Troubleshooting

Sometimes things happen that aren't part of the plan - make sure you know who will be able to help you. By Anna Edgley-Smith

We all know that university/college is meant to provide us with three of the best years of our lives; which is why, when problems do arise, it seems like everything's falling apart. If you're desperately trying to enjoy yourself, but actually feel scared or miserable or lonely, don't worry. You're not alone.

We all know that university/college is meant to provide us with three of the best years of our lives; which is why, when problems do arise, it seems like everything's falling apart. If you're desperately trying to enjoy yourself, but actually feel scared or miserable or lonely, don't worry. You're not alone.

Of all the problems you might have at university/college, homesickness is the most common. Especially in the first few weeks, it all might well seem a bit too much and you'll wish you were back home with your parents and the goldfish - safe, reliable, not exciting as such but not scary either. Leaving home and going to live somewhere else for the best part of three years is a daunting prospect, particularly if you didn't take a gap year or have never lived away from home before. If you're especially close to family, friends or girlfriend/boyfriend, you'll also be aware that they miss you too, which doesn't exactly help you to settle in.

However, most people find that any longing for home becomes more bearable after the initial shock of being in a strange place has worn off and the many benefits of student life have begun to show themselves - so don't be tempted to pack it all in just because your mum says it's not the same at home without you. If you get through a few weeks and find you're still terribly homesick, don't be afraid to talk to fellow students (who may well have had similar feelings themselves), your tutor, or the welfare representative for your year. And although it's hard, the best course of action is not to get too involved in any problems that may have arisen at home in your absence. If you're feeling anxious or depressed and don't want to talk to a friend about it, most institutions provide a counselling service as well as running a 24-hour help line.

Of course, you might take to the independent life right away and have no idea what homesickness even means. However, there are other problems you may encounter - although these are rare, it's best to be ready for anything! First of all, you may get to university and find that although you love the student life, you absolutely can't stand your course. If this is more than just a reaction to having to work again after a long summer of laziness, you need to act as soon as you can. Discuss your options with your academic tutor or course director: will you be allowed to change some of your modules or take up a new course entirely? If not, would it be better to stick it out for the year, or should you reapply for the next academic year? Always be aware of any deadlines that your institution imposes on module/course changes - after the first few weeks, the likelihood that you will be able to swap is greatly reduced.

If, on the other hand, you really do want to continue your course, but are finding the work too difficult or are unable to meet the commitments required of you, don't struggle in silence. It's important that you see the relevant lecturer straight away and ask where you can get further help, whether it is an introductory book to the material you are studying, extra tuition, or a meeting with an older student who has taken your course before. Again, if your lecturer can't or won't help, go straight to your academic tutor or course director.

The third possible area in which you might encounter problems is your social life. Your course may be a doddle and your yearning for home a thing of the past, but what if you're having trouble with your neighbours? Most students you'll meet will be friendly and obliging, but if you're stuck on a corridor with Party Queen and her minions who are keeping you up until all hours the day before your most important lecture, you don't have to suffer in silence.

If you're being disturbed by your neighbours, the first thing you should do is approach them directly; for all you know, they won't have realised they were being so noisy and will apologise profusely. However, if they won't shut up then make an appointment with your accommodation supervisor. Ask if it's possible to be moved - make sure you explain exactly why - and if it's not, ask what else can be done. Don't forget, it's them being antisocial, not you.

If you're having absolutely no problem with student life, except that you can't actually afford to pay for it all, again there is help at hand. Most institutions offer hardship bursaries for those who genuinely don't have the means to live: discuss it with your personal tutor, or ask for advice at the student union. Don't be tempted to take out another loan - if you really are in difficulties, the university/college will do all it can to help you.

Whether you have a large problem or a small one, the best thing to do is always to talk to someone about it. Universities and colleges are full of people who are there to help you with any conceivable problem - don't keep quiet.

Anna has just graduated in maths from the University of Durham

FURTHER INFORMATION

Samaritans (UK): 08457 90 90 90 (calls charged at local rates)

Careline: 020-8514 1177 (offers a number of different languages)

Sexual Health Line: 0800 567 123 (calls are free)

You can also find lots of useful advice and information on the NUS website: www.nusonline.co.uk