Mental Health

University is a time of change. You change where you live, where you study and of course, who you live with.

You have moved to your Hall of residence, to a new home, a new city, and some of you even a new country. It is something that is so exciting, it is something that you’ve always wanted to do, and it is enriched by starting a programme at a university which can be quite a lot of pressure.

This article is something that I would like to write given that I know the majority of our students go through these feelings. It can be overwhelming being in a new place on your own. Homesickness is real! It is sometimes really hard to make friends.

Feeling isolated along with the pressure of an academic programme is very common for everybody. I would like everyone to know that the way you feel in moments like this is something that everybody feels at one point in time. Within that moment however it can be very difficult to be able to see a positive light at this time.

So what is there that could support you at this time….?

The LSE Halls of Residence have a warden team. We are trained to signpost you to services that can help. Having undertaken this role for a few years now I would like to provide some information for you so that you know where you can turn to and who you can talk to a times when you feel like things may be a bit difficult.

Firstly you have your Warden team are you can contact in each halls of residence to talk to. We are available from 6 pm in the evenings and weekends.

You also have the LSE Disability and Wellbeing Service (lse.ac.uk) Here you can speak to counsellors who can support you and talk to you and guide you to places and practices which may help.

I would always recommend that every student registers with a GP. If you are struggling to find one there is one on campus called St Philips Medical Centre - Medical Doctors in London

In addition to the LSE support services above I also note a few services which are free to use and confidential but always here to support you.

Contacting Spectrum.Life out of hours support - Freephone: 0808 189 01 03, SMS or WhatsApp: 00353 873690010

Samaritans – free, 24 hour, helpline for people experiencing high levels of distress. Tel. 116 123 - www.samaritans.org

Shout – free, 24 hour, text support service for people in crisis. Text 85258 – www.giveusashout.org

Nightline - confidential listening, support and practical information service for students in London. 6pm - 8am, every night of term. www.nightline.org.uk Twitter @LondonNightline Facebook facebook.com/LondonNightline Tel. (+44) 207 631 0101 – for Skype calls see website -www.nightline.org.uk - Email - listening@nightline.org.uk

My one bit of advice would be to take action and reach out sooner…as soon as you feel something isn’t right. Look after yourself as the priority on this new journey in London!

Imran

High Holborn Residence Warden