do. Keep track of your movement onย Map my Run(external link that opens in a new tab).
Look after your health and wellbeing
With all the changes that have happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is very normal to feel stressed, anxious or worried sometimes.
If you are feeling stressed or anxious, there are resources that can help:
Talk with people you trust about how youโre feeling. If you donโt have someone to talk to, you can call or textย 1737(external link that opens in a new tab)ย to talk with a trained counsellor. This free service runs 24hours a day/seven days a week. Also, think about contacting others who might need help.
Donโt use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs to deal with your emotions. Allow yourself time to notice and express what youโre feeling. This could be by writing thoughts and feelings down in a journal, talking to others, doing something creative or practising meditation with mediation apps likeย Calm(external link that opens in a new tab)ย andย Headspace(external link that opens in a new tab).
There are also apps for reducing worry, includingย Moodfit(external link that opens in a new tab),ย Happify(external link that opens in a new tab),ย Calm(external link that opens in a new tab)ย andย Headspace(external link that opens in a new tab).
Here are some services you could try.
The Lowdownย (external link that opens in a new tab)โ free 24-hour counselling for anyone feeling down, stuck, anxious or depressed. Phone 0800 111 757 or text 5626. You can also email or webchat.
All Right(external link that opens in a new tab)ย โ offers practical tips to help look after your mental health and wellbeing.
Theย Mental health (external link that opens in a new tab)page has useful information on how and where to get help and support. It might feel really hard to ask for help, but taking action is the best way to make yourself feel more positive. And always remember, others will be feeling this way too. You are not alone.
Try volunteering
Giving your time to support others can be as beneficial for you as it is for the community. It is a great way to get to know new people and learn skills that can help you build your career in the future.
Perhaps now is the time to register to be aย Student Volunteer Army(external link that opens in a new tab) volunteer. You can also sign up toย Neighbourly(external link that opens in a new tab).
Check out hospitality student Sirawitโs blog:ย How volunteering helped me find a job(external link that opens in a new tab) or read Pengbo Jiang's blog aboutย the value of being an international student volunteer(external link that opens in a new tab).
Take time to relax
Yes, it is important to stay active, and it's great to be productive, but you also need to find time to relax.
Living a balanced lifestyle is better for you long term and is important for your mental wellbeing. So, be sure to take time to do what makes you happy, and don't feel guilty about it!
Watch a movie, read a book, listen to some music or a podcast, go out with friends, or spend a weekend exploring a new part of New Zealand.
Check out these student blogs for some inspiration:
Remember: stay well, stay connected. He waka eke noa (we are all in this together).
Related pages
Mental health
Living and studying in a new country can be hard, even if youโre excited about your new adventure! Itโs normal to feelย homesickย or lonely. Some students may feel depressed. However, there are things you can do to improve your wellbeing.
Personal wellbeing
Personal wellbeing and mental health are very important to a healthy life. Find out how to stay happy, healthy and safe as an international student in New Zealand.
Emergency updates
The information on this page is official New Zealand Government information to help international students understand how we take care of ourselves and others with emergency situations.