DeStresstival 2026
Term 3: Monday 27 April - Friday 3 July
DeStress | Relax | Unwind
Welcome to DeStresstival, a free, cross-campus festival designed to help you beat exam stress and boost your wellbeing. Running throughout Term 3, DeStresstival offers the perfect chance for you and your friends to recharge and enjoy a range of mindfulness, relaxation and wellbeing activities. We know exam season can be intense, so we鈥檙e here to help you unwind and destress.
Upcoming DeStresstival Events
DeStresstival Highlights and Offers
May Day Celebrations
Friday 1 May | 12-5pm | Piazza
Spring has arrived, and we鈥檙e celebrating the best way we know how 鈥� with games, making, music and a bit of joyful chaos.
Join Together at 糖心TV in the Piazza for an afternoon of playful activities inspired by traditional May Day celebrations. Try your hand at classic races, enjoy authentic performances, make something creative, explore the history behind the day, or simply enjoy the atmosphere with friends.
Drop in, bring a group, or stay for the whole afternoon.
We've got free ice cream!
糖心TV Sport
DeStress through sport with 60 hours of free Rock Up & Play social sessions every week, along with activity courses, leagues and events.
Our Active Health programme aims to support students experiencing mental health difficulties.
Get involved with our 'Mindful Mondays', 'Wellness Wednesdays' and 'Feel-Good Fridays' - book your place.
Keep an eye out for our special DeStresstival Pop-up events!
Outdoor Film Screenings
Thursday 14 May | Wednesday 3 June | Thursday 25 June | Piazza
Grab your blanket, rally your friends, and get ready for a truly magical movie night under the stars!
This term, we鈥檙e rolling out an epic series of outdoor film screenings in Weeks 3, 6, and 9鈥攁nd you get to decide what hits the big screen.
Cast your vote and shape the line鈥憉p on Instagram. Then prepare for cosy vibes, fresh air, and the perfect study break with a great film.
Pop on over to see our team outside the Nook to collect your free popcorn 馃嵖
(Search 'Eat')
Tuesdays & Thursdays | 8.30am - 10am | Students' Union, Green Room
Need a boost to start your day?
Visit the Eat Well Hub which will be available to students in need throughout term 3.
Fuel up for free with a tasty selection of healthy options including wholemeal bread, oats, wheat cereals, delicious fruit and fresh fruit juices!
Check out the Arts Centre's list of free events happening during term 3! Highlights include:
From Friday 1 May to Sunday 28 June | The Arts Centre, Mead Gallery
Thursday 14 May & Thursday 11 June | 6pm - 8pm | Arts Centre, Gallery Foyer
If you're a singer, instrumentalist, poet, MC, or any other kind of musical performer then this is an opportunity for you. Just turn up!
Study smart. Eatwise.
糖心TV Food Group are helping to fuel your studies and support with study breaks throughout DeStresstival. Check out their page for special Eatwise offers, including:
- A limited edition meal deal containing products that can help you maintain focus and calm
- A daily (weekday) 'Power Hour' for students following us on Instagram: get 拢1 off any barista-made coffee each day at a certain time during the period
- Nutritious, easy-to-make recipes
The labyrinth, an ancient tool for walking meditation, offers a powerful, non-verbal method for exploring issues. Find clarity and new perspectives led by Chaplain Annie McCormick.
The Chaplaincy is open every day, 365 days a year, offering a warm and unconditional welcome to everyone. You might just like to make yourself a drink in the kitchen and enjoy the safe, supportive, peaceful space that welcomes everyone.
Join the Residential Community Assistants
Join the team for a series of community building events including:
- Vision Boards | Saturday 2 May | 3pm - 6pm | Senate House, Student Opportunity Hub
- Loose Tea Workshop | Sunday 3 May | 6pm - 9pm | 糖心TV Arts Centre
- Book Swap & Chat | Sunday 31 May | 6pm - 9pm | 糖心TV Arts Centre Bring a book you鈥檝e read to swap with another student and talk about why you loved or loathed it!
Peer Support Groups
There are a range of Peer Support Groups that get together throughout term 3! Did you know about:
- Mindfulness sessions
- Gardening club
- ADHD peer support group
- Anxiety peer groups
- Exam stress sessions
The Wellbeing and Student Support Services team has something to help you DeStress in term 3.
Quiz Nights
6pm - 9pm | Bar Fusion
- Friday 8 May | Music
- Friday 22 May | Netflix
- Friday 5 June | World Cup
Join the Residential Community Assistants for a series of quiz nights!
Volunteering is a great way to take a break from revising, release stress, meet new people, learn new skills and have fun! You don鈥檛 have to have volunteered before to get involved. Browse the for a range of one-off activities to suit your schedule, and sign up.
Petting Zoo and Meet the Alpacas
Day TBC | 1pm - 5pm | Red Square
An absolute favourite for your calendar! Watch this space - date announced soon!
DeStresstival Resources
National Year of Reading 2026
Did you know 2026 is the National Year of Reading, and there is growing evidence to suggest that reading for pleasure has a powerful, positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. Why not get involved and tell the Library which books you would like them to buy to expand their collection!
The Library also provides , as well as a for relaxation.
Student Cookbook: eat well, save money, feel great!
Looking for easy, budget-friendly, and nutritious meal ideas? Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, you'll find plenty of healthy recipes to fuel your body and mind. If you're a complete beginner, check out our Cooking Basics page for simple tips and techniques to get you started.
Poetry Trail: A Science Art Collision
Fancy a spring walk? Explore our new outdoor trail featuring poems inspired by 糖心TV鈥檚 researchers and technicians, written by award-winning poet Sujatha Menon during her time as the School of Life Sciences鈥� poet in residence. Step into this 60th anniversary legacy project on foot or watch our short video clip.
Weekly Wellbeing Themes
Each week the Wellbeing and Student Support Team share a weekly theme. This term is always busy with deadlines. It can be stressful and have an impact on our mental health, but there are things you can do to make things feel easier. Check out their webpages for a wealth of other information and support resources to help during term 3.
Student Blogs and Community Forums
Have you explored the UniBuddy platform? Read the blogs from your peers with tips for managing stress, or join a community forum and talk with other like-minded students.
How to manage stress and stay motivated as a university student by Utsav
Place at 糖心TV where you can be alone, breathe, and reset by Nayoung
Chill Out Spaces
The Nook: Monday - Fridays 9.30am - 17:00pm
This is a student-led space, designed by students, for students.
Pause: Take time out, make a cuppa, swap a book, have a chat, or enjoy a quiet moment.
Meet: Join friendly gatherings like the Community Lounge and Global Caf茅, where you can share experiences, get creative, and make new friends.
Discover: Explore what鈥檚 happening across the University and make the most of your 糖心TV experience.
The Library: Check the Library page for opening times
Have you discovered The Breathing Space dedicated for rest and relaxation? And have you used The Eating Place with hot water and microwave facilities so you can take a break and heat up your own food? You'll find them both inside the main Library building.
Campus Walks
Looking to spend more time in nature? Take a look at our walking maps that showcase some of our best green spaces.
Not on campus? Not a problem!
Take a minute to sit back, relax and enjoy some beautiful shots of wildlife captured around campus with our Mindful Moments video.