Manchester university students will be donning their purple printed hoodies again for Wellbeing Week, which takes place from 12th to 16th March.

Whether you are there to teach or be educated, the University environment can be a stressful, unhealthy place; an active lifestyle and “5 a day” diet often taking a back seat to more pressing concerns. Wellbeing Week aims to buck this trend, with a week-long program of free health, fitness and educational activities for both students and staff. Funded by the MU Human Resources department, the event is being delivered through a partnership of various university departments including Occupational Health, the Counselling Service, Food-on-Campus, UMSA, Equality & Diversity and, of course, SPORT Manchester – the university’s own on-campus sport service.

For those lacking the right “gear”, MU has a well-stocked shop selling both gifts and licenced clothing, so there’s no excuse not to take part. Local t shirt printing firms are kept busy supplying custom polo shirts, t-shirts and hoodies printed with “The University of Manchester”– there’s even a cute teddy wearing a university t-shirt. Ranked in the top ten of the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) league, Manchester has over 45 sports clubs, all of which also have custom polo shirts and other leisurewear made for them.

Those wanting to have a go for the first time in March probably already have official Manchester University hoodies, personalized in the traditional colours of purple and yellow. These are the same colours used on the university coat-of-arms, bearing the motto, “Cognitio, sapientia, humanitas” (Knowledge, Wisdom, Humanity). College events are heralded by a sea of blueberry-clad bodies – proving that Manchester students really are “proud to be purple”.