Mental Health Support Archives | RateMyPlacement https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/category/mental-health-support/ Placement & Internship Career Advice Tue, 10 Sep 2024 09:30:04 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 Looking After Your Mental Health At University https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/looking-after-your-mental-health-at-university/ Tue, 10 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/?p=22963 Starting university can feel overwhelming. Here's how to look after yourself away from home and the support available to you.

The post Looking After Your Mental Health At University appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

]]>
My name is Freya, a Marketing Campaign Assistant at RateMyPlacement.

For many, university can be an exciting but daunting chapter of life. Thinking about all the opportunities and experiences you’ll have is going to be a huge plus, but this can become slightly overshadowed by anxiety. 

Here are some ways you can help manage these fears to allow yourself to have the best time at uni.



Missing friends and family

Almost everyone I spoke to at university in my first year shared the common fear of really missing friends and family and worrying about the amount of time away from them. Especially if they’re living away from home for the first time. 

I thought a lot about how I would be able to make friends and change my habits of seeing family every day, as I had previously lived at home. 

The best advice for this is: 

  • Try and understand that loads of people are in the same boat. You’ll most likely not know anyone there and that’s ok because neither does anyone else!
  • Consider what you can do to give yourself home comforts, even something as simple as a warm cup of tea in the evening or joining a dog walking society if you are missing pets from home.

Making new friends and keeping up with old ones

Try pushing out of your comfort zone as much as you can by going to freshers’ fairs, meeting accommodation house/flatmates, and attending societies (this in particular even if you decide not to go in the long run, you’ll meet some amazing people).

ON THAT NOTE… don’t be afraid to ask for people’s social media. Everyone will be doing the same thing. If it doesn’t even go beyond an add or a follow, that’s okay. But you don’t want to regret not being able to contact a potential new friend.

Scheduling when you’ll next talk to or meet loved ones from home is also a really good way to put your mind at ease as you know you’ll be talking to them soon and have something to look forward to if you are struggling. 

You might even end up going to the same university with some of your friends from home. While it will be nice to see familiar faces, don’t let that accidentally stop you from meeting new people. Maybe set a date in a few weeks to get together and talk about all your experiences so far.


It’s finally here, move-in date secured. Heres…


Breaking Bad Habits

For many, university is the first time being independent and self-reliant, so enjoy it! Make sure to look after yourself and become your own accountability tracker.

If you find yourself getting into the habit of not going to lectures for example, I would suggest at least trying to go to the library or leaving your accommodation during the week (not just leaving to go food shopping or for a sweet treat).

I joined university slightly later than everybody else and I was afraid everyone would have already made friends without me.

Throughout your time at university, you’ll find that friendship groups and people individually are always changing and evolving. I found that simply just saying yes to every social opportunity offered to me was helpful as it pushed me out of my comfort zone and exposed me to new people and situations.

One thing I love about university is that, unlike high school, there are no “popular people” (there are literally thousands of people at uni), so you can start fresh without judgment.

Never do anything that makes you feel unsafe or pressured. If you’re able to, try and excuse yourself to leave or reach out to anybody else, university officials or safety officers for support in your situation.


More on mental health and what you can actively do to look after yourself


Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

If you are finding you are struggling, even in the first couple of days, and don’t know who to turn to, remind yourself that there is help and support out there. 

Universities will have support initiatives and professionals that will be able to help you, don’t be afraid to ask! There is nothing wrong with asking for help from a university.

You definitely won’t be the first or last person to ask for support, you are not alone. Even an email to the relevant team is a great step towards getting support.


Universities will always have services for you if you’re not doing too great and need a little help. Here are some of those:


All in all, university can be the best three years of your life. Just remember that you’ll ALWAYS have people around to support and guide you—just reach out! 


The post Looking After Your Mental Health At University appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

]]>
RateMyPlacement’s 7 Days of Movement https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/ratemyplacements-7-days-of-movement/ Mon, 13 May 2024 10:50:20 +0000 https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/?p=22643 Guiding you through Mental Health Awareness Week with 7 ways to find a moment for movement during exam season.

The post RateMyPlacement’s 7 Days of Movement appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

]]>
Swamped with revision? Chained to your desk? Feeling overwhelmed by the deadlines and exams ahead of you? We hear you.

Today marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week, and this year’s theme is Movement: moving more for your mental health.

It’s never been more important to look after your mental health, and even just short bursts of physical activity can really help lift your mood during exam season. 

So, here are 7 easy ways to get you moving every day this week…


Download your guide to 7 Days of Movement now. Save it, screenshot it, or even print it off and stick it on your fridge…

Then get MOOOOOVIN’.


Our best piece of advice? Find something you love that makes you feel connected to your body, and let the energy move through you. That way, it won’t feel like a chore.

To keep moving with us throughout the week, follow @ratemyplacement on Instagram. (Making moves for your career, and your mental health.)

For further support, have a read of our Mental Health Support blogs or check out these trusted resources:


The post RateMyPlacement’s 7 Days of Movement appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

]]>
Ins and Outs for 2024: Careers Edition https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/ins-and-outs-for-2024-careers-edition/ Fri, 05 Jan 2024 11:55:31 +0000 https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/?p=22297 2024 is here! And just like the rest of the world, we’ve been scribbling down our Ins and Outs for the year ahead (careers edition)...

The post Ins and Outs for 2024: Careers Edition appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

]]>

2024 is here! And just like the rest of the world, we’ve been scribbling down our Ins and Outs for the year ahead (careers edition)…


The most important thing in your career search should be finding an employer who’s right for you. And by that we mean one who matches your values and goals. So how do you go about finding your match? 

Firstly, check out the reviews section on our website. Each one has been written by a student who was previously on a scheme, either on placement or as an intern. You’ll be able to understand their experience at a company – the good and the bad. 

Secondly, familiarize yourself with our Best Student Employers tables – you’ll be able to see who came out top for their stand out schemes, as well as for development, inclusion and CSR.

Need more guidance on how to find a company that’s right for you?
Check out How To Spot The Green Flags In A Company.


This is your sign to register for free career courses this year. They’ll help build your application and interview skills, plus you can meet some key employers too. 

If you missed our new Career Coaching Course this year, don’t worry. You can catch up on all our 10-minute Insight Sessions now for free. Learn all about utilising Linkedin, building an effective CV, smashing interviews and mastering assessment centres. 


If you aren’t already, definitely head to more Careers Fairs at your university this year. Not only will you meet some top employers in your chosen industry, but you’ll also get to understand all of your options. 

Also, don’t be afraid to speak to your university Careers Advisor. It’s a completely free service, and they’re on hand to support you with all your CV, application and interview needs.


Deadlines are fast approaching, and you don’t want to miss out on landing your dream role this year. There are tonnes of handy services when you’re logged into your RateMyPlacement account, such as saving your favourite roles and getting notifications for when they’re closing. This will help you organise your upcoming deadlines.

Not sure where to start with your applications? Discover the top six application tips from industry experts.


It’s easy to tell yourself you could be doing more, and feeling guilty for not ticking everything off your to-do-list. Well, we’re here to tell you, you can’t do it all. Always just try your best. Perhaps you could try some prioritisation activities to help you categorise your list into what’s a must-do and a nice-to-do. 


We’ve all heard of AI by now. Maybe it’s helped you write a birthday poem for a friend or edit an old photo? It’s also a great platform to brainstorm ideas. That said, we’d never recommend using it solely to write answers for you. Recruiters and hiring managers can tell when you’ve used Chat GPT or AI to generate your application answers for you, and you definitely don’t want to have the same or similar responses to other candidates.


It’s got no place here! Start your new year with a healthy dose of self-love. Perhaps you could write down a few realistic goals or affirmations you’d like to follow this year. Say them out loud each morning in the mirror to kick-start your day.

So there you have it – our list of ins and outs for 2024. Feel free to borrow ours if you like, or have a go at writing some down yourself. Good luck for this year!

The post Ins and Outs for 2024: Careers Edition appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

]]>
University Initiatives: Supporting Your Mental Health https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/university-initiatives-supporting-your-mental-health/ Wed, 29 Nov 2023 12:17:10 +0000 https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/?p=22194 Moved away from home and struggling to settle in? Discover how your university can support your wellbeing through initiatives.

The post University Initiatives: Supporting Your Mental Health appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

]]>

The transition from school to university is huge. In the space of two months, you’ve moved from the cosy comfort of your parents’ home to a new one altogether. Not only that. You’re having to balance your studies, manage your finances and make new friends.

Your university is there to support you through your journey and there are wellbeing teams who will guide you with whatever you need.

We’ve pulled together a list of wellbeing initiatives universities have in place to help students like you make the most of their experience. Happy reading! 



As a student at King’s, you’ll have access to a range of mental health services, such as:

  • Counselling (free in-person and online sessions) 
  • Mental health advisors
  • Written resources and techniques to help you manage your thoughts.

Support is available from 9:00am – 17:00 on Mondays to Fridays, evenings and weekends. You can get up to six sessions, but will need to make an appointment first. 

Having money struggles? If your personal circumstances have started affecting your living arrangements, speak to a member of the Money & Housing Advice Service team.

They’ll advise you on funds you can apply for, including the Hardship Fund which can help with rent and bills. 


Wellbeing is everything at Newcastle – so much so that you have a whole day dedicated to it. 

Each Wednesday, you’ll get an online announcement notifying you of all the different ways you can access mental health support (counselling, student support plans, urgent care). 

You’ll get to attend some in-person events too and learn about support services on offer. Among those is pet therapy with Ozzie, the university’s beloved wellbeing cat. He even has a larger Instagram following than the vice chancellor does on X!

To help you through the cost-of-living crisis, Newcastle has introduced a series of practical and financial measures as well, which will no doubt come handy. These include:

  • A free student pantry
  • Warm 24/7 study rooms
  • Participation bursaries to help with tuition fees
  • Emergency meal vouchers for students in crisis situations 
  • Financial support for internship and employment opportunities.


As a student at York, you’ll have access to the Campus Safety team, a team of first aid and mental health specialists who are available 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies.

You’ll have access to the TalkCampus app too, where you’ll get to chat to students all over the world about the ups and downs of university life.

TalkCampus is based around peer support. So you can use it to discuss your problems. Or listen and support others – anonymously of course. 

Prefer speaking to a mental health practitioner or wellbeing officer instead? Open Door is the place for you. All you need to do is make an appointment via their referral form and you’ll be contacted within two working days. 

Appointments consist of six sessions, and are up to one hour long. 


From talking therapies to courses and workshops, Bath will support you with whatever you’re going through and help you find a service outside of university if that’s what’s best for you.

Below is a list of courses you can take:

In addition to the above, the university offers art, gardening and exercise programmes to help you improve your wellbeing, as well as Social Networking Groups, encouraging students who feel lonely and isolated to form meaningful connections and friendships. 

Expect campus walks, cooking sessions, bowling and quiz nights!


Canterbury Christ Church has lots of support in place to help you with your mental health. If your finances are getting you down, you can speak to the university’s friendly wellbeing team. They’ll advise you on funding, budgeting and how to create a study/life balance.

The Chaplaincy offers a confidential listening service too. You can talk to them about anything: relationships, family matters, essay deadlines, or work-related stress. And they’ll happily offer solutions to your issues.

If your situation is urgent, Spectrum.Life, the university’s wellbeing partner, offers 24/7 online, text and telephone support with qualified professionals. The app lets you access tons of e-learning content relating to stress and anxiety, including recipes and Fitbit Fitness Trackers.



The post University Initiatives: Supporting Your Mental Health appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

]]>
Mental Health: Taking Care of Yourself https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/mental-health/ https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/mental-health/#comments Tue, 14 Nov 2023 10:31:00 +0000 https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/?p=9412 University is tough, there's no question about it. That's why looking after your mental health is so important. Here are some ways to do that.

The post Mental Health: Taking Care of Yourself appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

]]>

In a culture that has amplified the social and financial pressures facing young people today, combined with a global pandemic, it has never been so important to protect your wellbeing.

To help you help yourself, RateMyPlacement has come up with some ways for you to put your mental health first.



Set aside time for ‘value’ activities

With deadlines, exams, and the pressure of securing a graduate job cooking up, it’s easy to forget to take time out for yourself.

But working 24/7 is like running up a downward escalator – eventually you’ll run out of steam.

Exercise regularly

Did you know that exercising for just 20 minutes a day can release endorphins in your brain that will help you feel more relaxed, satisfied and better able to concentrate?

And, dare we say it, exercise can be fun. All it takes is that first step.

It doesn’t have to be expensive either. Whether it’s taking a stroll around your local park, doing some yoga or completing a home workout, there are loads of free ways to relieve stress.



Reduce your screen time

Remember that time when a light TikTok scroll turned into a 3-hour content binge, leaving you bleary eyed and wondering where the day went?

Smartphones are designed to be addictive. And experts have dubbed this a 21st century ‘mental disorder,’ with symptoms similar to alcohol and drug addiction.

We’re not asking you to bin your phone. Just recommend you limit your usage.

So, how can you avoid these problems?

Quite simply, take part in activities that don’t require screen time. Whether it’s meeting a friend for a coffee, booking a day out to go bowling or simply ordering a takeaway with your household, spending more physical time with people can do wonders for your mental health.


Clean your surroundings

We don’t want to sound like a nagging mum, but it’s important to keep a clean, organised and decluttered living environment.

Cleaning helps put your mind at ease by focusing on measurable objectives. And if you clean fast enough, you’ll also be releasing those endorphins to de-stress too. Winning.

Whilst cleaning is most definitely not going to resolve poor mental health entirely, it will boost your satisfaction, give you a sense of accomplishment and decrease anxiety.

10-15 minutes a day is all it takes.



Look after your body

It goes without saying that taking care of your body is essential for a healthy mind. Making certain lifestyle choices to limit any triggers of anxiety can make a huge difference to your mental health on a day-to-day basis. Below are some ways to do that:

Sleep well

Sleep deprivation has a huge impact on your concentration levels, largely because it makes it much harder to rationalise your worries. That’s why it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure you get a good night’s sleep.

For one, this means limiting your nicotine and alcohol intake. Whilst alcohol initially depresses the nervous system, helping you sleep, the effect wears off quickly, causing staggered sleep patterns.

Watch your diet

We all know it’s important to eat your five a day. But did you know that carrots, grapefruit and apples are all associated with better mental health?

Swapping out the sugary snacks for low-sugar alternatives such as fruit is a great way to stabilise your blood sugar levels. This means you’ll feel less tired and it’ll help reduce symptoms of depression too.

If you experience destabilising thoughts, then it’s worth cutting back on alcohol. Whilst drink can temporarily alleviate feelings of anxiety, the long-term effects of excessive alcohol drinking include reduced serotonin levels. This can lead to addiction and depression.

If you think you have a problem with alcohol, please seek support:




Seek help and support

1 in 4 people will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. Whatever you feel, have felt or may feel in in the future, you’re not alone.

Below are some ways to access help and support:

Through your university

Sadly, university mental health services tend to be limited.

A lack of funding and insufficient resources means it can sometimes take a while to receive help. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reach out if you feel your mental health deteriorate – you never know who might be on hand.

Support from your university will likely come in the form of one-to-one counselling sessions with a trained advisor. They can offer you confidential, non-judgemental support in a safe space designed to help you open up and talk through your emotions.

This will also ensure considerations are made for your situation, such as extended deadlines, and that you are introduced to the necessary support services.

Through your student union

A Student Union (SU) is led by students and staff who work tirelessly to put students’ interests first. With increasing prioritisation of mental health support on a national scale, welfare officers at unions across the country are working hard to tackle the mental health epidemic.

Many students cite finances, workload and loneliness as huge burdens on their mental health. Your SU is likely to have a student advice centre, designed to deal with any obstacles you might face during university.

Whether it’s helping you secure financial support, deal with difficult landlords or combat isolation, there are a wealth of resources available to help you.

Most SU’s also have a set of liberation officers dedicated to representing minority groups. So if you’re struggling with anything related to your race, class, disability, gender or sexual orientation, you can speak to somebody who is trained to tackle these issues.

Through your GP

Arranging an appointment with your GP is often the first step to receiving medical support from a trained professional. If something is troubling you, then speak to your GP about it.

They can:

  • Identify triggers and help you explore your emotions in a safe space
  • Make tailored lifestyle recommendations to improve your mental wellbeing
  • Prescribe you with medication if appropriate, following a specific diagnosis
  • Refer you to a specialist who can support you with your specific circumstances.

Before attending your appointment, it’s worth writing a list of your symptoms or keeping a diary of any changes in your mood. This can be referred to when speaking to your GP.



Online helpline services

Whatever you’re feeling, there are a wealth of online helplines available.

Here are a few that you can try:

Samaritans – helpline number: 116 123. What do they offer? 24hr helpline offering emotional support for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Calm – helpline number: 0800 585858 (daily, 5pm to midnight) What do they offer? Support for young men 15-35 on issues including depression and suicide.

HopeLine UK – helpline number: 0800 068 4141 (Mon to Friday 10-5pm & 7-10pm, weekends 2-5pm) What do they offer? Support for young people with suicidal thoughts and those who know others like this.

SaneLine – helpline number: 0300 304 700 (daily 4.30-10.30pm) What do they offer? Specialist emotional support and guidance for anyone affected by mental illness.

The Mix – helpline number: 0808 808 4994 (daily 4-11pm) What do they offer? Essential support for under 25s e.g. mental health, homelessness, addiction etc.


Have you heard of Nightline?

Operating at many universities across the UK, it’s a confidential and anonymous support service run by students, for students.

With phone lines, email and instant messaging services open from 8pm to 8am (during term time), Nightline offers university students a safe space to talk / text openly about anything that’s on their mind.

Whether you’re affected by academic stress, bereavement, depression or something else, you can confidently speak to a non-judgmental Nightline volunteer, trained ‘to listen, not lecture.’


The post Mental Health: Taking Care of Yourself appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

]]>
https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/mental-health/feed/ 2
Black Minds Matter UK: A Charity Spotlight https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/black-minds-matter-uk-a-charity-spotlight/ Sun, 01 Oct 2023 10:47:53 +0000 https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/?p=22181 Black History Month is here. To celebrate and commemorate, our team will be fundraising for a very important charity: Black Minds Matter.

The post Black Minds Matter UK: A Charity Spotlight appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

]]>

It’s Black History Month: a month-long celebration of history, heritage and culture. To acknowledge the contributions that black communities have made to British society. And give them the recognition they deserve.

This year at RateMyPlacement, we’re fundraising for Black Minds Matter UK, a mental health charity connecting black individuals to free support services led by fully qualified therapists. We know how important mental health is. And want to do our bit to help. 


Black Minds Matter UK was founded in 2020, with the aim of removing the stigma around mental health and making it more accessible to the black community. 

Whether it’s therapy or online resources you need, the charity wants to encourage conversations around mental health in black households and point you in the right direction – be it helplines or support groups. 

To access therapy, all you have to do is:

  • Fill out a self-referral form
  • Sign the Black Minds Matter UK agreement
  • Complete a comprehensive initial assessment
  • Match with a professional black therapist for 12 weeks of free online counselling.

RateMyPlacement will run an office book sale and send all the proceeds from the event to the charity. We’ll invite our lovely employers to donate to our Enthuse page too, so we can stretch our fundraising efforts far and wide! 


Black History Month is one of the most important and influential celebrations of the year, taking place annually throughout the month of October. 

First brought to the UK in the 1980s, it brings together people of all backgrounds and religions to commemorate the achievements of the black community in this country.

Throughout school, we tend to focus on World History, American History and European History. But rarely on lesser-known figures who’ve done incredible things.

Black History Month allows us to change the narrative and direct our focus to other historical figures who’ve shaped our lives.

For example:

  • Ignatius Sancho – British writer who used his literacy to abolish slavery across the Atlantic. First known British African to vote in parliamentary elections
  • John Edmonstone – Taxidermist who taught and mentored Charles Darwin, giving him the skills and knowledge to prompt his own theories of evolution
  • Sir Learie Constantine – Activist and politician who served as Trinidad and Tobago’s High Commissioner to the UK and became its first black peer.

This year’s theme is ‘Black Resistance’, and makes a plea to recognise the prejudice and discrimination faced by black communities throughout history. By resisting oppression, people of all races are coming together to call for equity, diversity and inclusion.



Not only does Black History Month unite us, it takes us far beyond the history books, so we can understand the power and relevance of our stories…for years and generations to come.


The post Black Minds Matter UK: A Charity Spotlight appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

]]>
What To Do If You’re Feeling Homesick During Your First Year https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/feeling-homesick-during-first-year/ Wed, 06 Sep 2023 15:00:22 +0000 https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/?p=21237 Moving away for the first time can be really nerve-wracking. Here are some tips for when you’re feeling homesick.

The post What To Do If You’re Feeling Homesick During Your First Year appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

]]>

Moving to a university campus is a huge change. And while it’s an exciting time to figure yourself out and create new memories, it can be nerve-wracking to be away from everything you know and love, especially if it’s your first time away from home.

Homesickness is normal and very common, so if it does get to you, know you are not alone. In fact, according to the National Union of Students, around 50-70% of you feel homesick in the first few months of university with symptoms fading after the third week.



So, what does homesickness look like?

Homesickness can manifest itself in a variety of ways. You might experience some or all of them. Some of the signs include;

  • Low mood
  • Irritability
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Sadness or even anger
  • Headaches and low-energy.

You’ll be glad to know that homesickness doesn’t last forever. But if you are feeling homesick, there are ways you can help ease those feelings.

You 200% deserve to have the best university experience ever. Here are some tips for when you’re feeling homesick.


Video/phone your friends and family

You might want to head straight home, but it’ll be worthwhile to try and stick it out for at least a few weeks.

However, there’s nothing wrong with getting some video or phone call time in with your friends and family. Phoning home is a perfect way to keep that homely connection while you get used to new surroundings and people.

It’s also important to work out how helpful that’ll be for you. For some students, it could make the homesickness worse. But others might find it helps with the transition. 

Plus you’ll save a lot on travel costs, especially if you live far from home.


Bring a few home comforts

Although you won’t be able to bring your favourite Yankee candle, bringing something familiar from home can be a source of comfort for you.

It might be pictures of family and close friends, it could be a childhood teddy or even your fave blanket or bedding.

There’s nothing wrong with making your halls room as you as possible. It’s going to be your living space for the better part of a year, so it’s worth making sure that you’ll be 200% comfortable there.

For more about what you can pack, check out our guide: What to Bring to University. It has a cute downloadable packing list, too.


Throw yourself into the experience

There’s nothing worse than experiencing homesickness and locking yourself away in your halls room for the whole of Freshers’ Week and your first year.

Committing to trying new things, meeting new people, attending all the events and just living in the moment will help ease you into settling quicker than you think.

Joining a society is one of the easier ways to start meeting people and making friends. If you have a particular interest, check out your student services website ahead of time – there’ll be a list filled with all the societies at your university.

During Freshers’ Week, you’ll have the chance to meet them.


Making new friends at uni can be serious fun, find out more about how you can do that. Click below to read more.


Go exploring

Call yourself Dora, you’re going out.

You’re in a new place! Go out and see it. Despite it being grey 99.9% of the time, there are a lot of cool things to see on this island. That includes your uni and the surrounding areas.

Whether that’s having a nosey around the city or town you live in, or an attraction nearby – even if you just take a tour around the campus it’s good to get out and breathe in some actual air.

If you’re near a famous town/city, take a walking or open-bus tour. Near a river? Walk (safely) along its banks.

Long story short, get out of the house (or halls room, you get the point).



Work out a routine

Whether that’s filling up your days with every single activity or just working out a way to do things while at university, a routine will keep homesickness at bay.

You’ll be really busy doing all the things and hopefully having a great time doing them.

Routines do miracles for your mental health as they provide stability. This will be super useful as the university is a huge change that’ll need some getting used to.


Prepping for Freshers’ Week? Here are some tips to ensure you have the week to end all weeks.


Talk to someone

Talk to someone, whether that’s someone you’ve hung out with from a society you’ve joined, or your flatmates. You’d be surprised how much opening up to someone will help.

It could strengthen blossoming friendships and also help create support networks which are a godsend, especially during those first few days and beyond.

It’s easy to think that you’re alone. In reality, you’re not. There are plenty of students who are feeling the same way as you.

If it’s particularly severe, your university will have plenty of services to help you out during Freshers’ Week and beyond.


Everyone experiences homesickness differently and while it might not be a one-size-fits-all, it’s always important to be kind to yourself.

Freshers’ Week is all about fun, getting to know new people and carving out the life you want before adulting officially begins.


The post What To Do If You’re Feeling Homesick During Your First Year appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

]]>
What To Do When You Don’t Get The Results You Want https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/what-to-do-when-you-dont-get-the-results-you-want/ Mon, 21 Aug 2023 09:20:01 +0000 https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/?p=16941 Feeling disappointed with your results? Not to worry! There are plenty of options to get you back on track, and onto your chosen career path.

The post What To Do When You Don’t Get The Results You Want appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

]]>

Sometimes, we don’t get the results we want or deserve. We’ll go into an exam with a clear idea of what we need to achieve, only to feel helpless when things don’t pan out.

It’s easy to blame ourselves or compare our grades to others. We’re human – after all – and emotions can get the best of us. If you’re worried about your results and what this could mean, don’t panic. 

Not sure what to do if you don’t get the results you want? Read our tips to find out how you can turn your situation around.



Take a moment 

If you haven’t got the marks you were hoping for, take a moment to breathe. Allow yourself to process your emotions. Remember, you’ve worked really hard, so it’s okay to feel sad that your results didn’t turn out as expected.  

First things first:

  • Find a safe space to relax or go for a walk to clear your mind
  • Confide in someone you trust: friends, family or your university’s wellbeing team
  • Put your favourite TV show on and switch off for a bit (bonus points if it’s a sitcom)

Do the things you love, whether that’s painting, punting or playing the piano. Maybe it’s none of those and all you fancy doing is cuddling up with your dog.

Whatever makes you happy. That’s what counts.


Consider your options

Before planning your next step, take some time out to reflect on what’s best for you. While exam results aren’t the be all and end all, how you handle this next stage is vital in setting you up for success. So it’s worth giving it some thought.

Start by asking yourself these questions:

  • What am I good at? –  Where are my strengths? 
  • What do I enjoy doing? –  What makes me tick?
  • What gives me purpose in life? – What am I passionate about? What fulfils me?

Write these points down and analyse your answers. If you’re caring and empathic and find joy in helping others, a third sector role could be perfect for you. Knowing this will help you narrow down your options, and make it easier to figure out your next move. 


Discuss with your professors

When it comes to academia, your professors know you best. They know your capabilities and strengths, as well as areas that need improvement. 

If you’re disappointed with your results, why not book a one-on-one meeting with them? If you’re struggling with a module and need a helping hand, they can advise you on your learning or, best still, provide additional resources to prepare you for a resit.

Whatever you do, don’t bottle it up. It’ll only make things worse and leave you feeling stressed.


Speaking to your professor helps to put your mind at ease

Resit your exams

If you’ve failed an exam, your university will be in touch to arrange a resit. This usually takes place over the summer, from mid-August to mid-September immediately after your first attempt.

Depending on your circumstances, you may have to repeat the year or resit your exams the following summer. If you’re in your final year, your university may delay your graduation until your results have been received.

Resit fees

You may need to pay a fee to resit your exams. Each university will have their own fee system. For example, LSE charges £35 for each half unit, £60 for each full unit and £95 for 1.5 units. So make sure to double check this information before sending over any payments. 

Accommodation

If you need somewhere to stay when retaking your exams, you may be able to apply for college accommodation. But before you do, you’ll need a letter from your department of study confirming your retake along with details such as dates.


It’s okay if your results didn’t go as planned. Happens to the best of us. Remember, it’s not about the fall. It’s the getting back up that counts. 

The post What To Do When You Don’t Get The Results You Want appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

]]>