Amazon Bestseller
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Amazon Bestseller ⭐
Student Thrive Mode
How to Hack Your Mind & Body for University Success
Overwhelmed. Exhausted. Burnt out.
University should be one of the most exciting times of your life. But for many students, it can also feel overwhelming.
Student Thrive Mode is a practical, science-backed guide to feeling better, thinking sharper and thriving at university - by working with your mind, body and environment, rather than against them.
From sleep, food and movement to stress, connection and the space you live in, it gives you the tools to take control of the everyday things that have a huge impact on how you feel and perform.
Where to buy Student Thrive Mode
Available from leading booksellers in the UK and internationally.
Before you read the book, watch this
Why do so many students struggle at university - and what can we do differently?
In this short talk, I explain why student wellbeing is about far more than mental health support, and how sleep, movement, nutrition, connection and the environments we create can help young people thrive.
What This Book Is
A practical guide grounded in science and real-world experience
Simple tools you can start using straight away - all completely free to use
An explanation of what may be making you feel worse — and what you can actually do about it
A way to work with your brain and body, rather than constantly fighting them
A roadmap to help students feel better, think better, and do better
What This Book Isn’t
A productivity guilt trip
Another adult telling you to “just manage your time better”
A quick-fix pill wellness trend
A substitute for professional mental health support
What You’ll Learn Inside
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Train your brain for focus (even with distractions all around)
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Boost clarity and mood through smart nutrition swaps
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Sleep well and wake up rested – even during exam season.
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Get energised – no gym membership or equipment required
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Make meaningful relationships and find your tribe
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Master breathing techniques to calm anxiety in under 5 minutes
Why I Wrote Student Thrive Mode
I’m Philippa Charrier - author, award-winning architectural and urban designer, student wellbeing advocate, and co-founder of FAT Properties.
For more than a decade, I’ve worked in student accommodation, seeing first-hand how the places young people live and the everyday habits those places encourage can affect how they sleep, eat, move, connect, study and feel.
That experience led me to ask a bigger question: what if we could give students the tools to look after their wellbeing before they reach crisis point?
Student Thrive Mode brings together science, design, psychology and real-world experience to help students understand the foundations that influence how they feel and perform, from sleep, nutrition and movement to stress, breathing, connection and their living environment.
I wrote it because university should be an opportunity to thrive, not simply survive.
Frequently asked questions
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Unlike generic study guides or time-management books, this is a science-backed toolkit that blends psychology, neuroscience, and practical daily habits. It goes beyond advice to give students step-by-step ways to manage energy, focus, and wellbeing.
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No – and it doesn’t pretend to be. But many students aren’t unwell – they’re just out of sync. This book offers tools that can reset the system, build resilience and complement professional help.
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Student Thrive Mode is written for university students who feel overwhelmed, stressed, or stuck in “survival mode.” It’s also a valuable tool for parents, teachers, and student support teams who want practical strategies to help students thrive.
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Absolutely. The strategies are simple, flexible and grounded in how real brains (not textbook-perfect ones) actually work.
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Yes! Sixth formers, gap year students, and early career professionals will all benefit from these tools.
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Yes. Many parents and educators find it gives them a language and framework to support students without nagging. It includes tools and conversation prompts you can use together.
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Not at all. The book is designed so students can dip into the parts they need most — whether that’s sleep, stress, focus, or energy — and immediately put the tools into practice.
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That’s OK. The book is written in short, accessible sections with quick exercises. Students can use it like a guidebook — pick a strategy, try it out, and come back when they’re ready for the next step.
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Student Thrive Mode is available from Amazon, Waterstones, Foyles, and other major retailers.