The transition from 2020 to 2021 has been a quiet one. Although I did spend it with my flatmates, there were sadly no fireworks by the Thames, no countdown at Trafalgar square, no free bus/tube rides at 2 AM, no meeting up with friends who live far away… It almost doesn’t feel real that a whole year has passed since the pandemic began.
And what a year it has been. The sudden social-distancing rules, the ever-changing lockdown tiers, the closing of national and international borders, the fear of viral infection and the overload on NHS services have all taken a toll on everyone. Though I am sure the home students fared no better, it was especially difficult for me as an international student.
Being so far away from home, worrying about my family’s health and safety, stressing about sick family members, feeling unsafe because of my ethnicity, being unsure of how to navigate my year 3 lab project with restricted lab hours, not being able to meet a lot of my friends – I felt so suffocated in my flat. Every time there was hope that the number of cases was decreasing, another wave hit, and we were back to square one. Making plans is so difficult because things are still so uncertain, and I have resigned to sitting back and waiting for yet another plan to go down the drain.
At times like these, it is important to be aware of the resources that Imperial provides and to take advantage of them before everything spirals out of control. Remember those green or blue mental health posters posted around college that you probably ignored? It’s time to actually use them.
First points of contact:
If your department is doing its job properly, you should have a Personal Tutor. Make sure to contact your department if they have not allocated someone to you, as your Personal Tutor is usually the person to turn to first. They should be knowledgeable about what students in your course typically struggle with, and have some training to know how to deal with common problems. If you are experiencing any personal issues that can affect your academics, reach out to your Academic Tutor. They can assess your situation and may advise you on applying for mitigating circumstances.
If you need further assistance, or if the matter you wish to discuss is confidential, contact your Senior Tutor – their contact information can be found on your department’s website. Some departments also have a dedicated Welfare Tutor/Welfare Team/Wellbeing Advisor that you can consult, but I definitely recommend talking to your Personal Tutor first as they probably know you best and can point you in the right direction.
Sometimes, if you feel like you don’t know where to look for help, you can contact your course’s Welfare Reps (either the person in charge of your year group or the departmental representative). A list can be found on the Imperial Union website. Just know that they are not in a position to give any sort of advice, except to signpost you to people who are more qualified!
Student Counselling Service:
This gives all Imperial students access to short-term therapy that lasts 6-8 weeks. They can be found on Level 4 of the Sherfield building on the South Kensington campus, but there are also services located in the Hammersmith, Silwood Park and Charing Cross campuses. You need to complete a self-referral form online to register for counselling, and the waiting time for the initial conversation is 1-2 weeks. Please note that you will be asked to provide the details of your GP on an agreement form before your initial appointment, so make sure you are registered! This service is provided separately from the College, and nothing will be shared without your consent.
Given that the wait time is long, you can use their online services:
- Online Connect – this is a series of small group drop-in sessions where you can discuss your struggles in a supported space. The sessions are facilitated by a Mental Health Advisor or a Counsellor.
- The Kind Mind Series – they are a series of videos and resources made by the service to help you direct your negative energy into a more positive direction. Self-help resources might help direct you in managing your mental health.
- SilverCloud– this platform is accessible 24/7, and offers access to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy programs, all tailored to your specific needs. It can help you identify negative behavioural patterns and help you change these for the better.
Immediate external support:
- Nightline: A confidential and anonymous listening service, available 18:00 – 08:00 every day during term time. Call +44 (0)20 7631 0101.
- The Samaritans: A 24-hour helpline, available 365 days a year, offering support to anyone in emotional distress or thinking about suicide. Call 116 123.
- Shout crisis text line: A free 24-hour text service for anyone in crisis, if you’re struggling to cope and need immediate help. Text 85258. Remember: you are not alone in your struggles! We will get through this year together.
