Summer 2026 Wellbeing Events!

Written By: Jaeden Joyner (Senior Student Life Officer - Health and Wellbeing) 

Paid Event 

Wanstead Community Riding Stables 

Friday, June 19th 

Join us on a visit to Wanstead Community Riding Stables, a riding school located in the middle of lovely Wanstead Park. First, we will start with a scenic walk through Wanstead Park, before arriving at the stables. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to groom and prepare the horses, learn about their behaviour and their daily routines, and enjoy a guided riding session in a safe, supportive environment. 

Along the way, you’ll discover how spending time with animals and nature can calm the mind, and lift your mood - all while having fun and trying something new. No previous experience with horses is necessary, and all activities will be led by experienced staff who will guide you along the way. 

Price: £10 - We will also be offering one free spot to a student who agrees to do an Instagram takeover before June 18th, with a general theme in your posts around taking care of one’s mental health and wellbeing while abroad. For more information on the requirements for the takeover and to submit your interest in a free spot, email london@arcadia.edu - the first to get in contact and select a date for the takeover will get the free spot. 

Includes: 2 hours of guided horse riding, grooming, and education. Equipment (helmets, boots, and saddles) will be provided. 

Accessibility: This is a beginner friendly activity, with no previous riding experience required. Due to the small size of the horses, the stables require all riders to submit their height and weight, with a maximum weight for riders of 13 stone (approximately 180 lbs). Students who are not able to ride for any reason may still attend to groom and interact with horses. Expect a 20 minute walk (with option of bus transport) from the nearest tube station to the stables on paved ground, with mud and uneven ground in the stables themselves. This event may not be suitable for those with severe allergies (hay, dust, or animals) or problems being around large, unpredictable animals. 

Free Events 

Wellbeing Wednesdays (Drop-In Hours) 

Every Wednesday from 12-1pm 

Student Life staff will host weekly virtual drop in hours, where you can ask any questions you have about navigating health care in London, insurance coverage, homesickness, self-care strategies, and anything else you may need to ask about. The link to join for drop-in hours will be provided to students during their Orientation. 

Cost: £0 

Includes: Weekly health & wellbeing focused drop-in hours for Q&A with Student Life staff. 

Accessibility: Fully accessible. 

Wellbeing Walk - Box Hill 

Friday, July 10th 

We will go on an incredible, refreshing hike to the summit of Box Hill. This is a chance to reconnect with nature, get unplugged, step away from daily pressures, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Surrey Hills. 

This guided walk will offer a chance to get some fresh air and a break from the city. The route will include woodland trails, open view points, and rest stops along the way. Once we reach the summit, we will stop for photos and coffee/refreshments at the Box Hill National Trust Visitor Centre. 

Cost: £0 

Includes: A guided hike and coffee at the Box Hill visitor center. Keep in mind you will be responsible for train fare to the meeting location. 

Accessibility: This is a moderately challenging hike that may not be suitable for everyone. The hike will include uneven terrain, inclines, and 275 steps down from the summit. There will be plenty of rest stops along the way. The total hike duration is 1.5-2 hours and toilet facilities are available at the train station and Box Hill summit only. 

Fair Shot Cafe 

Friday, August 7th 

Fair shot is a social enterprise cafe in London that aims to support young adults with learning disabilities and autism to find employment through hands-on training and education. This cafe aims to break down barriers and support these young adults out of the unemployment cycle. Students will have the chance to enjoy great coffee/refreshments, connect with others in this inclusive space, and engage in their local community in a unique way. 

Cost: £0 

Includes: Coffee/refreshments at the Fair Shot Cafe 

Accessibility: Fully accessible 

Notes on Booking Wellbeing Events 

• Bookings for events will open via your Arcadia portal roughly two weeks before the event. 
• The link to wellbeing hours will be shared with students during orientation, as well as in their weekly e-mails from the Student Life team. 
• Please make sure you have completed all of the checklist items in your application to be sure you are able to register for events when they go live! 
• Events that are running outside of your Programme dates will not appear on your Arcadia Portal.