- Kayleigh Brinkman
Starting university can be
difficult, particularly for people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Being
aware of what support is on offer before you arrive will save time and stress, leaving
you to enjoy freshers the way you want to. This is why I have put together a
series of tips that helped make my transition to university easier.
Disclose your condition to the university, sooner rather
than later
The sooner that the university
are aware, the sooner they are able to provide the appropriate support and
organise the right adjustments for you. This can be done through your UCAS
application and when you officially register with the university. It is
recommended that you still disclose your condition to the university, even if
you are not currently experiencing any issues, as this will save time later on.
It is good to be prepared in advance!
Research the support available,
both at university and in the local area
Before you start university, it
can be helpful to research the support available at the university and in the
local area. All universities will offer a counselling service, so it might be helpful
to see how the application process works and how many sessions they offer. There
will also be a mental health advisory team at your university, which provides
support for students who are experiencing long term mental health conditions.
Support is also available in the
local community. Make sure you register with a local GP at the beginning of
term, especially if you need to sort out any prescriptions. Your GP can also
give you advice on accessing therapy as well as advising on medications.
In an emergency, contact your
local GP for an emergency appointment or call NHS 111 or 999.
Accessing DSA
DSA is the Disabled Students Allowance,
which can be accessed through Student Finance England. DSA can help with the
costs of hiring a non-medical helper, getting specialist equipment and funding
travel costs. The application process requires medical evidence, and once
processed it can be used to gain further support throughout your time at
university. If you’re struggling with the application process, don’t be scared
to ask the mental health team at university for help. After submitting your application, you will have
an independent assessment to see what provisions can be put in place.
Remember that you aren’t alone
Starting university can be scary,
especially with pre-existing mental health conditions. But, it’s important to
remember that you are not alone. There are lots of other students going through
this same process, and many have made it through university despite their
struggles. There are lots of people you can talk to including teachers, other
students, friends and family. It can be helpful to keep your loves ones in the
loop when you are struggling so they can offer you support.
It can be hard talking to new
friends about your mental health, but you can go into as much or as little
detail as you feel comfortable with. You will never be forced to talk about
your experience, but it can be helpful to remember that many students have their
own experience with mental health conditions, talking about this with them can
help remind you that you don’t have to fight this alone.
There is no right or wrong way to
prepare for university. But having the support in place from the offset can
make the transition to university a lot smoother. Look after yourself and
remember that you are not alone. Starting university is the next chapter of
your life - you can do it!
For more information on what support is available at your university and further, see here.
Kayleigh is a third year student
at the University of Birmingham studying a joint honours in Education and
Sociology. Mental health is something she is very passionate about and hopes that talking
about her experiences through social media and YouTube helps make people going
through similar things feel a little less alone.
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