W2B-014 Student life-0.txt
who to turn to when life gets tough in the student world
student life has its fair share of problems. shane donaghey reports on what to do when a crisis arrives
It's an extremely lucky student who gets through their entire time in third-level education without one sort of crisis or another.

What can start out as a trivial matter can quickly explode into something much more serious if not dealt with quickly.

Problems can range from harassment to tenancy agreements, to drug dependency, unplanned pregnancy, stress and overwork. They can cover educational matters too.

What is important is that there is any number of people who can help with every problem a student is likely to face. Advice is nearly always free, and, importantly, non-judgmental.

The first port of call for most students with a problem is their Students'Union.

The unions have several, frequently full-time officers who can offer advice on welfare, housing, accommodation etc. They also have an extensive network of advisers on which to draw upon.

The education officer, for example, can advise on changing courses, difficulties and delays in obtaining a grant, postgraduate courses, funding and even changing colleges.

If an academic situation has become so bad that you are up before the beak (your faculty progress or disciplinary committee), the education officer can help you make a case out of something other than bursting into tears and hoping for the best. They can also be present at the committee hearing.

With grants and accommodation becoming worse, officials dealing with student welfare are finding their workload increasing.

Queen's Students'Union has improved its service this year with the introduction of the Welnet computer database. The system contains information on accommodation, employment and finance.

The idiot-proof system can print a CV, a useful little item in the big world.

The Student Counselling Service can also provide a helpline. The service provides a confidential, friendly and professional service with fully-trained counsellors. As well as practical help, student counsellors are also trained to deal with more complicated personal and emotional problems from depressions to bereavement.

Methods are based normally on non-directive counselling. It is strictly confidential unless the student is agreed that information may be given to another person if he or she believes it would help overcome the problem.

In the excitement of leaving home and moving into a new environment, the issue of health is sometimes forgotten. It is easily done, but health should not be neglected.

Both universities require medicals from their freshers. It is a good idea to register with their health services as well, or with a GP. Colleges offer the same full range of health care cover as the local health centre.

An increasing concern is the health of students when they are away over the summer, either on holiday, field trips or gaining experience.

College medical staff are also on call when needed.

For those who would rather speak with fellow students in complete confidence, there is the Nightline service. It provides someone to talk to over the phone at night from 8pm to 8am. From 8pm to 10pm you can also call in at 41 University Street. (This address is likely to change over the next few months.)

Both universities have an extensive network of chaplains covering most major religions. Up-to-date details can be found in the universities'handbooks.

While drink is taken to be as much a part of university life as exams, alcohol can cause serious problems for students. The Northern Ireland Council on Alcohol offers and education service to guide students at either 40 Elmwood Avenue, Belfast (0232) 664434, 461 Falls Road, 330499, or 219 Albertbridge Road, 731602.

The Samaritans have an outstanding record in dealing with problems of health, relationship or bereavement worries 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The organisation provides a listening ear in complete confidentiality. The caller's name is not needed. They will listen to anyone with any kind of trouble that may be bothering them. They also welcome callers for talk on a one-to-one basis.

There are branches throughout the north. The Derry number is 265511, Coleraine 320000 and Belfast 664422.

It's important to remember that no matter how big or small the problem, there is someone who can offer advice or an ear. It may be a cliche, but a problem shared is a problem halved.
