Becoming an undergraduate during a pandemic: Priory expert offers advice

• COVID-19 has transformed life at university
• Experts say it risks heightening feelings of loneliness and depression
• Using alcohol as a coping strategy can have a serious effect on mental health
• Priory consultant psychiatrist offers advice to new students
• Dr Andrew Iles says students should "never hesitate" to seek support for their mental health

Thousands of young people across the country are preparing for that well-established rite of passage - heading to university for the start of the new academic year.

But restrictions caused by COVID-19 will make starting university this year a unique, and potentially difficult, experience. Many universities are having to adapt courses to online learning rather than face-to-face lectures, while some are requesting students only socialise with people living in their halls of residence.

And studying for a degree already means dealing with the combined stress of academic work, tight finances and much higher levels of debt than in the past. The pandemic, and concerns about a second wave, add another layer of pressure to this mix.

It's understandable that some students will struggle to cope – especially when many also need to take on part-time jobs, which are hard to come by in a recession, to pay their way.

The stresses placed on students can have serious consequences both on their mental health - and their future career. Official figures show that two thirds of universities and colleges have seen an increase in the last 5 years in the proportion of students who drop out.

And only one in four (27%) of existing students feels that their university provides adequate mental health support, according to the newly-released NatWest Student Living Index 2020.

This is despite efforts made by many universities in recent years to tackle the mental health crisis among students head-on – the pressure to socialise (albeit with social distancing thrown in this year), to live independently in an unfamiliar environment, and to thrive academically.

Every year, there are widely reported incidents involving young people and excess alcohol. Others struggle with acute feelings of loneliness, fear they've chosen the wrong course or university, and homesickness.

Against this backdrop, there are steps undergraduates can take to look after themselves and their mental health as they adjust to student living.

Firstly, starting university can be an exhilarating experience, combining being away from the watchful eyes of parents with being surrounded by like-minded people. But it may not feel like that for everyone. Priory Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Andrew Iles, says: “Don't feel pressured into drinking alcohol, or at least more than you would like to, and remember that you're your own person. Stepping outside of your comfort zone to please others is never going to work out well.”

In recent years, there have been some reports of sexual assaults and harassment on campus. Dr Iles says: “Your safety is important; stick with groups until you know someone really well. There's often a rush to meet new friends and partners, but university life doesn't have to be this way. Stay safe.”

University is primarily about studying, not partying, but this brings its own pressures. Students who are used to being at the top of their class may suddenly find themselves surrounded by people of equal or higher ability. Undergraduates should remember that what they're feeling is perfectly normal. “A significant number of my patients are university students and practising in Oxford means that I'm used to seeing people who fear that they're not intelligent enough to keep up with university life” says Dr Iles. He continues: “Usually, this is simply untrue, but it doesn't stop people experiencing ‘imposter syndrome’.” 

University is often the first time young people are required to structure their own reading and learning, and some aren't prepared. “Adapting from A levels and other courses like the International Baccalaureate and BTECs, is tough” says Dr Iles. “The structured learning environment of sixth form and further education colleges is replaced with much greater emphasis on self-directed study, and learning objectives may become less well-defined". 

Because there will be a dizzying array of things to do and people to meet, students need to remember that there's only so much a person can get through, and that taking the time to rest and recuperate is very important. “Speak to any established undergraduate and they'll tell you that staying up late and the pressure to find new friends is exhausting. Burning the candle at both ends leaves many feeling homesick and isolated” says Dr Iles.

If students do find the whole experience starts to feel overwhelming, it helps to remember that everyone is in the same situation. Dr Iles reminds new starters that: “You've worked hard to get into university, so try and remember that many people will experience similar problems when they start. However, some people may have greater problems, maybe because of existing mental illness or maybe because they're experiencing a mental health condition for the first time. Should you find yourself in this situation, make sure you tell someone. It's never good to suffer in silence.”

If you have a diagnosed mental health condition, you may be entitled to a disability allowance. Priory psychiatrists have assisted some young people in applying for a student disability allowance and they have received some funding to help them meet the extra cost of their mental health difficulties at university.  Some have been given technology and funding for therapy.

And if you’re stressed or anxious – whether due to concerns about money, your course or simply settling in - there are people to help. You can access medical professionals such as GPs, counsellors, psychologists, welfare advisers, university counselling services or student union representatives. Your GP may refer you to a psychotherapist or psychiatrist. Priory has wellbeing centres in cities where there are a high number of students, including Oxford, Manchester, Canterbury, Edinburgh, London and Birmingham. They are confidential services and accessing them will not affect your job prospects negatively (a common worry). The therapists will help you develop a plan for when you're struggling and this will help you feel more in control and more able to succeed.

ENDS

Contact: [email protected]

Notes to editors

Photo of Dr Andrew Iles below

About Priory and MEDIAN

Priory is the UK’s leading independent provider of mental health services. We treat more than 70 conditions, including depression, anxiety, addictions and eating disorders, as well as children’s mental health, across our nationwide network of sites. We also support autistic adults and adults with a learning disability, Prader-Willi Syndrome and brain injuries, as well as older people, within our specialist residential care and supported living facilities – helping as many people as possible to live their lives.

Priory is part of the MEDIAN Group, one of Europe’s leading providers of high quality mental health and rehabilitation services. The MEDIAN Group comprises 290 facilities with 5,000 beds caring for 28,000 people in the UK, 120 facilities with 20,000 beds caring for around 250,000 patients in Germany, and 15 facilities with 2,000 beds caring for 13,000 people in Spain, with more than 29,000 employees overall.