We understand that deciding on your next step can be a daunting prospect. Nevertheless, with the proper student support, you’ll be in a better position to make sound decisions that will benefit your future.

For this reason, we’ve created Developing a Student; to help guide you in the right direction and point you towards local organisations that can provide a helping hand.

Types of Support Available

There are a number of support options available to students across the UK. We’ll take you through the most frequently requested support services below:

Your University or College

Your first port of call when you need any type of student support should be your university, college or conservatoire. They’ll have people on hand to talk you through whatever help you need or to guide you in the right direction.

Financial Support for Students

Without a doubt, financial support is the most requested form of student support. Attending university and the costs that go with it can seem overwhelming at first. For many students, this is the first time they’ve been responsible for paying for their education. But it should in no way put you off attending university as the long-term benefits are well worth the short-term costs.

If you’re currently in need of financial support, there are many types of funding options available. On top of the student finance loan you may already be receiving, you can apply for income support or extra help from the government. You can find all the details on the gov.uk website.

We’ve also put together a simple guide to paying back your student loan so that you have all the necessary information on hand when you need it.

Disabled Students’ Allowance

If you’re a student with a learning difficulty, health condition (including mental health) or disability, you can apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance. This can help to cover some of the extra costs you may incur. The good news is that the allowance does not have to be repaid and you can get this on top of any student finance you already receive.

To check your eligibility for this allowance, visit the gov.uk website.

Mental Health or Wellbeing

Our mental health is as important as our physical health, if not more so. If you or anyone you know needs any student support relating to mental health, Student Minds is the UK’s leading student mental health charity. They provide services and assistance for students who may need it. By training university staff and students across the UK, their aim is to transform the state of student mental health so all those in higher education can thrive.

Visit Student Minds to get support and learn more.

Online Support for Students

Although the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us, many of us still struggle with certain aspects of the return to normality. Student Minds created a dedicated online platform called Student Space which offers support services and advice for students.

Visit the Student Space website for more.

Course or Provider Issues

For any other support relating to specific aspects of your university experience, such as accommodation, academic assistance or legal advice, visit your university website. They will be able to provide you with information tailored to your institution.

Dropping Out

If you’re thinking about dropping out of university, it’s important to speak to family, friends, tutors, and advisors first. Be sure to weigh up all your options before making this big decision. Perhaps changing your course could provide you with a different perspective.

For more information, visit our dedicated page on dropping out of university.

To Sum Up…

University can be a life-changing experience. And like any experience in life, it can also have its ups and downs. This can be overwhelming at times, so it’s important to speak up and reach out to the student support systems that are in place in your area. As the old saying goes, “a problem shared is a problem halved”.

Developing a Student is here to offer a helping hand to students and graduates alike. For help and advice on a whole range of areas from CV and cover letter writing tips to tips on surviving freshers week, we’ve got you covered. Check out our student and graduate jobs board for all the latest job opportunities in your area too.

Remember to sign up for our newsletter below for all the latest from Developing a Student and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.