It can be a daunting experience for anyone starting university for the first time. As someone who decided to attend after a few years out of education, I found it challenging to balance my personal life with studying. To combat this affecting my mental health, I have found ways to make sure I’m looking after myself whilst still succeeding academically. Here are my tips for looking after your mental health as a mature student at university.

My name is Alicia, I am a second-year student currently studying Modern Languages and English Language at University of Essex. I am here to tell you about my own experience applying to university and how the process was for me.

Leaving home is never an easy transition, let alone leaving one’s country and travelling more than 24 hours away. Being an MA student at the University of Essex was my first time leaving India and I went into it not exactly knowing what to expect. But I took a chance, and it would go on to be the best plunge I’d ever take.