“My mental health is at an all-time low”

University students across the country finally receive answers regarding Christmas restrictions, but many questions remain unclear.

Over the past few days, tensions have been high as the House of Commons debated whether to allow university students to travel home to their families to celebrate Christmas later this year. Yesterday, Education Minister, Gavin Williamson decided that as long as students self-isolate before, then the restrictions would allow them to come home.

Since the term began this year, 52 universities have had confirmed Covid cases. This is a huge increase from the 12 universities from before lockdown and has therefore resulted in the majority of university students moving to online classes primarily, some even advised to self-isolate in their respective accommodations.

Despite these questions finally being answers, there’s still a lot of worry surrounding the wellbeing of students in lockdown and how these restrictions has affected their mental health. Many of the students that are now being told to self-isolate are living away from home for the first time. Not only are they away from their friends and families, but some students are even being told to isolate from their new housemates to avoid any further spread.

Not only could these restrictions be detrimental to student’s mental health and wellbeing, but it could also deter them from returning to university at all, as many students feel they are wasting their money. A first year student told us “It feels so unfair, I feel like my mental health is at an all-time low and I have no immediate support network…If things haven’t improved by next year, I’m not sure if I’ll carry on studying here.”

University is supposed to be the first taste of independence for many young people, so it’s not surprising that many students would be overwhelmingly disappointed with the way this year has turned out. Putting precautions in place is obviously necessary to avoid the spread of Covid-19, however ensuring that students have a good support network during these difficult times should be considered, too.