Starting university is a big life change, and it can be a high-risk phase for mental health. Some students notice anxiety rising, difficulties with sleep and their wellbeing dipping. Effective support starts before students arrive, is woven into teaching and refreshed across the first year and beyond. This is the Mindapples approach. We run interactive, research-informed sessions before arrival and return to them through the year so students can personalise what helps, build a shared language for self-care and turn healthy routines into everyday habits.
Recent government evidence supports this. A 2025 parliamentary briefing highlights known pressure points in transition and makes the case for earlier, proactive support. Sector frameworks like the University Mental Health Charter and UUK Stepchange call for proportionate, whole-university action. Mindapples brings that to life on campus, complementing specialist services with practical learning that builds healthy habits and help-seeking confidence.
Feed Your Mind is the first step in our Student Journey, grounded in our Wellbeing Competency Framework. Before students arrive, they can complete it via our e-learning and app. During induction we build on that foundational knowledge with a trainer-led 60-minute seminar with Q&A, peer discussion, and lived-experience examples. We explain how the mind works, how daily routines and environments shape attention, mood and energy, and we ask what are the everyday “mindapples” students already use.
“I really liked how simple but informative the session was. Very easy to understand but clearly evidence based.”
— Feed Your Mind attendee, first-year student, Nottingham Trent University
On campus we make space for conversation and connection. Champions host interactive displays, and activities that invite students to pause, talk and share what helps, and leave with one next step or a new idea. Our Champions Training equips peer mentors and key staff to host these moments, run mini Mindapples sessions in courses and common spaces and signpost to support. Instead of just picking up a leaflet, students meet real people early in induction week, and often and feel part of the community.
For universities, this is a scalable, cost-effective way to keep wellbeing visible all year. It puts guidance into practice and aligns with sector frameworks that call for early support and whole-university approaches. Mindapples makes that practical with pre-entry preparation, induction woven into teaching and community life, and targeted modules through the year delivered by staff and peer Champions.
To see how it maps across the year, take a look at our Student Journey and Wellbeing Competency Framework, or email universities@mindapples.org for more information.