Health and wellbeing are fundamental to student success, staff engagement and thriving communities.
Alongside our research and teaching, we're committed to creating a healthy university environment that supports physical health, mental wellbeing and inclusion for all members of our community.
Through integrated wellbeing services, opportunities for sport and recreation, support for students experiencing financial hardship, and initiatives that promote healthy and sustainable lifestyles, ARU seeks to create an environment where students and staff can flourish.
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our staff and students
We provide a comprehensive range of services to support the wellbeing of both students and staff, recognising that good mental health is fundamental to success, resilience and overall quality of life.
Students have access to a dedicated Counselling and Wellbeing Service, which offers free and confidential one-to-one counselling, mental health advising, wellbeing coaching, wellbeing check-ins and a dedicated Sexual Violence Support Service. During term time, students can also access twice-daily drop-in sessions with counsellors, mental health advisers and wellbeing advisers, helping them access support quickly when needed. In addition, students can connect with trained Peer Wellbeing Mentors and participate in a programme of workshops delivered by Counselling and Wellbeing staff and external partners. These services are designed to help students manage the challenges of university life, build resilience, and develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive throughout their studies and beyond.
We are equally committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. Through our dedicated health and well-being provision, colleagues have access to free and confidential one-to-one counselling, drop-in sessions, wellbeing workshops and a broad range of resources promoting positive mental and physical health. Staff can also access a dedicated Employee Assistance Programme which provides immediate access to qualified and accredited counsellors 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, alongside resources covering mental health, fitness, nutrition and lifestyle wellbeing. Around 40% of ARU staff are registered users of the platform, demonstrating the importance of wellbeing support within our university community.
Promoting healthy lifestyles through sport and physical activity
We encourage active lifestyles amongst our student body through a range of affordable and accessible opportunities for physical activity. Students can access £1 Campus Sport sessions, discounted gym memberships and a variety of recreational activities across our campuses. By reducing barriers to participation, we aim to support physical health, improve mental wellbeing and encourage lifelong healthy habits. Our dedicated programme, ChampionHER, aims to proactively increase the number of women and non-binary students taking part in physical activity, exercise and sports. ChampionHER is complemented by a programme to encourage ARU women to enjoy outdoor physical activity, walking, exploring local trails, cycling and even wild water dips at our Writtle campus. Our dedicated Sports Activators help to motivate students to get active, by promoting, planning and delivering safe and inclusive sporting events on our campuses.
Supporting wellbeing during the cost-of-living crisis
We recognise that financial pressures can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing. To help students during the cost-of-living crisis, ARU provides practical support to help with maintaining health and well-being including free fruit, porridge and soup on campus. Students also have access to bursaries, scholarships and hardship funding, helping to reduce financial stress and support their overall well-being.
Supporting healthy and sustainable food choices
Our campus catering services are committed to providing nutritious, affordable and sustainable food. We offer a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options, source much of our food from local suppliers, and have introduced carbon labelling to help customers understand the environmental impact of their choices. Our approach to sustainable catering has received national recognition through the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good Accreditation, one of the leading international standards for sustainable food provision.
Last updated: October 2026
To request additions, corrections or changes to the information in these pages, please contact: Dr Zareen Bharucha: [email protected]. Please use the subject line ‘ARU SDG’.