Coping with a crisis at uni

Studying for a qualification is never easy, but if you're dealing with a crisis it can be a painful and isolating experience.

The shock of loss

Laura Tauzer, 26, had only been studying at Goldsmiths uni for a month when her father died from a terminal illness. "As he was in hospital when I left I knew there was a possibility that I wouldn't see him again. But when it happened it just floored me," she said. "I found it particularly difficult to deal with as I'd only just moved to the UK from Germany and didn't have any family or friends around."

As a new student in a foreign country, Laura hadn't become close enough to any of her peers to be able to turn to them for emotional support. "Initially I wanted to avoid everyone because I felt they wouldn't know how to react. I didn't want to be the girl whose father had died. I just wanted to be fine and like everyone else."

Support from tutors

Thankfully for Laura, one of her tutors was on hand to provide her with a much-needed shoulder to cry on. "She was my rock; she had also lost her dad in her teens so understood how I felt."

If the worst does happen when you're studying, most schools, colleges and universities should have student support facilities available that offer confidential and free counselling. If you feel you need time off, an extension on coursework deadlines, or need to postpone an exam due to personal circumstances, your student counsellor can contact your tutors on your behalf. They can write a 'special circumstances' letter to your examiners, informing them of any issues that may have had an adverse effect on your studies.

Taking time out

Anna Maynard, 20, was just about to begin studying towards her A2-levels when her boyfriend started suffering from serious mental health problems brought on by heavy marijuana use.

"When it all started, I was so scared and didn't know who to turn to. I didn't feel as though I could tell anyone at college, as I was worried about what their reaction might be," she said. "When I finally approached one of the student counsellors it just felt like this massive weight was lifted off my shoulders."

Anna was advised to take some time off from her studies when the situation became particularly difficult. "My boyfriend attempted suicide just before my exams, which meant that revising was the last thing on my mind. I spoke to my tutors about deferring my A2-levels for a year and we all agreed that it was probably the best option. It felt extreme at the time, but in the end I was able to focus on my studies 100% when I returned. "

Someone to talk to

Of course, sometimes you may not want to talk to a professional. If this is the case for you, many colleges and universities have union welfare officers, or fellow students who are there to help.

Alex Wood, 25, was a 'student listener' when he attended Lancaster university. His role was to offer advice on any concerns and personal issues that his peers may have.

"We all had basic counselling training and once deemed capable our contact details were added to a list, which anyone could access.  We also used the junior common room office as a drop-in room one day a week. "

From people dealing with personal issues to exam stress, the reasons for wanting to talk to a student listener are varied. Alex puts this down to young people finding it easier to talk to someone their own age. "When you're in the midst of a bad situation it can often feel like you have no idea how you're going to cope. Sometimes just knowing that someone is there to listen can really make all the difference."

By Christina Mcdermott

• Print
• Add to favourites
• RSS
• 

How was it for you?

What do you think of Lifetracks.com and has it helped you? For your chance to win a £20 Amazon voucher, complete our short survey and help us make the website as useful as possible.