Common Student Issues

Transitions and changes
Becoming a student, whatever your age or background, involves the psychological and practical challenges posed by some or all of the following transitions:

Adolescence → Adulthood
Family home → Student accommodation
Working identity → Mature-student identity
Certainty & familiarity → Unknown territory
Home country/language → New culture/language
Relative financial security → Debt and financial strain
Familiar friends → New social environment and people

Culture shock
It is well known that any such transition or change, however positive, entails a certain amount of stress. Indeed, for some students – especially international students – these changes can add up to what is known as 'culture shock'. This means the disorienting effect of suddenly having to negotiate the world without many of the familiar cues, symbols, customs, values or even language. This can be exciting, but also profoundly stressful and anxiety-provoking.

Stress points
Particular stress points occur at the beginnings and ends of academic years, especially starting first year and finishing final year. These times of increased stress can represent a tipping point when coping resources can become overwhelmed - a recent study* found that student suicides more commonly occur at these times.