During May, the Student Equality Network hosted its final meetings of the year, focusing on Mental Health and Wellbeing as part of the Don't Worry Surrey campaign. For our final International Student meeting, representatives from the University and Students Union joined us to explore the unique wellbeing challenges international students may face and the support available across campus. This session was led by Marc, our International Students Subnetwork leader.

International students often experience the usual pressures of university life alongside additional challenges such as visa and immigration uncertainty, financial stress, homesickness and adjusting to a new culture. Many students manage these pressures quietly until they begin to feel overwhelming.

There is a widespread misconception that counselling services are only for severe mental health crises rather than everyday stress, anxiety, homesickness, or adjustment difficulties. However, many students remain unaware that university wellbeing and counselling services are free and delivered by qualified professionals.

During the meeting, we discussed these common experiences and shared practical ways students can support their wellbeing throughout their studies. 

Talk to Someone!

One of the most important messages from the session was simple: start the conversation. Whether you speak to a friend, family member, coursemate, personal tutor, Support Zone staff member, or one of the Union’s Peer Support Services- like Talk Together, Welfare Watch, or Nightline- reaching out can make a real difference.

Know what support is available:

Many students are unaware that both the University and Students’ Union provide free, professional, and confidential support services designed to help with a wide range of issues-  not only serious mental health concerns.

Your Union:
The Students Union Advice Service offers free, independent, and confidential advice to help students navigate university life with confidence. Advisors can support with academic concerns, appeals, housing, wellbeing, and more. Whether you are facing a challenge or simply need someone to talk things through with, support is available every step of the way. You can find out more here. 

Your University:
The University also provides a range of wellbeing services, including support through the Centre for Wellbeing, MySurrey Help – Health & Wellbeing, and Campus Safety services. You can find out more here. 

Take a Break and Look After Yourself

Looking after your wellbeing is just as important as keeping up with academic work. Whether that means spending time at Surrey Sports Park, visiting the Lake or getting involved in the Union’s Belonging Activities, taking and making time to rest and recharge matters.

In Summary 

University life is about more than academic achievement. Personal growth, wellbeing, and community are all essential parts of the student experience. Support services are available for a wide range of challenges- not just moments of crisis- and students are encouraged to seek support early whenever they need it.

We want to say a big thank you to Marc, Katie and Xiang who led this session, and all the student attendees who shared their personal views and insight. You can find out more about the International Students subnetwork here. 

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Don’t Worry Surrey provides students with practical advice and guidance through January exams, Summer exams and Late Summer Assessments.  We know that exam periods can be stressful, so we are here to help you achieve your full potential. We will be running free wellbeing sessions; providing revision tips and top tips for exam success; and providing drop-in sessions to give you advice if you need it. Why not find out more here?