Expectations and Worries
Making Friends
It’s common to worry that you won’t make friends at college or university. However, it is important to remember that everybody will be in the same position as you. Take a look at The Student Room and Student Minds websites to find more support.
Missing Home
Perhaps you aren’t worried about missing home and you can’t wait to get started. Even so the likelihood is that someone you know or perhaps even yourself at some point may start to miss home. In those situations or for those who are feeling worried before making the move, know that moving away from home is a change that can be worrisome but one that affects everyone at some point in their life. Remember that technology can make the world of difference, as it’s easy to get in contact with the people you miss.
Looking after yourself
In the chaos and novelty of college and university life it’s easy to forget about looking after yourself, in terms of both your physical and mental health. As welcome events settle down and you find yourself with more time, you’ll have the opportunity to step back and organise your daily life.
Take a look at these resources for looking after your mental wellbeing from Student Minds.
Getting Organised
The National Union of Students has lots of information on preparing for University, including the top 10 things to do before University.
This includes:
• Arrange your accommodation
• Sort out your finances
• Decide what to take
• Organise a railcard
• Arrange a health check
• Get to know the area
• Register with a GP
• Learn to cook
• Spend time with family and friends
• Get involved in freshers’ week
Charlie Waller Guide for Starting University
Charlie Waller Memorial Trust is one of the UK’s most respected mental health charities. They educate young people, and those with responsibility for them, about their mental health and wellbeing. Download their guide for students on starting university to prepare yourself for what can be a huge step in your life, to make sure you get the most out of it.
Disabled Students Allowance
Are you already receiving support or have a mental health diagnosis? If so, you may be able to apply for a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSAs). If you live in England and have a disability that affects your ability to study, including a mental health condition like anxiety or depression, then you may be eligible. The GOV.UK website has more information on DSAs.
Getting More Help
Talking to family and friends about your worries can help you feel more supported. You might want to talk to someone outside the family like a GP. Choose someone you trust and if you find it difficult to talk about how you are feeling, you could write them a letter or send them a text.
Childline
Childline provides a free and confidential telephone service for children and young people up to the age of 19.
Visit Childine website Call 0800 1111Buzz US
Compass BUZZ offers a confidential text messaging service, called BUZZ US, to young people aged 11-18 across North Yorkshire.
Visit Compass BUZZ website Call 07520 631168Kooth
Kooth online counselling is a free, safe and anonymous service for 11-18 year olds where young people can chat 1-2-1 with counsellors.
Visit Kooth websiteRecovery College Online
The Recovery College Online provides a range of online educational courses and resources to people with mental illness.
Visit Recovery College OnlineNorth Yorkshire IAPT
IAPT is a national NHS programme designed to increase the availability of talking therapy treatments.
You can refer yourself if you are 17 or over and registered with a North Yorkshire GP.
Visit North Yorkshire IAPT websiteCrisis Resolution and Intensive Home Treatment (CRHT) Team
The CRHT team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They provide specialist assessment for people aged 16+ who need urgent mental health care.
Visit TEWV websiteNorth Yorkshire Horizons
North Yorkshire Horizons is an adult drug and alcohol recovery service.
Visit North Yorkshire Horizons websiteNorth Yorkshire County Council
Visit North Yorkshire County Council for more information on helplines, counselling and urgent support.
Visit NYCC websiteGetting Urgent Help
If you’ve seriously injured yourself or taken an overdose call 999 or get immediate medical advice from NHS 111.
If you are in a crisis and feel like you can’t cope, speak to somebody straight away. Search below for help or see the Urgent Help page for contact details for the North Yorkshire single point of access Crisis Service.
Things you might find useful
Student Minds
Student mental health charity website with support options and blogs.
Visit Student Minds websiteStudents Against Depression
Provides students with the resources to find a way forward from stress, low mood, depression or suicidal thinking.
Visit Students Against Depression website