Like many others, I struggled with the disconnect from nature after first moving to university. Some students may be moving into an animal-free living environment after growing up with the emotional comfort of their dog or cat. Others may be transitioning from the countryside to the city, where the familiar greenery no longer surrounds them. Whatever the case, this guide will help you rediscover your love for nature as a student and offer easy solutions for feeling closer to the natural world.
The Benefits of Connecting with Nature:
There are many benefits to unplugging and going outdoors. We all experience the overwhelming feeling of sitting at our screens all day, whether it’s for schoolwork or doom-scrolling on our phones. Often, there’s that lingering thought at the back of our minds that we should be doing something else. Connecting with nature is healing — a daily walk can reduce stress, and no one is immune to the joy of seeing a puppy trotting along with its tail wagging. Even interacting with other critters like squirrels or birds can feel uplifting and grounding.
Even big cities have local parks and nature reserves that protect wildlife and geological features, especially in the UK. Taking advantage of these areas in your free time can improve not only mental health but physical health too. Sitting in a park and listening to the sounds of the natural world reminds you why nature is worth pursuing. In our busy days, it’s easy to forget the simpler things in life, and nature is often one of them. Engaging your senses while in a natural setting can also be therapeutic. Listening to a stream or feeling the crunch of autumn leaves beneath your feet helps you feel more present and connected to the earth. It’s almost like meditating, being mindful in the moment.
Simple Ways to Connect and Unplug:
One of the easiest ways to reconnect with nature is to spend a few minutes outdoors between study sessions. Have a digital detox and find a quiet spot in a park to be present and calm. However, if you’re like me and finding time feels difficult, try taking your studying outdoors. Fresh air and natural light can improve focus, even if it’s just sitting outside at a local café. (I’m not suggesting you sit out there in the rain, but if that’s something you enjoy, go for it!) Many times, I’ve found myself lacking inspiration as a writer, and taking my laptop to the park has been a quick cure for writer’s block.
When it comes to reconnecting with animals, many local initiatives encourage students to help out while interacting with cute animals. Moving 3,000 miles away from my dog was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do (sorry, Mum!), but the app ‘Borrow My Doggy’ allowed me to spend quality time with a pup while helping the local community. The app matches you with dogs in your area and is an excellent way to get some puppy love and extra exercise. Interacting with animals is comforting and greatly reduces stress. Another good way is reaching out to a local animal shelter and volunteering. This can help you create meaningful bonds with animals. If you have the means to foster an animal, go for it! There’s never a shortage of animals that need our help.
Creating a Nature-Friendly Study Environment:
As mentioned before, studying outdoors can be incredibly helpful. However, if you’re just looking to take small steps towards reconnecting, using natural elements as decor — such as houseplants — can freshen up your space. If you’re living in a university house with a garden, consider researching ways to make your garden more biodiverse. This can help save UK wildlife and create a natural sanctuary right on your doorstep. Finally, playing natural soundtracks like rain or forest sounds while studying can recreate a calming atmosphere indoors, setting the tone for a stress-free study session.
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2sWwKJKAznIkvjoFRJ3ag3?si=7zLqp73KQzaR65mQFC7-eQ&pi=in2LsKUER6-Au" title=""><img src="" width="100%" style="max-width: 850px;" alt=""></a><br>Provided by <a href="" target="_blank">Spotify</a>If you’re interested in extracurricular activities, look for environmental or nature-focused groups on campus. Many offer events like hikes, clean-ups, and even visits to cat cafés. These activities are also a great way to meet new friends who share the same passion for reconnecting with nature.
Finding a Balance in the Digital World:
It’s important to find a balance that works for you in your everyday life. As mentioned earlier, spending just a few minutes outdoors each day can have a huge impact on your mental health — even if it’s just having a coffee in the park with friends or going for a quiet woodland run. If you’re feeling disconnected from the natural world, make small, impactful changes like feeding a squirrel or leaving out seeds for the birds. These practices can help create lifelong habits of mindfulness and well-being, and there’s no better time to start than now.
