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October 28, 2021January 4, 2022

Struggling with poor mental health at university?

I remember looking at older friends’ pictures from university while I was in school with envy. I couldn’t wait to join in the fun. A month into my own time on campus, however, I realised hadn’t thought at all about managing my mental health at university.

I’d been misled by my friends’ ‘highlight reel’ of the student experience. Of course nobody uploads photos of them working late into the night, or struggling to connect with strangers, or just going through life without the support system they’d known at home. Another huge thing I hadn’t realised was simply how much time I’d spend on my own if I weren’t proactive about it.

Student mental health

The arrival on campus brings amazing new opportunities. However, the upheaval can also leave you vulnerable to struggles with your mental health at university, as you deal with the stresses of adult life for the first time. This situation has been compounded by two years of cancelled social activities and classes held behind a computer screen. In an NUS survey, over half of participants said that their mental health had been negatively affected by COVID-19. Less than a third of them had sought help. According to the Office for National Statistics, 26% of students reported feeling lonely often or always, compared with 8% of adults in general.

Students can experience struggles with all aspects of their mental and emotional health. Triggers that students report include study and work pressures, relationship trouble, homesickness and loneliness, financial worries, and bullying. Anxiety is one of the most commonly-diagnosed mental health problems among students, as well as depression and suicidal feelings.

Warning signs for these disorders include things like extreme highs and lows of emotion, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, lack of energy and motivation, or physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues and body pain. However, this checklist isn’t exhaustive at all. If you’re struggling, seek help immediately, regardless of what symptoms you do or do not have.

Taking care of your mental health at university

Go easy on yourself

Mental health struggles can make simple tasks feel overwhelming, so don’t overload yourself. It’s not realistic to expect yourself to be productive all the time (especially during the pandemic!), so do what you can in manageable chunks. Good grades are important, but nowhere near as important as your wellbeing. Take care of yourself and seek help when you need it.

Joining a club or society can be a great way to do something you enjoy and boost your mood. If you meet nice people, it can create a community to fight loneliness or homesickness. However, don’t take too much on – you don’t have to say yes to every social activity or study group. Make sure to relax and spend time in your own space as well! It can be hard to focus when this living space is untidy, so try to de-clutter. Clean up mess, and open windows to let fresh air in.

Let’s get physical

Your mental health is strongly tied to your physical health, so try to eat as healthily as possible. There are lots of resources online for how to do this cheaply and easily. Exercising might be the last thing you feel like doing when your energy is low. Nonetheless, just 15 minutes of movement can make a huge impact on your mood, especially if you manage to spend the time outdoors. With impending deadlines and nights out, it’s unlikely you’ll be getting the recommended eight hours of sleep. However, try to establish a healthy pattern when you can. And when you do go out, remember to drink sensibly.

You know you best

Find outlets that work for you – this could be running, baking, arts and crafts or something else. Do whatever you know will lift your mood and calm you down. Keeping in touch with friends you had before you got to campus is a good way to maintain your social interactions. It can also be a helpful reminder that a world exists beyond your university (sometimes easy to forget!). There are lots of apps out there that can help with mental health struggles, like Headspace, Calm and Worrytree.

The most important advice is to seek support early if you’re ever struggling with your mental health at university. Don’t leave it until you’re at crisis point – there are lots of people and services out there that have your back.

What help is available?

It can be hard to open up to family and friends about how you’re feeling, but it can also be a huge relief. Don’t feel like a burden; your loved ones are there to help you and hear you out.

To find out what support is available through your university, contact student services or look on their website. Your university’s wellbeing service can provide a listening ear and signpost you towards more services. These might include appointments with dedicated mental health advisors, drop-in counselling or mindfulness sessions, and support groups. Some institutions have their own phone helpline, de-stressing sports activities, and animal therapy sessions!

If you’re seriously worried about your mental health, it’s essential that you visit a doctor. They can give you a medical diagnosis and a referral to appropriate services. If you think it’s affecting your work, have a chat with your personal tutor or somebody in charge of your pastoral care. You can express your concerns and make a plan for the future. Once when I was going through something hard as a student, I spoke to my tutor even though I hadn’t felt any negative impacts yet, just to flag it up. You can also apply for mitigating or extenuating circumstances for any exams or coursework you think could be affected.

Organisations such as the Mental Health Foundation, Mind, Papyrus, Sane and Student Minds provide excellent advice and guidance. There are also multiple free support lines that you can call at any time to talk about anything that’s getting to you. Call the Samaritans at 116 123, or text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258.

October 10, 2021December 26, 2021

Five inspiring women in STEM

Due to the long-held (false!) belief that science and maths are “boy subjects”, female scientists and mathematicians have always been in the minority. They are underrepresented in every geographical region, and, in total, less than 30% of researchers in the world are women. However, despite its reputation as a male-dominated field, there are a ton of inspirational women in STEM. To celebrate the International Day of the Girl, here are just five of the female pioneers leading the way on the STEM scene:

Margaret Hamilton

One of our favourite examples of women in STEM is Margaret Hamilton, an American computer scientist, systems engineer and business owner.

As head of the Software Engineering Division of the MIT Instrumentation Lab, she developed the guidance and navigation system for the Apollo spacecraft. After Apollo, parts of her code went on to be used in Skylab, the first space station, and then in the space shuttle programme.

Not only was Hamilton a leading software engineer, but she was actually the one to coin the term for the first time! During the early stages of working on the Apollo programme, she was frustrated that the software wasn’t taken as seriously as other engineering disciplines. In reaction, she started referring to it as ‘software engineering’. A lady who wrote her own title as well as her code – we love to see it!

Dr Sue Black, OBE

Dr Sue Black is a British computer scientist, academic, and social entrepreneur. In 2016, she was awarded an OBE for services to technology in Queen Elizabeth’s New Year’s Honours list.

She is Professor of Computer Science and Technology Evangelist at Durham University. She is an Honorary Professor in the Department of Computer Science at UCL, and a Senior Research Associate at Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge. And I thought my CV was impressive…

But that’s not all. Passionate about supporting women in tech, Dr Black founded the UK’s first online network for them, BCSWomen. She also created #techmums, a social enterprise which empowers mums and their families through technology. What’s more, she started the campaign to get Bletchley Park – the site of World War II code-breaking – the heritage site status it deserves. Dr Black was instrumental in saving the park from closure due to lack of funding.

Yari Golden-Castaño

Yari Golden-Castaño is an American systems engineer. She is one of the 100 finalists of the Mars One project, which aims to select the first 24 settlers on Mars.

Based at the MIT Lincoln Lab, she worked on data analysis for air traffic control systems for her first four years. Now she develops hardware and software for laser communication, which will be the Mars One travellers’ sole source of contact with Earth.

Additionally, Golden-Castaño is currently enrolled in a Space Biomed programme at MIT. The programme offers new perspectives on the relationship between microgravity and our muscles and bones.

She is an advocate for better representation of women in STEM, and organises and runs hands-on workshops to introduce young girls to engineering. She also speaks in schools, universities and professional organisations about space exploration and the importance of following your dreams.

Dr Mirjana Pović

Dr Mirjana Pović is a Serbian astrophysicist. She is a Professor of Physics and head of the Department of Astronomy at the Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute. Talk about an overachiever – she has contributed to over ten international projects!

Dr Pović works on the formation and evolution of galaxies, and investigates the formation rate and mass-metallicity of stars. She has taught physics across Africa, including to orphans in Rwanda and HIV-positive women in Tanzania. She believes that scientists should spend more time connecting to the developing world, and that education and science are fundamental tools for combating inequality.

In 2019, Dr Pović was awarded the inaugural Nature Research – Estée Lauder Inspiring Science Award. She is using the €10,000 prize money to build networks for women in STEM across Ethiopia.

Karen Uhlenbeck

Karen Uhlenbeck is an American mathematician and a founder of modern geometric analysis, who developed tools and methods now used universally in her field. She works in global analysis as well as gauge theory, the mathematical language of theoretical physics.

Uhlenbeck is a Visiting Senior Research Scholar at Princeton University, as well as a Visiting Associate at Princeton’s Institute for Advanced Study (IAS). She is a founder of the IAS’ Park City Mathematics Institute, which aims to train young researchers and promote understanding of the interests and challenges in maths. In addition, she’s a founder of its Women and Mathematics programme, created to recruit and empower women to lead in maths research.

Somehow not impressed yet? Last year, Uhlenbeck became the first female winner of the Abel Prize for “the fundamental impact of her work on analysis, geometry and mathematical physics”. The prize is awarded annually to highlight outstanding advancements in maths. This makes her one of our women in STEM icons, and one Karen we can definitely get behind.

You could be next!

At Proprep, we are committed to diversifying the STEM industry. We want to ensure that people of all backgrounds – all genders, races, abilities and economic classes – are able to fulfil their academic potential. Click here to go to your account and see the benefits of our resources on your studying. Start your free trial today!

August 22, 2021September 12, 2021

The freebie guide to freshers’ week

The freshers’ fair is a crucial staple of freshers’ week – wandering around a big hall or gazebo, 700 flyers in hand, trying to decide if you want to commit yourself to the Quidditch team or the Cheese Society. Make sure to go with an open mind, hungry tummy, and empty backpack. As well as being a great chance to discover all the different activities on offer, you’ll leave drowning in freebies.

Coupons and vouchers will come in handy later, but the physical giveaways are great for stocking up your room, kitchen, and pencil case. Whether you’re a returning student or you’ve just got your A Level results, check out our guide for the very best of the free haul!

Click here for more advice on making the most of freshers’ week

Food glorious food

The people running every stall know that the foolproof way to a student’s heart is through their stomach. Both uni clubs and businesses will try to leave a sweet aftertaste with you, so look out for sweets, chocolates and doughnuts. At some campuses, you’ll find supermarkets handing out goody bags of student essentials like beans and noodles. Take them back to stock up your kitchen, and save money and stress later!

Domino’s and Pizza Hut visit a lot of freshers’ weeks with a deal for free pizza slices. If you see them, don’t hold back! Keep an eye out for deals and vouchers from other restaurant chains and local eateries. They’re all waiting to welcome you to your new home city.

Kitchen freebies

Look out for branded mugs, water bottles, flasks, and pint glasses. With enough random giveaways, you’ll be able to go a whole week without washing anything up – win! Some people find cooking utensils and other important supplies at the freshers’ fair, which will save you a desperate supermarket trip down the line.

Fridge magnets are surprisingly useful. How else would you stick up all your takeaway menus, or remind your flatmates that your leftover sushi is NOT up for grabs? Bonus points if they double up as a bottle opener or other device.

Gadgets and gizmos a-plenty

While businesses and societies want to entice you in with food, they also want to gift you techie things you’ll actually appreciate and use. While you’ve probably got a set of headphones and a portable phone charger, it’s good to have a spare or two (or five!). Some stalls will also have things like USB sticks and splitters. We bet you’ve been meaning to buy yourself one of these but never got around to it, so take them all.

Freshers’ week stationery

Does anyone buy pens anymore? You’ll probably receive a lifetime supply of highlighters, biros, and other stationery handouts at the freshers’ fair. If you’re lucky, you might find an academic planner or a wall calendar. These will help you keep track of the whirlwind of activity that makes up a uni term.

While you can’t write with a stress ball, they’re (unfortunately) library essentials. Hang onto them and to anything else that could calm you down in an essay crisis.

Miscellaneous

Brands will put their name on anything they can get you to carry around. It’s free advertising for them, but you’ll also benefit from a new pyjama T-shirt or a pair of socks. Tote bags are eco-friendly and useful for transporting your stuff around campus. And of course, umbrellas are a must-have in the unpredictable UK climate!

Some freebies new to the tables in 2021 might include masks and hand sanitiser gel. Whether you’re avoiding the freshers’ flu or something more sinister, stay safe and happy at uni with these supplies.

Catch us at your freshers’ fair!

Proprep will be all over the country during freshers’ week 2021. We hope to see you at one of the following locations…

Uni of Edinburgh – 13th Sept
Uni of Glasgow – 14th Sept
Uni of Exeter – 17th Sept
LSE – 20th Sept
Uni of Manchester – 20th Sept
Uni of Leeds – 21st Sept
QMUL – 22nd Sept
Uni of Nottingham – 22nd Sept
Swansea Uni – 22nd Sept
Kings College London – 23rd Sept
Uni of Liverpool – 23rd Sept
Uni of Kent – 24th Sept
Uni of Surrey – 24th Sept
Uni of Bristol – 25th Sept
De Montfort Uni – 27th Sept
Uni of Warwick – 28th Sept
Newcastle Uni – 28th Sept
Cardiff Uni – 30th Sept
UCL – 2nd Oct
Imperial College London – 5th Oct
Uni of Oxford – 6th Oct

…and more! Can’t wait to meet you all!

August 5, 2021October 28, 2021

Discover how to make the most of Freshers’ Week 2021

Freshers’ week – also called welcome week – is one of the highlights of the university calendar. It’s an immensely busy time, filled with new faces, important admin, and copious amounts of alcohol. Follow our guide to both survive and thrive during freshers’ week, and come out feeling confident and excited about the year ahead at university!

Photo credit: Prostock Studio, Shutterstock

Get the admin under control

First things first, try and get a copy of the events schedule for freshers’ week when you arrive, so you can plan ahead. You’ll probably have a few meetings to attend, such as welcome talks with your department and induction sessions with the library and sports facilities. Though these may sound a little boring, they’ll be super helpful in the long run.

Check where your teaching spaces are, and locate your nearest supermarket, pharmacy, and other important shops. Some universities set a deadline by which you have to register with a new local GP, but even if yours doesn’t, register anyway! Especially in a year like this one, it’s important to know your health will be taken care of when you need it.

“So, what kind of things are you into?”

You’ve probably never been around so many new people from so many different places as during freshers’ week. Make sure to bring a doorstop, so your new neighbours feel comfortable popping their heads in and saying hello. Invite them in for a chat and a cuppa if you really want to win them over!

As well as hopefully bonding with the friends living around you, you’ll meet people on your course, older students, and countless others. Be prepared for a lot of Facebook adds, and having the same awkward opener conversation over and over. Also, make sure to choose a fun fact about yourself in advance for any classic freshers’ week icebreakers and get-to-know-you games.

It’s obviously great to be friendly to everyone you meet at university. However, lots of people feel pressure to become an immediate BNOC (big name on campus). Don’t give in to the panic! Everyone showing off their fun on social media is just as confused and nervous as you. You don’t need to make your best friends for life on day one – there’s lots of time to find your tribe.

Explore the freshers’ fair

The freshers’ fair generally happens over a couple of days during freshers’ week. It’ll give you the chance to learn about every society and extra-curricular activity on offer at your university. You can speak to student reps at each stall, and sign up for mailing lists so that you don’t miss upcoming events.

Extra-curricular activities are a great way to round out your CV when it comes to the job hunt. More importantly though, you’ll meet lots of new like-minded people and get some crucial chill time amidst the chaos of the uni term. Are you considering playing a new sport, getting involved in performing arts, joining a religious society, or something more niche? Whatever it is, we recommend throwing yourself into the fun and trying everything at least once!

Another thing to note about the freshers’ fair is that almost every brand and company will have special deals and rates for students. You’ll receive a ton of freebies, coupons and discount codes, so keep them safe and use them to save money later on. When out shopping, remember to ask if the shop you’re in gives student discounts. An NUS card or university ID can get you 10% off in most places (which almost makes the degree worth it).

Freshers’ week nightlife

When you picture yourself during freshers’ week, it’s probably dancing in a club surrounded by lots of sweaty fellow students. This year, universities are optimistic that students won’t need to miss out on the nightlife scene. However, it’s important to stay as smart and as safe as possible. As well as being COVID-aware, remember not to drink on an empty stomach. Keep an eye on your belongings (especially your drink), and don’t venture off alone in unfamiliar areas. If you do end up going a bit too hard, make sure to get some fluids and carbs in you the next morning. Exercising will be the last thing you’ll feel like doing, but sweating the alcohol out is an amazing hangover cure. If that sounds too ambitious, at least leave home for a walk to get some fresh air.

The freshers’ week hype can make people who aren’t so crazy about clubbing feel a bit alienated. However, this doesn’t need to be the case. There are always a mix of different events on offer, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Night markets, movie marathons and yoga classes are more chilled alternatives that are really fun. While social events are planned for every moment of the week, don’t feel pressured to attend them all. Freshers’ week can be draining, and it’s important to acknowledge when you need some downtime.

Help and support

Adjusting to university life is hard. It might seem that you’re the only one who feels anxious or homesick, but this is really the opposite of the truth. All universities will have dedicated and friendly welcome teams of older students there to guide you. Don’t be afraid to speak to them if you feel a little lost. They can listen without judgement, suggest events that you might enjoy, and direct you to the right services if you need further support.

Remember to eat well and keep yourself fuelled during freshers’ week to avoid illness or burnout. Try to avoid the dreaded freshers’ flu by taking plenty of vitamins. If you do think you’ve caught it, give yourself a day or two to recuperate before hitting the town again. If you think you’ve contracted anything more serious, don’t hesitate to contact a health professional or your uni’s pastoral care.

Click here to read our top tips for international students

What happens if freshers’ week goes virtual?

Large events are all dependent on the changing COVID-19 situation. Lots of unis have already moved faffy admin tasks online in response to the pandemic – a silver lining to this whole mess! However, they are reluctant to cancel the in-person freshers’ fair or other social activities.

If something drastic changes and you do end up having to navigate freshers’ week through your laptop, try to keep an open mind. Although it’s not ideal to be meeting people and finding out about clubs and societies online, it’s definitely possible. Some unis have even organised virtual DJ sets, quiz nights and escape rooms. Hopefully you’ll have lovely flatmates and neighbours to bubble with, and if not, you can find people online who are in the same boat.

If your liver and your wallet are both a bit worse for wear when freshers’ week is over, don’t worry. As we said above, it’s great to try and make the most of the week, but remember that it won’t define your uni experience. Once teaching starts, things will calm down, and you’ll fall into more of a routine.

Tag: university

Struggling with poor mental health at university?

Student mental health