The Unbreakable Student
Nic Hooper witnesses the student mental health crisis every day in the lecture halls of his university and is determined to do something about it.
A psychologist with ten years’ experience teaching and mentoring young adults, The Unbreakable Student is his evidence-based wellbeing guide for university.
The book presents six key evidence-based wellbeing rules and a number of clinically proven techniques that will inspire students to take positive action in their lives after leaving home.
However, it does far more than that. It’s a soulful, entertaining and pragmatic account of what it takes to succeed at student life and beyond. The book blends personal reflection and first-hand observation with the latest research, and is written in a heartfelt, emotionally-honest style. Students will learn how to positively challenge themselves, how to use mindfulness to embrace the moment, how to stay healthy and fit at university, how to connect with others in a new environment and how to manage self-critical thoughts and vulnerability.
The Unbreakable Student is a book that every student embarking on a degree needs. It will be a trusted companion through a time of great change, and it will help to prepare young adults psychologically for the world after graduation.
Endorsements
“Nic Hooper has pulled off a neat trick for a professor, essentially creating a long-form lecture that remains engaging and informative to the very end. Equal parts practical, funny, and illuminating, The Unbreakable Student belongs on the required reading list for life. Young people everywhere are lucky to have him, in person or on the page.”
Sarah Knight
Author of Get your Sh!t Together
“One of the best self-help books I’ve ever read: wise, witty, (laugh-out-loud funny in places), compassionate – and above all, incredibly practical! Nic Hooper shows you how to effectively deal with the many trials and tribulations of student life; how to face up to your fears, frustrations and challenges; handle your stress and anxiety; take the power out of your inner critic; while building resilience and thriving along the way. I wish I’d had something like this in my student days; would have spared me years of suffering. Essential reading for every college student, of every type, everywhere in the world (as well as for their teachers and parents).”
Russ Harris
Author of The Happiness Trap
“For so many students, University is a time of self-doubt and challenge. This is a must-read guide on how to bring your best self forward, so you can truly thrive.”
Susan David
Author of Emotional Agility
“You have many things to learn as a University student but above all you need to learn the what and how of life: What is really needed in life to be successful as a person? And how will you become accomplished at those things? In a clear, concise, and sure-footed way this excellent book teaches you that what and how. If you learn nothing else in your time in the academy and yet learn what is in this book, you can count your years there well spent. Highly recommended.”
Steven C. Hayes
Author of A Liberated Mind
“Nic Hooper has written such a timely and powerful book! People in this stage of life may feel unseen, confused, overwhelmed, and unsure about how to meet their emotional needs. Hooper understands this deeply, and provides them with identification, a caring voice, and a road map to resilience and health.”
Jonathan Hoban
Author of Walk with your Wolf
“Going to university is a fantastic opportunity that can transform students' lives, but we also know it throws up many new challenges. The Unbreakable Student is a very well-written and researched companion, with valuable tools, tips and techniques that will help students deal with these challenges and make the most of their journey. I would recommend it to all students studying at university — and to their parents too.”
Steven West
Vice Chancellor at University of the West of England, and Chair of the Universities UK Mental Health in Higher Education Working Group
“Going to university is a tumultuous time in any case, but this is doubly true when there’s a pandemic happening. Hooper’s new guide couldn’t be timelier. Drawing on many years of relevant experience and training, it’s a must for any student beginning this next stage of their life.”
Dean Burnett
Author of The Idiot Brain
“Nic’s guide to staying sane at university is full of solid, sensible advice, delivered with a smile and a side helping of science. Nic doesn’t just tell you what to do, he tells you why and gives you a whole range of ideas about how. In truth, I wish this book had existed for me to read during my own university adventure.”
Pooky Knightsmith
Author of The Mentally Healthy Schools Workbook
“What a useful guide for students! It’s raw, authentic, personal, soulful, entertaining, and pragmatic. In my opinion, this is a must-have for young adults in higher education.”
Scott Barry Kaufman
Author of Transcend
Book illustrations by the wonderful John-Paul Flintoff, and used with the permission of Little, Brown Book Group.