University can be an exciting time. Indeed, for many young people, it’s almost become a rite of passage – a steppingstone to learning, development and growth in the transition to adult life.
However, it’s also a time of significant change for many young people, be it moving away from home for the first time, navigating to build new ‘life’ skills or forming new friendship groups. For some, these changes can be overwhelming, and it’s perfectly normal to feel anxious, stressed or low. According to a 2022 survey by charity Student Minds, over half of respondents self-reported a mental health concern, with over a quarter stating they had a diagnosed mental health condition.
Whether you’re a fresher who has lost their confidence or a final year student who is worried about the job market, finding the right advice and guidance to support your mental wellbeing is vital. With the cost of living soaring, you might also be feeling stressed about your finances – indeed, research by the National Union of Students (NUS) in July 2022 showed that one in three students in the UK has less than £50 a month left in their pocket after paying rent and bills.
Our toolkit for students contains recommendations for free NHS-approved mental wellbeing apps, including Student Health App, Clear Fear and Combined Minds, as well as links to expert advice on a wide range of student-related topics.
We hope you find this toolkit useful and, don’t forget, you can contact your university’s wellbeing, welfare and finance services to discuss any particular concerns. You can also get in touch with Shout (text STUDENT to 85258) or Samaritans (call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org). If you need urgent help, you can find details of support organisations on Good Thinking’s Urgent Support page.
