Student support is key in 2020
What will your university do to support your wellbeing? It’s as important as your studies in this period of pandemic uncertainty
GOING away to university is often a student’s first taste of living away from home — managing their finances, meeting new people and taking on the stress of studying for a degree. So it’s no wonder that one in four students suffers from a mental health problem.
Not everyone feels that they are fitting in, some struggle to make friends and the academic leap from A-levels to a degree can be overwhelming.
As a result, mental health support has been an increasing priority for universities for some years. However, in 2020, it should be at the top of any student’s list of things to consider when choosing a course during Clearing.
Isolation and loneliness as a result of social distancing, fears of further lockdowns, uncertainty about the future jobs market and an inability to supplement your student finance with a parttime job will all impact on your mental wellbeing.
So how can you pro-actively prepare for the pressures of going away to university during a global pandemic?
HOW TO AVOID FEELING ALONE
● One option is to study closer to home and live with your family. Greenwich University, for example, is helping students to do this by offering £1,000 a year towards the cost of travel.
● Picking a uni with an easy commute from home is another option. Universities including the University of Leicester enable students to book accommodation on a weekly basis, so you can stay at uni when you need to and stay at home for online lectures.
● Think carefully about your accommodation choices. Being on campus will give you access to more facilities and opportunities to make friends than living in private accommodation.
● Choose a university where students say they “feel part of a community”.
Check the National Student Survey results for your uni at officeforstudents.org.uk (it’s question 21).
● Finally, pick a university that is offering blended learning — so you will still benefit from both face-to-face and small group teaching.
HOW TO MAKE SURE SUPPORT IS ON OFFER
● Find out how easy it is to access mental health services. For example, Bristol University responded to several student suicides by introducing 20-minute same-day appointments for urgent mental health issues. For other universities, support may be limited to just four sessions. Many are offering appointments via Zoom. Each university is different, so make sure you do your research.
● Make sure you register with a GP. Many students don’t because they are registered at home, but without a GP to visit, you will find it more difficult to access mental health services.
● Keep a list of services you can access when/if you need them: studentminds.org.uk and mind.org.uk are both useful resources.
● Check out the academic support on offer — struggling with your studies will impact your mental health. Visit whatuni.com/student-awards-winners/student-support/ to find the universities that rank highest.
HOW TO BOOST YOUR RESILIENCE
A healthy diet, plenty of sleep and avoiding too much alcohol might not be a
way of life associated with being a student. However, this year — more than ever — it is important to focus on your physical wellbeing to support your mental health.
● Most universities will still be running clubs and societies, with social distancing. One way to meet new people and join an instant group is to sign up and try a few out. Visit whatuni.com to check out the Student Choice Awards.
● Pick a university with clubs that match your interests, whether that is a vegan society or a Dungeons and Dragons club.
● Choose a university that has great places for walking and cycling, as well as outdoor sports clubs, as you are more likely to be able to enjoy keeping fit.