The invisible problem? Improving students’ mental health

therefore enter higher education without the specialist support
they previously have had.
Additionally, students from non-traditional backgrounds are
entering higher education in greater numbers. While this is
positive, these students may require different or more support
than typical students to help them adapt to, and remain in,
higher education.
The difficulties of transition
Points of transition are associated with increased risk of
developing mental health problems, due to the stress of
adapting to new circumstances. The UK has a boarding-school
model of higher education where most students move away
from home while studying. 37 This is relatively unusual across
the world and it means students move away from support
networks and into housing – in some cases rooms – with people
they have never met before. There is potential for a variety of
social pressures to be experienced. For example, peer pressure
surrounding alcohol consumption and drug use is common
during undergraduate freshers’ weeks.
On the academic side, there is a significant change in learning
style. Many students are used to highly-structured teaching and
learning. In higher education, directed independent learning is
the norm, with students taking a more active role in managing
their time and planning their studies. 38 At the same time, there
is pressure surrounding the competitiveness of the job market
and therefore increased awareness of the need to gain a First
or Upper Second.
20 The invisible problem? Improving students’ mental health