Starting or being at university can be an exciting time, but it can also bring challenges—new pressures, unfamiliar environments, and the need to manage many aspects of life more independently. For students with OCD, these changes can feel even harder to navigate.
This page offers practical tips and ideas to help you build a supportive environment for your wellbeing, take care of yourself, and feel more in control as you manage university life with OCD.
Building a Supportive Network
Connect with People You Trust
OCD can bring feelings of isolation or shame, which can make it hard to open up. Sharing how you’re feeling with trusted friends, family, or flatmates—even without going into detail about OCD—can create a sense of support and understanding.
Letting someone know how they can help can make a big difference, and you might be surprised by how much they relate to feelings of worry or stress, even if they don’t share your exact experience.
Watch Minnie share how her flatmates supported her when she was struggling with OCD while living in halls:
Join a Peer Support Group
Connecting with others who understand OCD can be a powerful way to feel less alone. OCD Action offers over 50 free online support groups, including groups specifically for students. These aren’t therapy sessions but spaces to share experiences, hear practical tips, and feel part of a community.
👉 Find out more about our support groups
Find Your Space at University
Feeling connected doesn’t mean you have to attend every event or join every society. Even small, meaningful connections can have a huge impact on your wellbeing. Whether it’s joining a society, chatting to someone in your class, or exploring friendships online, finding what works for you can help you feel less isolated.
Looking After Your Wellbeing
Notice How You’re Feeling
Mental health can be tricky to track because it changes day to day. Learning to recognise how you’re feeling allows you to take action sooner, whether that means reaching out for support or practicing self-care.
- Keep Track: Journaling or using an app can help you notice patterns in how you feel, what triggers your anxiety, and what makes things better.
- Learn Your Signs: Everyone’s experience of mental health and mental ill health is different. Over time, you might notice your own early warning signs, like changes in mood, energy, or appetite, which can signal that you need extra care.
Take Practical Steps
- Sleep: Keeping a regular sleep schedule and avoiding screens before bed can make a big difference. If racing thoughts keep you awake, try writing them down or using relaxation techniques.
- Nutrition: Eating well and staying hydrated can help you feel more energised. Balance is key—enjoying a takeaway or a favourite treat can be just as important as eating healthily.
- Movement: Exercise doesn’t have to mean going to the gym. Find what works for you, whether it’s walking, stretching, or dancing to your favourite music.
Be Kind to Yourself
It’s easy to focus on what feels difficult, but recognising how hard you’re working—even if it’s just making it through a tough moment—deserves credit. Coping isn’t always easy, but each step you take is a sign of your strength and resilience.
Understanding OCD
OCD can be confusing, especially when it comes to recognising how it affects your thoughts and behaviours. Learning more about OCD and how it works can help you understand your experiences and feel more empowered to manage them.
OCD often targets the things you care about most, which can make it hard to distinguish between intrusive thoughts and what you truly value. Remember: having a thought doesn’t define you or your intentions.
If you’re struggling with compulsions, it’s okay to take things at your own pace. Challenging OCD is a process, and small steps forward can lead to big changes over time.
Getting Support
University Services
Your university’s disability or mental health services can offer:
- Academic adjustments, such as extra time for exams
- A disability advisor to help you navigate support options
- Financial assistance, like Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
👉 Read more about support at university
Treatment for OCD
The most important thing to know about OCD is that it’s treatable. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard treatment and can help you break the cycle of OCD.
OCD Action’s Helpline is here to answer your questions, talk through your concerns, and help you explore your next steps.
👉 Learn more about treatment options