Study into how students are adjusting

​A researcher leading a major study into young people and COVID believes students will adjust well to the new circumstances at university.

Psychologist Dr Emma Ashworth says, in the main, students will still enjoy this academic year.

But she warned that, for some, loneliness and anxiety could be magnified and stressed the vital role of the university's professional services teams and students' union in providing spaces and support to help those who struggle.

Emma, a researcher in the School of Psychology, and co-investigator on the TELL Study into the psychological impact of COVID on young people with the University of Manchester, said: "I think in summary most students will be okay. They will adjust to the 'new normal', make friends with their housemates and will still generally be living the 'student lifestyle', just in a slightly altered way.

"The concern comes for those who don't feel they fit in with their flatmates or who are struggling with their course, as there might not be that same sense of belonging and having support.

"They will have more limited opportunities to make friends and will need to be more proactive, which for students who are already struggling may be quite daunting."

The TELL Study, which began in April to explore the COVID 'mindset' of 16-19 year-olds, confirms a strong sense of them 'missing out' on normal teenage experiences, and a sense of loss over normal rights of passage, such as receiving their A level results, graduation and freshers' week.

They are also concerned about catching the virus and spreading it to others, in particular to vulnerable relatives. However, youngsters who contributed to the study mostly felt the curbs and changes were necessary sacrifices and that the fact that 'everyone is in together' made them feel better.

Resilient

Added Emma: "I think young people are generally quite resilient. We've encountered participants in our study who wanted to feel positive about the future and to focus on the temporary nature of the pandemic. One, in particular, said "I have accepted the fact that this is not a normal situation and there is nothing to do to change it. All I can do is adapt."