King's ResiLife

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The Best Ways to Engage with Flatmates

26th November 2020 / / 0 Comments

Post contributed by Lauren Hammond, Health & Fitness Coach, King’s Sport

If 2020 has taught us one thing, it’s that connecting with our friends and family are key to maintaining a happy mind!

With limited activities currently being allowed in the UK, it’s time to get creative with building new friendships and maintaining your old ones.

Here are just a few ideas for how to safely socialise:

  • Shared meals: Taco Tuesdays and Sunday roasts are the first that spring to mind, but you can get creative and maybe do a pot luck (everyone cooks or brings one thing to make a meal) , themed nights, like Thanksgiving, or a new country each week, or even get together and have breakfast for dinner
  • Sharing ways to keep busy: Create a list of must see Netflix shows, podcasts, or new albums released on Spotify; share great reads either digitally or hardcopies.
  • Watch parties: Stream a movie together over a hot chocolate!
  • Games night: Games night doesn’t have to involved purchasing games (although there are many great ones to choose from) you can get creative and make your own! A simple deck of cards can produce many hours of fun!
  • Keep moving, stay positive: Encourage flatmates to keep active or join you for the Kings Sport Classes (a bit of friendly competition is always fun) or attend one of our many resilife events!

5 Ways for Keeping Connected!

2nd November 2020 / / 0 Comments

It’s Wellbeing Week!

Connection with others can be a really important factor in our health and happiness. With a new lockdown approaching, we wanted to share some tips for keeping connected.

These are just a few of our favourites, but you can find more at the KCLSU Wellbeing Hub along with loads of events and activities to help promote wellbeing.

1) Have a Cook Along/Bake Off

Cooking and baking can help us eat well and since Thursday might see the return of banana bread and sourdough starters, why not make it social? Trade recipes with friends or even all try making the same thing (Great British Bake-Off style). Pros: No judges and you get to eat what you make!

2) Book or craft clubs

Good for those of us who are getting a bit of Zoom fatigue. Reading and crafts can give you that much needed screen free time and if you like you can join a club to add that social element. Check out the KCL Book Club here.

3) Text a compliment to a friend

I’ll admit to taking this one straight from the Wellbeing Hub. Sometimes the best things can be the simplest ones, and this can be a great way to boost your own wellbeing and that of others!

4) Get involved with the King’s Community

Meeting new people and making new friends has been extra tough this year, but there’s still plenty of ways to get connected online through societies, ResiLife events and King’s Sport Move Your Mind.

5) Share or learn a skill

So maybe you can play guitar, but fancy learning how to code? Swapping a skill with a friend can be a fantastic way to connect and learn something new. You could also try taking an online class instead to learn a new skill together.

6) I know I said 5…

But lastly, taking some time to connect with our own feelings and emotions can also promote wellbeing. Remember it’s OK to have bad days and to reach out for support.

About the Residence Welfare Lead Team

We’re a group of friendly, trained volunteers who live in the King’s Residences to support with student welfare.

Our duty hours are between 8PM – 8AM on weekdays and 24 hours on the weekend. We can be reached over text, phone or email and you can find our contact details around the residence as well as on our webpages here.

 

Everything You Need to Know About the Positive Peers

20th October 2020 / / 0 Comments

Post contributed by Helen Kursten-Holmes, Positive Peer Supervisor

The Positive Peers are a student-led volunteer group that sits within KCLSU Wellbeing. We aim to enhance the personal and collective wellbeing of King’s College London students by giving evidence-based information to improve student mental health and wellbeing, sharing experiences and connecting each other with helpful resources. We organise a variety of interactive events and workshops throughout the year that all students can participate in. Through our projects and events, we seek to promote, support and celebrate the wellbeing of students at King’s and to create a healthier and happier community. The Positive Peers team is divided into 3 main strands, each led by Positive Peer Supervisors. The strands comprise of Peer Run-Support, Peer Health Education, and Engagement and Online Support.

The Peer-Run Support strand delivers one-to-one and group support for students experiencing mental health difficulties. This includes Positive Minds, a 4-week course to support students experiencing low mood and mild depression. We will be launching this course in November, so if you’re feeling a bit low and finding university difficult, you can attend our peer support group Positive Minds or reach out for a one-to-one chat with us. Alongside this, we also offer wellbeing checks where we interact with new students to support their transition to university and to highlight KCLSU Wellbeing resources and other essential services. During Welcome 2020, the Positive Peers spoke to over 100 new King’s students in our one-to-one virtual King’s Check-in sessions. These sessions were offered to new students to make sure that they had everything they needed to get started and thrive at King’s.

The Peer Health Education strand leads on education and outreach through delivering workshops and facilitating initiatives about mental health and wellbeing, online, on campus, in residence halls, and for specific student groups. This strand’s activities include wellbeing checks, Cooking and Conversation, which is a cooking workshop in partnership with King’s Residences where students learn a new healthy recipe while getting to know other students, and our 3 part programme, Thrive. This 3 week course gives students the support to learn strategies that can promote positive wellbeing and equips them with the tools and activities that can be included in their daily routine so that they can flourish. Thrive is one of our most popular courses and in light of the pandemic, we have been delivering it virtually. To join our next Thrive programme starting in November, sign up for it using our Eventbrite page.

The Engagement and Online Support strand runs the team’s digital outreach by creating accessible communications for all students (including those not on campus) to improve their wellbeing and promote the team’s activities. The digital team also creates the monthly Positive Peers newsletter, detailing our recent news and campaigns, upcoming events and wellbeing tips. You can read our October newsletter by clicking here. The team also writes blog posts for the KCLSU website and each blog post delves into a variety of wellbeing topics, tips and themes, our most recent one is Settling in at University. In addition to this, we have a podcast and lots of content on social media to help boost wellbeing and increase awareness of mental health and wellbeing events and concepts. For Wellbeing Week (2nd November – 6th November), we are organising a Positive Peers Instagram takeover of Project X’s Instagram and collaborating with Big Pitch Energy on a competition that will be open to all King’s students, staff and alumni, where you can win £50 and be featured on our newsletter. So, make sure you keep an eye out on our socials for more information about how you can take part!

We hope to see you at our upcoming events and if you have any questions, our inbox and social media are always open so feel free to get in touch.

Visit our website: www.kclsu.org/help/wellbeing/positivepeers

Email us: positivepeers@kcl.ac.uk

Connect with us on social media:

A review of Evening Yoga in Julian Markham

16th October 2020 / / 0 Comments

 

 

 

 

Post contributed by CF Jacky

Did you know that you get a free King’s Sports BeActive membership when you live in King’s residences?

BeActive has over 50 classes a

week from football to Pilates. These events take place in your residences or campus so that they are very accessible to students. There are also Move Your Mind Online events so you can join in even if you are self-isolating!

I participated in a yoga session in the residence I live in (JM). Yoga is a very relaxing thing to do when you’re stressed because of university or just life in general, and it’s amazing t

o have someone teach you how to do it properly. Yoga is an ancient form of exercise, which is recommended by many healthcare services to promote wellbeing, both for the mind and body. You don’t have to have had any practice doing yoga before as the instructors will help teach you as a beginner, or if you are more advanced they will give you modifications so you can keep challenging yourself.

Another perk of the session was that I got the opportunity to meet people responsibly, while following the social distancing rules because of COVID-19. I’d recommend the BeActive program to all students and to really make the most out of it because it’s fun, easy, and free!

To activate your free account please click HERE and entering your King’s email address. After your account is activated you can access the Beactive, Move Your Mind Online and Resilife timetables and book spaces on the events.

 

70 Second Mug Cake

6th October 2020 / / 0 Comments

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Dutch cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2 tablespoons Nutella

Vegan Alternatives

  • Aquafaba
  • Oat Milk

Vegan Alternative Links:

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the flour, sugar, cocoa and baking powder in a bowl.

Step 2: Make a well in the centre and add the egg, milk and oil. Use a whisk or a spatula to beat until combined.

Step 3: Spoon into a 400ml mug or whatever size is available to you this size I have just found works best.

Step 4: Spoon the Nutella into the centre. Microwave 70 seconds or until risen.

Top with double cream or ice-cream and dress with some fruits!

How to make brownies – with CF Amnah

3rd October 2020 / / 0 Comments

Vegan Brownies Recipe – Nora Cooks

Ingredients

  • 4 Tbsp Ground Flax
  • ½ Cup water
  • ½ Cup Vegan Butter
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 Cup Cocoa Powder
  • 1 Tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Cup Flour

 

Method

  • Prep a pan by placing baking paper into it and set to the side
  • Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius
  • Make the flax eggs by stirring together the ground flax and water. Set aside to thicken
  • Melt the vegan butter and measure 1/2 cup either in a saucepan which is quick or in 20 second intervals in the microwave
  • In a large bowl, whisk the melted vegan butter and sugars together. Add the flax eggs and vanilla. Whisk until combined and smooth
  • Into the same bowl, sift flour and cocoa powder. Add a pinch of salt and baking powder and combine simply with a spatula
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spoon or your hands
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes
  • Allow to cool for around 15 minutes and this usually allows them also to firm up
  • Remove from the pan let cool for another 15 minutes before slicing them and serving

 

Cheesecake Brownies

Ingredients

  • Brownie Batter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup flour
  • Cheese Layer
  • 225g cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Method

  • Preheat Oven to 180 degrees Celsius
  • Line a baking tin with baking paper
  • Melt the butter down either in a saucepan or in the microwave in 30 second intervals
  • Add in the cocoa powder and mix together
  • Add sugar and whisk until combined. Add the eggs, vanilla extract and combine them into the mixture
  • Add flour and fold, using a rubber spatula, just until combined. Set aside 1/3 cup of the batter and pour the rest into the prepared pan. Smooth the top
  • Beat together the cream cheese and the sugar until a smooth paste forms
  • Add egg and vanilla extract and beat until combined
  • Dollop onto the brownie batter then take the reserved brownie batter and dollop that on top of the cheese
  • Using a fork or a toothpick swirl the two together to create a marbled effect
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheesecake is set and an instrument inserted into the brownies comes out with just moist crumbs and not batter. It should not be dry
  • Allow the cheesecake to set and cool down completely
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
  • For a Gluten Free version simply purchase gluten free flour!

CF Jiashu’s Restaurants of the Month

2nd October 2020 / / 0 Comments

 

  1. Flat iron
    • A steak house that actually tastes alright while being economically viable, and eh, you don’t see that every day in London. Or, as they say it themselves, great steak, at affordable prices.
    • A mouth-watering flat iron steak served with house salad for £10, accompanied by a choice of sides like dripping cooked chips, creamed spinach and market greens. This easily makes up for the fact that you can’t reserve a table, instead they have a nifty way that involves texting when there is a space available.
    • They also offer free icecream! After your steak, you will merrily receive a Mr. Whippy-style caramel mousse in a mug, with rock salt crystals to scatter according to your whim.
    • They have many restaurants within the reach of central London, located in London bridge, Covent Garden, Hackney and Spitalfields.

  1. The breakfast club
    • This is probably London’s most popular all-day breakfast and brunch place. It’s been called many names, the ‘London must-do’, the ‘most amazing all-day breakfast’. And it’s not just the food that’s perfect. It’s also bright, colourful, saturated with cultural references and intriguing ornaments and memorabilia. If you are into the styles of the 1980s, or just wish to experience some pop culture, here would be the perfect place to walk down.
    • Price range quite affordable, £12.50 for full Monty, which is one of the more expensive dishes.
    • They have an all-day breakfast menu, including the classics, such as Eggs Benedict (£9.50), Berry pancakes (£9.50) and Avocado on Rye (£7.00)
    • I recommend the All American (pancake stack, bacon, sausage, crispy homestyle potatoes, fried eggs and maple syrup); as well as the Full Monty, a deviation from full English (bacon, sausage, crispy homestyle potatoes, garlic mushrooms, hash brown, black pudding, beans, tomato, fried eggs and toast).
    • These cafes are easy to find. They can be found all around London, Battersea, London Bridge, Soho and Spitalfields.

Self-Care

17th September 2020 / / 0 Comments

Post contributed by Jasmin, Welfare Lead

I’m Jasmin, and I’m one of the Residence Welfare Leads here at King’s. Members of our team live on-site at each residence to provide welfare support for our student community. Moving into residences is a big change, even without some of the additional stresses we are facing this year, and it’s totally normal to be feeling worried or overwhelmed. Your wellbeing is really important and so we thought we’d share a bit about self-care!

What is self-care?

It can be really easy to get lost in buzzwords, so we’ll keep it simple here. Self-care is anything you consciously do to promote your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.

What kind of things can I do?

Self-care is a personal thing and it looks different for everyone! It doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming and regularly choosing an activity that takes 10 minutes or less can make a real difference. Action For Happiness have some great tips on their #SelfCareSeptember daily action calendar.

We’ve also listed a few ideas below, and you can check out the KCLSU Wellbeing Hub for activities, events and resources around King’s to boost wellbeing all year round.

  • Taking an online exercise class
    We all know exercise is physically good for us, but it can also give a real boost to your mood too! King’s Sport offer access to their BeActive program for free if you are a resident at King’s Halls. 
  • Listening to music
    Music can be a powerful tool for both relaxing and getting motivated. Whatever you choose to listen to, taking some time for your favourite music can help in making your new space feel a bit more like home. 
  • Doing something creative
    Spending some time on a creative hobby can provide the break you need to boost wellbeing. You might want to learn a new skill or practise an old one! If you’re looking for inspiration, keep an eye on the King’s ResiLife virtual events for their Creativity Nights.
  • Having a nice cup of tea
    Or any hot drink really – I’ve saved one of the simplest until last! Taking ten minutes to step away from daily stresses and relax.

   

About the Residence Welfare Lead Team

We’re a group of friendly, trained volunteers who live in the King’s Residences to support with student welfare.

Our duty hours are between 8PM – 8AM on weekdays and 24 hours on the weekend. We can be reached over text, phone or email and you can find our contact details around the residence as well as on our webpages here.

Black Students Talk

22nd June 2020 / / 1 Comment

Post contributed by Nkasi Stoll, 1st year PhD student, Department of Psychological Medicine

 

Black Students Talk is a new virtual weekly peer wellbeing support group run by us, for us.

 

Topic: Black Students Talk (BST)

When: Every Thursday, 3pm-5pm

Link:  https://zoom.us/j/98862363294?pwd=anJRZzBLTkxjQXhpYmNvVFVnREtnUT09

Meeting ID: 988 6236 3294

Password: BPT20

 

What is Black Students Talk (BST)? 

BST is a peer support group that provides safe, supportive and therapeutic spaces for black* students to meet, share, learn, and manage our mental health & wellbeing at university.

BST online sessions are held weekly via Zoom. Each weekly session from 3PM-5PM and lasts 2 hours.

Why does BST exist?

As university students we experience complex academic, psychological, social, emotional and financial pressures. Black* students face specific pressures that often affect our mental health and therefore, our university experience and outcome.

BST x KCL was set up by Nkasi Stoll (Postgraduate student at King’s College London, IoPPN) and Yannick Yalipende (Postgraduate student at University of Bristol).

Nkasi and Yannick worked with the IoPPN Diversity and Inclusion team to set up this group due to their own experiences with depression and anxiety whilst studying at university.

What do Black Students Talk (BST) sessions offer?

  • one-to-one/group discussions using culturally relevant/specific psychoeducation
  • help accessing appropriate mental health services within the university and wider community
  • a ‘home away from home’ to connect with other black* students
  • visiting speakers from black mental health organisations
  • BPT resources designed and delivered by trained facilitators

Who is Black Students Talk (BST) for?

University students at King’s College London who identify as “black*” (African, Caribbean, Mixed heritage).

How do I attend the Black Students Talk (BST) sessions?

BST sessions are being held virtually. No need to sign up in advance. On Thursday at 3pm click the zoom link and enter the meeting ID and password (provided at the top of this email) to join the group. Email us on: hello@blackpeopletalk.co.uk.  Find us on Twitter: @yyalipende & @NkasiStoll

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