The psychological challenges faced by MSc students: a presentation on what lies ahead with tips for coping Adam Sandelson LSE Student Counselling Service

Aims To look at common challenges involved in starting university To examine practical activities for dealing with the stress of transition To explore the types of difficulties experienced by many students To review stress management skills To be aware of sources of advice

Introduction What are the common challenges involved in starting university?

Challenges of starting University There are two tasks involved in starting at university: leaving familiar things, people and places, adapting to new things, people and places. Transition is associated with excitement and anxiety Challenge of new academic work Meeting new people. Loss of the familiar – home, friends, family, places, routine What about feeling homesick?

Feeling Homesick Can be part of the natural grieving reaction associated with change Is extremely common Most common in first few days or weeks after arriving Can occur at the time of leaving home, but also later, such as after Christmas break.

Homesickness may be associated with distance from home sense of anticlimax high initial expectations work overload and low control over it contrast in lifestyle time needed to adapt to changed culture, language and lifestyle

Initial impressions Why did you choose to study at LSE What are your initial impressions Academic Social Cultural

Settling in Tips - I Talk to someone. Make contacts and friends through shared activities such as societies and clubs. Keep contact with people from home, but also give yourself time to begin to get involved here Remember that many others will be feeling the same Remember that you are also allowed to enjoy yourself - it isn't being disloyal to those you miss!

Settling in Tips – II Be realistic about what to expect from student life and from yourself. Try to balance work and leisure. Give yourself time to adjust: you don't have to get everything right straight away. Remember to get enough food and sleep Most people come through times of homesickness and go on to do well and enjoy their time at university. If work is difficult, look at your study skills and time management (see Teaching and Learning Centre)

Sources of advice and help Tutor or Departmental Tutor Student Services Centre Student Union and Advice Centre Medical Centre Mental Health and Wellbeing Advisor Teaching and Learning Centre Deans Don't wait until problems have grown impossibly large!

Common student difficulties Ambivalence about leaving home and family Cultural isolation Settling down in a new peer group Dilemmas about relationships and identity Financial difficulties Ambivalent relationship to study Feeling under pressure to do everything right Having to sort out your whole life in 1 year

Learning issues Transition to different level of study Sustained pressure of a 1 year course Finding academic support Divergent tutor/ student expectations Adjusting to self-directed learning Sustaining momentum over the year Coping with the academic cycle Making decisions - future career, possible PhD study, jobs, home, peer group, relationships …

Student learning dynamics Trying to please others Wanting to be clever Wanting to achieve as highly as others Trying to be a perfectionist Envy and competitiveness Trying to keep the family together Setting yourself impossible targets Fearing disaster all the way through Succeeding at the last moment (brilliantly)

Student Pressures What pressures are you under as a MSc student coming to LSE From others From yourself Are these pressures realistic or excessive?

Dynamics of study Past relationships Relationship with LSE or course of study or tutor or … Current relationships

Coping Strategies Use stress management techniques Physical, cognitive, behavioural Practising switching off, particularly through physical activity and leisure pursuits Good self care – especially sleep, diet, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine Allow yourself time out for a temporary release of stress Good time management Revise study skills Setting realistic goals, celebrate achievements Create and use support networks

LSE Student Counselling Service Free and confidential Available to any current student Mainly offers short term counselling Appointments need to be booked in advance Drop-in Service We are located in the Teaching and Learning Centre, KSW 5.07, 20 Kingsway, Floor 5

LSE Student Counselling Service Website has information about the Service Confidentiality Policy Stress management handout Links to self help resources on a wide range of student issues, including study –related and personal difficulties Wed : Presentation for MSc students on Reviewing Progress and anticipating the next stage