Sometimes things don’t work out the way we want them to. Sometimes our student years don’t feel like “the time of our lives!”, but rather like a burden. Many of us start uni in 180 km/h with our eyes set on good grades and a burning will to learn and perform. But the thing is, there is so much to think about, to fix, when you’re a student; apartment, economy, life in general (– which happens without taking in consideration tests, presentations and hours at the library). Sometimes things just don’t work out, sometimes it can feel like everything goes wrong and every crappy thing that could happen, happens.
Many studies on students’ mental health have been carried out the last few years, with results showing that a huge part of students feel stressed, have symptoms like anxiety, worry and depression. Many are worried that they won’t be able to finish their studies. We know. Some of us over here have experienced that too, and we want to do what we can to help. This is a start: a post with practical information if you feel like things are getting too heavy to carry yourself.
You can stay in your student apartment – One of the hardest things to think about – will you get to stay? The answer, if you live in a Live to Grow/ByggVesta apartment, is YES. We say health is what matters the most, just show your doctors certificate at the biannual tenant certificate control. It will be alright.
You can keep your student grants and loans – CSN says “you may keep your student grants and loans without these weeks being counted as having been used, and requirement regarding awarded credits is also reduced.” Just remember to report your illness to Försäkringskassan. Read more over at CSN’s website.
You can get professional help via Studenthälsan – There are certain student health counselling centers where you can take your health questions and concerns – related to studying or not. They’re a little different from city to city, but often they offer individual counselling as well as group sessions, classes and workshops. There are student health centers in Linköping and Stockholm.
There is a student ambassador at your accommodation – Whether if you’ve decided to pause school for a while or you feel a little meh, remember that there’s a student ambassador who lives at your accommodation and who’s there for you. They can help with soccer tournaments and movie nights AND they can sit with you if you want company when filling out forms or applications to Försäkringskassan. Find the email address to your ambassador in the footer of this page.
There are many other organizations to turn to if you feel alone, where they offer free guidance or counselling. The Church of Sweden is one example, but there are other religious and non-religious communities and clubs who are there to help.
Hope you’ve found this post helpful. Like we said in the beginning: we know it’s not always easy being a student. Just remember you don’t need to get through the hard times on your own. <3
