As part of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing campus series, Ambleside staff and students have come together to provide your up to date guide to Ambleside.
As mentioned in our previous posts, the 5 Ways to Wellbeing provide a simple but effective approach to stay healthy in body and mind: Connect, Keep Active, Learn, Give and Take Notice. Below, we use 5 Ways to Wellbeing to give you ideas to take care of yourself and to make the most of your time at the University of Cumbria in Ambleside.
Connect
One of the most enriching parts of university life is forging new relationships with friends and peers. These relationships can be a source of solace and support throughout your university career and beyond.
The Student Bar - We have many ways of connecting on campus, both through societies and campus groups. Our campus is the only one across the University of Cumbria with a student bar and, as such, a dedicated bar committee chaired by the Student Network Coordinators ensure there are events taking place in the bar that are vibrant and inclusive.
Join a Society -There are some of the strongest and most active student-led SU societies based on the Ambleside Campus, whether it be creating that connection with the Mountaineering Society to explore the fells for your very first time or gathering around the fire with Bushcraft, there’s something for you to try and if there isn’t, why not set one up of your own! The link can be found here
Keep Active
Physical activity has been proven to have a positive impact on your mental wellbeing, improve sleep and boost self-esteem (Mental Health Foundation, 2022).
The Gym, Classes, and Activities – We have a fully equipped campus gym with showers and changing rooms. There are also a range of classes and activities to get involved in. For more details, click here.
Ambleside Sports Clubs - There are a range of different sports clubs in Ambleside. Pop along to the local rugby, athletics, hockey , football club and see what it’s all about. Look out for a recruitment events and different activities which are upcoming with all these clubs.
The outdoors – With plenty of accessible park areas in Ambleside, you don’t need to spend a penny to get a bit of exercise. And of course, the astounding natural beauty of the Lake District is just a bus ride away with its fells, lakes and forests.
Learn
Continued learning throughout life, enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction (Mind, 2022). Whether you want to learn more about the history of the local area or immerse yourself in theatre and art, there’s plenty you can do in Ambleside to spark your curiosity.
Museums and places of history – There are a range of museums and places of history that you can visit during your time at Ambleside. The Armitt Museum is a unique combination of museum, gallery and library and is on the Ambleside University campus.
Walk the coffin route from Grasmere to Ambleside– The Coffin Route is an old corpse road that was used in medieval times to carry the dead to the consecrated ground at St Oswalds in Grasmere for burial. Follow this link for more information.
Watch a film – There is a great cinema in town. Zeffirelli is an independent cinema that supports new and emerging talents within the world of cinema and the arts.
The Library- In addition to the library on campus, students can also join and borrow books from the County Council library in town – Kelsick Road, Ambleside, LA22 0BZ. It also has great information about courses or exhibitions in Ambleside throughout the year.
Give
As well as providing much-needed support to charities and community organisations, volunteering can also boost your own wellbeing through making connections with others and knowing you’re making a valid contribution to a cause.
Cumbria CVS (Cumbria Council Voluntary Service) – have a long list of current volunteering vacancies in the local community in a range of settings and fields.
Rydal Hall, Ambleside – are keen to offer students volunteering opportunities, from garden work to café/ bar experience.
Take Notice
With busy timetables, work and family commitments, it’s little wonder we rarely take time to slow down and absorb our surroundings. But according to Mind (2022), studies have demonstrated how mindfulness or even just awareness and being ‘present’ can have a positive impact on your wellbeing.
The Low and High Sweden Bridge Loop Walk – Take a short walk out the back of the campus around the Low and High Sweden Bridge Loop. Discover all kinds of nature and animals along the way. Try running it if you fancy challenging yourself.
Walk through Rothay Park- Combine taking notice with nature and take a restorative walk through Rothay Park
References
Mental Health Foundation (2022) How to look after your mental health using exercise. Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/how-look-after-your-mental-health-using-exercise (Accessed: 14 October 2022).
Mind (2022) 5 Ways to Wellbeing. Available at: https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work/taking-care-of-yourself/five-ways-to-wellbeing/ (Accessed: 14 October 2022).