The Essential Guide to Doing Transition. How to do Transition in your University/College. | Page 16

Why start a Transition University? There are many reasons, here are some of them...

Benefits for Individuals

Learning important life skills

Through the Transition University projects awareness of sustainability and related topics is raised. Staff and students learn skills that are not necessarily traditionally covered in the curriculum, but are extremely important in living a sustainable life, contributing towards social change, and creating a better future. Whether it be making the perfect hot compost or learning project management and applying for funding, the opportunity for learning by doing and practical engagement is an important complementary aspect to a university education. Some might be motivated for the extra edge this gives the CV, others by the boost in personal development, and others again for the love of the job at hand.

Improved mental and physical health

As students, staff, and local residents take part in projects (such as those involving cycling or growing food) overall health for them and the environment is improved. It is a valuable part of what is normally a very stressful academic environment and provides an important part of any mental wellbeing programme. Participants’ mental health improves through deeper engagement with nature and the physical environment around them, increasing their sense of belonging and developing an understanding of how it impacts on resources and lifestyles. Emotional wellbeing is also helped through engaging in activities with clear and positive purposes with

tangible outcomes.

As major landowners, Universities can have a big influence on local biodiversity and landscape. Transition University of St Andrews planted over 1200 food-giving trees across the campus in 3 years. Photo: St Andrews in Bloom.

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