Are students on the brink of a mental health crisis?
As university students begin to crack under strict COVID-19 restrictions, Closer investigates the devastating impact on their wellbeing…
When Tizzie Robinson-Gordon, 19, was accepted to study History and English at the University of Edinburgh, she’d hoped for a once in a lifetime experience. But her reality couldn’t be further from the student life she’d imagined. Tizzie’s just four weeks into her first year, but a COVID-19 outbreak on campus meant she’s spent half that time self-isolating in halls. Tizzie, from Bath, says, “Without a strong support network and little help from the university, I felt lonely and cooped up. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”
Tizzie is one of thousands of students forced to self-isolate due to the virus spreading across campuses.
ANXIETY & STRESS
There are currently COVID-19 cases at over 40 universities, and infection rates in university towns are 40 per cent higher than the rest of the UK. Different universities have taken their own approaches to locking down students, based on the severity of outbreaks. Many students must isolate for 14 days, even without symptoms.
Jenny Smith, Policy Manager at Student Minds, says, “Heading off to university can cause anxiety and stress for young people anyway, so we were shocked by the recent measures used to contain selfisolating students. Accounts describe difficulties in accessing food, students being obstructed from exiting their premises, a lack of communication from institutions, and the use of security threats to intimidate students into compliance. We’re calling for any measures introduced to be fair, non-discriminatory, and proportionate, with the mental health of our university communities put first.”
Now, experts fear students will become increasingly lonely while away from home. Student-run mental health service, Nightline, has already reported spikes in calls.
Tizzie moved to Edinburgh in September. In Scotland, students are banned from socialising outside of their households, and all pubs and restaurants ants are closed.
LONELINESS
Tizzie says, “I knew things would be different, with lectures online and no socials, but the university still promised a full experience.
“Our options for socialising are limited. I have friends I know from home, but it hasn’t been easy meeting new people. I’m paying thousands to study in my room, but the internet in halls is often too weak to connect to lectures.”
After two weeks of term, someone in Tizzie’s halls got COVID-19 symptoms. She says, “We all had to self-isolate for two weeks. We were stuck indoors, with essentials like laundry rooms off limits. I couldn’t help feeling hopeless. University is nothing like I’d imagined.” Now out of isolation, Tizzie, who hasn’t suffered with mental health issues before, is struggling. “With sports and outdoor walks banned, it was easy to feel low, and I’m still so lonely,” she admits. “My flat should house ten people, but many have moved back home, so there are just three of us.”
DARK PLACE
Tess Bailie, 18, is also in her first year at Edinburgh.
She’s campaigning for better student mental health support. She says, “We pay £7,097 for accommodation and £9,000 course fees per year, but our basic needs aren’t being met. Security patrol the halls, to ensure we comply with regulations – it feels like a prison. In my halls, if I’m spotted in indoor communal areas with another person, I’ll get fined up to £250. Students in isolation often haven’t received
❛ SECURITY PATROL THE HALLS – IT FEELS LIKE WE’RE IN PRISON ❜
meals until 3pm and sometimes it’s out of date. I’ve heard of someone who lost 4kg since the start of term. I’ve struggled with my own mental health in the past, but now I’ve reached lows I’ve never felt before. Some friends have had anxiety attacks and one friend didn’t contact anyone for a few days – his parents were terrified. Thankfully, he was fine, but I think it’s only a matter of time before something terrible happens.”
Poppy, a third-year student at the University of Manchester, is also struggling. She says, “I tested positive for the virus in September, after moving into a house with a new group, as my friends were due to study abroad. Tensions were high as we didn’t know each other well or how to offer support. I cried almost every day. The physical symptoms went after a week, but my mental health suffered – the emotional isolation can send you to a dark place. It’s been a scary time for all students, but I’m lucky I’m not a fresher. I can’t imagine what it must be like being away from home for the first time right now. Our generation is facing many crises, from the A-level fiasco to an uncertain economic future – we need support more than ever.”
When approached by Closer, a University of Edinburgh spokesperson said, “Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students continues to be our priority. We have staff working 24 hours a day to provide those self-isolating in catered and selfcatered residences with three meals a day. On the few occasions when students’ needs have not been met, we have addressed this as quickly as we can and are working hard to improve our systems. We are offering a range of support, including daily checkins, pastoral care and a helpline. Our Residence Life team is also on site. Students will receive a hybrid learning experience, in line with Scottish Government guidance, where in-person teaching will happen where possible and safe on campus. We have also introduced new courses to help our students adjust to this new way of learning, as well as support in ensuring they receive adequate WiFi if self-isolating in halls.”