Navigating mental health as an international student

Mental health is an important topic for any student, but international students face a unique set of challenges. If you’re struggling, the most important thing to know is that you’re not alone, and support is out there. Here are some ways to find it.

Common challenges

As an international student you might feel you’re playing student life on difficult mode. You have all the same challenges as students from the UK but with an added layer of cultural adjustment, as well as potential language barriers, being further away from your support network and possibly different academic pressures than some of your peers. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times and you might feel like you’re living in ‘adrenaline mode’, not quite connecting to life as you used to back home. If you feel this way, it’s really important to get support.

Find help early

Once you start feeling overwhelmed, things can quickly spiral into seeming unmanageable, but help is out there. The sooner you talk to someone about how you’re feeling, the faster you’ll be able to access any resources you need, and you might find that just talking about your feelings helps lighten the load. Remember that showing vulnerability is a sign of strength, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. You might not know exactly what to say, but that’s ok – just do what you can to communicate your feelings and take it from there.

Who to speak to

If you feel you need to talk to someone straight away you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 at any time of day or night – that’s what they’re there for. And if you feel worried about your mental health, tell your doctor as soon as possible. If it’s not an emergency but you don’t want to talk to friends or family, a good place to start could be your university’s mental health or counselling services. There are also some great student-focused organisations like Student Minds, or the mental health charity Mind, that can point you in the direction of the best resources to help in your specific situation.

Good mental health habits

Just like looking after your physical health, maintaining your mental health starts with a routine or set of habits that work for you. As annoying as it can be to hear about the importance of simple things like getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and moving your body regularly, they really are the first place to start if your mood hasn’t been great. Next, focus on staying connected with other people. Try to call your family and friends back home regularly, and look for university clubs and societies that match your interests. You might find anything from gaming groups to sports clubs to LGBTQIA+ societies. It can feel scary at first, but time spent among community sets us up for better mental health in the future.

If you’re looking for student accommodation, contact us or give us a call on: +44 (0)203 195 3214.