there is a severe lack of support FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS during the covid-19 outbreak.
Things have to change.
The current coronavirus pandemic has made many people’s future uncertain and it is no surprise that people are worried. It is definitely taking its toll on people's mental health, especially those already suffering with conditions such as anxiety and depression which have heightened due to lockdown and social distancing measures. For University students it feels like they have been left to fend for themselves amongst the chaos and their mental wellbeing is being put under strain.
A lot of people believe this is some sort of long 'holiday' for students and they are overlooking the effects that this pandemic is actually having on those in higher education. Although the daily work load and exam pressure (for some) has been lifted, the stress factors for students have not gone away, they’ve just changed. Now more than ever University students across the country are suffering and don’t feel listened to.
In March it was decided by the Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, that all GCSEs and A-level exams which were due to take place in May and June would be cancelled. Williamson stated: “My priority now is to ensure no young person faces a barrier when it comes to moving onto the next stage of their lives – whether that’s further or higher education, an apprenticeship or a job.”
However there has not been the same attitude towards those currently studying a higher education degree and students are still expected to do exams and submissions online, with some universities not even granting extensions longer than a few days, despite the difficult circumstances.
University students all across the UK have been required to work from home since March and continue their lectures through interactive calls on Zoom and Skype. For many this meant packing up all their belongings and moving back to their family homes in other cities and places across the country, before the national lockdown commenced.
It is no shock that students have faced great disruption due to COVID-19 and have not received the teaching they deserve, despite still being expected to pay their full fees. They also have no access to libraries and other university facilities which many students rely on to complete their submissions - especially those from low income backgrounds.
Students now also face added stress and anxiety of waiting to see if their university will cancel face-to-face lectures until Summer 2021 and continue online. The University of Manchester and the University of Cambridge have been the first to confirm they will keep their lectures online for at least one semester. However, it is expected many more universities will follow them in an effort to comply with social distancing measures.
It is a waiting game to see how this would apply to students going into their final year. Would they be expected to do a year completely online despite it being the most important and vital year of their education? Or perhaps those studying practical courses, will they be made to do study from their bedroom for another semester?
Having spoken to various students at different Universities, a lot have said that they did not realise the magnitude of the pandemic at the beginning and so packed a bag of clothes expecting to be back to normal life within a few weeks.
But, It has now been 9 weeks since the lockdown was announced by the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson and things are slowly starting to go back to some sort of normality. Students are starting to return to their accommodations and student houses to get their belongings before the end of year tenancy contracts are up. All of this comes just in time for the final deadlines of the year as well as dissertation submissions for third year students.
Many students that are due to graduate from Universities in the upcoming weeks, will leave without their promised graduate jobs and will be entering the labour market during a recession. Not only have their studies been impacted, but many full-time students have been financially affected by COVID-19 and are not eligible for universal credit due to their student status. The added pressure of still worrying how to pay for rent whilst out of work from part time jobs makes things even harder for students.
Along with this, students are anxious not only for their own personal health and livelihood but also that of their family members who some are unable to see. Unfortunately mental health issues in students is not something that has vastly occurred due to this pandemic. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, it was found that an average of 82% of UK university students admit to feeling lonely. Sadly, lockdown measures and social distancing will surely make this figure higher.
In April a student at Loughborough University, Ben Brown aged just 22-years-old committed suicide after writing his mother a letter. His mother stated that the lockdown was 'overwhelming' for him and he was suffering with the stress of his final year. The tragic death of Ben Brown signifies the lack of support for university students during this time.
Photograph by: gloucestershirelive.co.uk
Photograph by: gloucestershirelive.co.uk
Universities Minister, Michelle Donelan, stated: “I know this is a very difficult and anxious time for students, universities and higher education staff, and we are working determinedly with the sector and my counterparts across the UK, to support them during this time.” However, having spoken to students at various universities they do not believe that there is enough support in place and there is room for a lot of improvement.
Sarah Lawrence-Moye
"The way that students’ mental health has been sidelined during this pandemic shows a critical failure on universities behalf. Wellbeing and Mental Health support at university has never been perfect. I know many friends who have had to wait months to be even considered for counselling or support, and when they finally receive the support they need, it is not what they expected.
Many students have moved out of their family home for the first time and are thrown into a new environment where they are forced to adapt. The shock of the workload and general stresses that come with living independently take a heavy toll on everyone’s mental health, yet those who suffer most are left in the dark.
But what happens when you’ve adjusted to your new life, you are receiving regular support and aid which has set you on a far more positive path? Covid-19 strikes and you are sent back to the family home where you can no longer access the same support. Perhaps video calls, or just regular contact with your counsellor/ therapist could be put into place? Even a phone call?
"Many students have been completely cut off from these services and are struggling in silence. University wellbeing teams need to bring themselves into the 21st Century and connect with their students through modern mediums. The technology is there, and could prevent further losses like that of Ben Brown."
Jess Thompson
"I have personally never had one ounce of support from my university in any form even before this pandemic. Even to the point of not going in due to suffering with anxiety and them knowing this. As well as from a financial side of living on my own away from my parents and having to take on a full-time job as well as study full-time for my degree.
I had one meeting and then there was no follow ups or any check in's to help me. I also know so many people in the same position, especially throughout the COVID-19 situation, we as a students need to be taken more seriously.
I've heard that other Universities have done online lectures through Zoom and Skype calls but my University haven't provided anything alls they've done is sent out a few emails telling us they've changed our exams to coursework and that we have a month to submit it.
"I think we need to be reimbursed for at least the last semester, i haven't had any teaching whatsoever and its the same for many other people yet we're still having to pay our fees, it's an absolute joke, and we're not laughing on the receiving end."
It is safe to say that university students deserve better, clearer and more consistent support from universities and from society. Sign the petition below and make their voices heard:
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