Transitioning into university life is hard enough as it is, and that’s without the worry of the global pandemic and what university life will look like in 2020/21. The situation is changing rapidly – news stories highlight how universities are adapting and the threat of local lockdowns are in the back of our minds. Government announcements can often be very confusing – and these are all changes that we must all adapt too. Our universities, lives and the way in which organisations operate have had to change, and pretty quickly at that.

Adapting and change is something that many people struggle with, it can cause us a lot of anxiety and worry. We have had life as we know it pulled from our feet, not knowing when things may return to some sort of ‘normal’.

Staff and students of the University of Reading cover all different walks of life; international, mature students, commuter students, students of different ethnicities and backgrounds – everyone has different worries, that’s where our support networks and Student Space can help – just talking to someone can put your mind at ease.

Whatever is causing you concern, we’re here to listen. Whether it’s your mental health, your studies, worries about money or relationships, we can support you and help you move forward.

To help support you, alongside other services available at the University of Reading, we would like to promote Student Space, a new resource for all University of Reading students.

Student Space is designed to make it easier for you to find the support that you need during the coronavirus pandemic.

It’s free, confidential and anonymous. Whether you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, loneliness or relationship issues, we’re here to listen and support you.

However you’re feeling, help and guidance is always available. Explore a range of trusted information, services and tools to help you with the numerous challenges of student life.

There are lots of  ways that Student Space is here to help during the pandemic:

• Access to dedicated support services for students, by phone -confidential support by phone from a trained volunteer, from 4pm to 11pm every day. Or 24-hour text support from a trained volunteer.
• Get free, confidential support over webchat from a trained volunteer, from 4pm to 11pm every day.
• Get free, confidential support by email from a trained volunteer. You can write to us at any time.
• Information and tools to help you through the challenges of coronavirus
• Helping you find what support is available at your university

The support provided by Student Space is safe, confidential, and developed with students and experts in student wellbeing and mental health.

You can follow Student Minds the organisation behind Student Space via the social media links below:

Instagram: StudentMindsOrg
Facebook: Student minds
Twitter: StudentMindsOrg
LinkedIn: Student Minds

UoR has a wide range of support services available to you. it is important to consider what is available and what is best for your needs. The below links have been provided with you in mind:

• If you are new to the university have you connected with a Peer Supporter?
• Life Tools Blog – self-reliance talks exploring a range of mechanisms and techniques you can use right away to help reduce study-related stressors.
• Every Mind Matters – NHS guided review and support for at the moment needs.
• NHS workbooks designed for self-help needs on a variety of topic areas from Abuse and Anxiety to Bereavement and Sleeping problems.
• Are you experiencing negative behaviours from others towards you? If so, the #NeverOK campaign is the right place to start seeking support and guidance.
• We have a 24/7 online support link with Togetherall, who provide self-help articles, self-evaluation tools and a forum for expressing issues.
• Strategies for Success tool to help your transition into Uni life.

Thank you for reading!