Moving from India to a country where the sun sets at 5pm in the winter was something I never really prepared for. Back home, the evenings were long, warm, and full of light. When I moved here, I quickly realised how different it felt to start and end my day in darkness. I’d leave for lectures before the sun came up, and by the time I finished, it was already dark again. It began to feel like the days were slipping away too quickly, and I noticed my motivation and mood taking a hit.

Seasonal change affects wellbeing more than people often admit. Shorter days can mess with your body clock, and the lack of sunlight can lower your energy levels and mood. I found myself wanting to stay in bed longer, feeling sluggish, and missing the brightness and warmth I grew up with. 

Brighten up your day

One thing that really helped was making an effort to wake up early and get some natural sunlight. Even 15-20 minutes of daylight in the morning can make a huge difference for your body’s rhythm. I started walking to class a bit earlier, grabbing a coffee, and taking a moment to breathe before the day began. It became a small act of self-care that helped me feel grounded.

Take a wellbeing walk

Another game changer was investing in a Lumie lamp (a light therapy lamp that mimics sunlight). I didn’t think it would work, but trust me, it made waking up on gloomy mornings so much easier. It helps your brain think it’s daytime, which boosts alertness and improves mood over time.

Physical wellbeing

And then there’s exercise, even when it’s the last thing you want to do, it helps. Whether it’s going to the gym, following a quick YouTube workout, or just walking around campus, the extra endorphins can do wonders. It’s not about pushing yourself too hard, just moving your body a little bit each day can lift your spirits.

Warmth also matters more than you’d think. Investing in a good puffer jacket and proper winter gear made me more willing to go outside instead of hiding away. Feeling physically comfortable has a huge impact on how you handle the cold months emotionally too.

Move your body a little bit each day

Mind your mood

But beyond the physical changes, I learned that mental wellbeing is just as important. There were days when the darkness and homesickness hit harder than usual, and I had to remind myself that it’s okay to reach out. If you ever need to talk, I highly recommend the Nightline Service at Queen’s. It’s an anonymous, student-run listening service open from 8pm to 2am, and they’re always there when you just need someone to talk to. You can check out their Instagram for details.

There’s also Samaritans and the Queen’s support services, both of which offer confidential help for anyone struggling with low mood, stress, or loneliness.

Don't be afraid to ask for help

Looking after your wellbeing during seasonal change takes intention; it’s about small, consistent steps rather than big changes. Surround yourself with light, movement, warmth, and people who care. Remember that it’s perfectly normal to find the darker months difficult. But with time, patience, and the right support, you can find your rhythm again and even start to enjoy the calm, cosy side of winter.

Find out more

Student Wellbeing Service

Looking After Your Mental Health as a Queen’s University Student

Beating the Monday Blues in Belfast: A Guide to Brightening Your Week

Suhani Bansal Medicine | Undergraduate Student | India Hello there! I’m Suhani, a final-year medical student with a love for games, running, and discovering new places to eat (recommendations always welcome!). When I’m not studying, you’ll probably find me exploring the city, catching up with friends, or trying to convince myself that running counts as cardio and therapy.