Support available
Information about mental health and wellbeing
Commencing a course at university is an exciting and challenging experience for anyone. There are many things to consider and many unknown factors that could cause anxiety, such as: Am I doing the right course? Where will I live? Will I make friends? How will I manage my finances?
For students who have experienced mental health difficulties such anxieties can seem daunting. Coping with the rigours of university whilst dealing with the reality of living with mental health issues can be extra challenging. It is therefore important that before you choose a university and commence your studies you consider the support and structures that will be in place to ensure that your time at university is a positive experience.
To help you with this process, this leaflet attempts general answers to frequently asked questions. We would also encourage you to contact the university of your choice direct, and make further enquiries about services offered at that particular institution.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will there be someone who knows about mental health issues that I can talk to at university?
If I leave my home area to go to university, how will I continue to get medical support?
If I have a mental health difficulty, should I declare this when I apply to University?
What sort of support could I expect to find at university?
Apart from the specialist mental health support, all universities will have a department of student services. These vary from university to university but students who experience mental health difficulties should look to see that the university of their choice offers resources such as counselling, accommodation support, financial advice and support, learning support and health services such as a GP Practice and even a Sick Bay.
When you start at a university you will be allocated a Personal Tutor within your department. This person will support your study needs and will also take an interest in your general well-being.
If you live in Halls at the University of Leicester, you will be under the care of Sub-wardens who live in the same Hall as you. (These Sub-wardens are available, on a rota basis, 24 hours/ 7 days per week, for emergencies.)
The Student Union is the social focus of most universities, but in addition most provide welfare services and offer confidential advice on a number of issues, including finance, academic grievances, complaints and legal matters, Most Student Unions also provide a confidential telephone Helpline service, and volunteers are trained to listen to people in mental distress.
Most universities also have centres where students can go for religious and spiritual guidance, such as a Chaplaincy or Muslim Prayer room. These centres are quiet places where you can meet people in a calm atmosphere, where there are people around to listen with a friendly ear, during good times and bad.
Of course, there will be many resources open to you outside the university too. The specialist mental health adviser would be a good person to ask for help in finding local resources that meet your needs.
Am I entitled to financial support to pay for extra resources I may need?
