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Student Life

Disclaimer:

This publication is based on a Mind UK publication and the original version may be found here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/a-z-mental-health/

Thank you to Mind UK for sharing their valuable content with us. Content included in Mental Health A-Z is made available free of charge and does not form part of any commercial activity. The adaptation has been done independently by Mind HK and is intended for general information purposes only.

How can I connect with other students? 

For some people, studying is a time where they socialise with a wide range of people and have many new experiences. While this can be positive, it can also feel overwhelming. 

Meeting new people 

Being around so many other students creates a great opportunity to meet like-minded people. If you are finding it hard to meet new people, remember many other students will feel the same way. Here are some suggestions to help you get started: 

  • Volunteering can help you meet people who share an interest with you. Your institution may have student groups or a Students’ Union who may be able to help you do this. Alternatively, Hands on Hong Kong has information on volunteering you might be interested in. 
  • Clubs or societies can be a great way to get to know people and create a work-life balance. See what’s on offer when you enrol or, check in with your student representative, committee or Students’ Union at any time. 
  • Course forums or email groups can keep you connected if you’re studying online. Getting to know people online can also make it easier if the course has events like study weekends where you will all meet. 

Meeting new people can seem more of a challenge if you feel less like those around you. 

  • If you have experienced time in care prior to studying, you may feel like you have less in common with your classmates. In addition to the above tips, it can be useful to connect with groups outside of your place of study to help strengthen your support network.
  • If you are LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trangender, queer or questioning) then take a look at these Rainbow HK’s pages for some advice on starting conversations and what to do if you experience discrimination.

“Make plans to see classmates or friends during study breaks to ensure you don’t become isolated or lonely. Also make plans each day to leave the house and get outside. Going for a walk is a useful way of relaxing and clearing your head.” 

Living with other students 

If you have moved away from home, it is likely that at some point you will have to organise your own housing. You may not always feel you have a lot of choice, especially during the first year when university halls are the main option for most students, but you could think about if you want to live: 

  • with people who you can talk to about your mental health 
  • with a smaller number of people, perhaps in a smaller house or block of halls 
  • closer to campus or somewhere with better transport links 
  • near shops and amenities to make it easier to be sociable 
  • somewhere quiet with more privacy. 

Renting a room or flat for the first time is a big deal, but there is plenty of advice and support out there. Check with your place of study if they provide advice about accommodation, managing landlords and signing contracts. You can also visit Study in Hong Kong’s website for information about student housing. 

Loneliness 

Lots of students feel lonely. Social media can give the impression that all of your friends are hanging out together and having the best time, all the time. This comparison can make you feel more lonely, and loneliness can have a big impact on your mental health. 

  • Take social media with a pinch of salt. People usually only post photos of the positive times on social media, giving a false impression of how great things are. 
  • Consider how you could use social media to have a positive effect on your mental health. Joining online groups or a supportive online space where you can share experiences and listen to others who have similar mental health issues, can help you feel part of a community. Take a look at the social media accounts of mental health charities such as those mentioned at the end of this guide as many have platforms to network and share experiences in a safe way. 
  • Try peer support. There might be groups at your institution specifically for students who are experiencing mental health problems.
  • Many students feel lonely. Even if you are shy, remember your peers are often in the same situation and appreciate you talking to them. Perhaps you could: 
    • talk to someone, or just say hello, before and after each lecture or class 
    • meet classmates in the library to plan a joint piece of work 
    • chat to people you are living with while making food in a shared kitchen. 

See our pages on how to cope with loneliness and on social phobia (also known as social anxiety) for more tips.

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What is iACT Service?

Improving Access to Community Therapies (iACT®) is one of the services from Mind HK. Trained Wellbeing Practitioners will offer initial assessment and early intervention for people dealing with mild to moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties.

 

The service includes 6-8 sessions of low-intensity psychological support, the flexibility of the service allows individuals to receive free and timely support when needed.

If you’re aged between 18 – 65 and are facing some emotional challenges, we would like to invite you to take an online assessment for us to gain a better understanding of your current emotional struggle.

 

If you’re eligible, we’ll get you connected with a Wellbeing Practitioner within two weeks to sort out the next steps.

The service runs for about 3 months and includes 6-8 support sessions, tailored to your needs.

 

We encourage you to attend all sessions and actively practice the tips and exercises provided by your Wellbeing Practitioner.

We take your privacy seriously. Your chats with the Wellbeing Practitioner are confidential.

 

We won’t share any of your info unless you’ve provided consent or if there are risks detected.

This programme isn’t suitable for people facing emergencies, major setbacks, or those diagnosed with serious or complex mental health conditions.

 

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, this programme might not meet your needs, so please seek help right away. You can check out Mind HK’s “Find Help Now” page for immediate information and services.

Most of our Wellbeing Practitioners have backgrounds in psychology or counselling and are passionate about mental health. They’ve gone through about 140 hours of intensive training and completed at least 120 hours of supervised clinical practice over 9 months to ensure the quality of service.

 

They’re trained by accredited local experts in the mental health field, including clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, counsellors, and psychiatrists. Plus, we regularly check how effective our services are. All service outputs and performances are subject to consistent monitoring.

Who is suitable for participating in this programme?

This programme welcomes anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 who may be feeling lost or facing emotional difficulties. Please note that this programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions.

This programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions, but suitable for those who experience mild to severe moderate anxiety, mild to moderate depression, or other emotional challenges. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

After signing up, our Wellbeing Practitioner will contact you within two weeks to schedule a convenient time for a 45-minute conversation, either via video or phone call, according to your preference. During the conversation, the Wellbeing Practitioner will understand your current situation and help you gain a better understanding of your emotional state based on the questionnaire you filled out during application. Additionally, they will provide recommendations for appropriate community resources based on your needs, helping you take an important first step in taking care of your mental health.

Although the intervention procedure is mostly standardised, Wellbeing Practitioners will work flexibly with clients to address individual presenting problems and unique characteristics.

Our Wellbeing Practitioners are trained to support people who experience mild to moderate mental health difficulties primarily. This programme is not suitable for the situations mentioned above. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

Your conversations with the Wellbeing Practitioner are absolutely confidential. Any information about you will not be shared with anyone without your consent unless you or others are at immediate risk or the Wellbeing Practitioner has reason to believe that you may be in imminent danger.
Supervisors will monitor trainees’ development throughout the placement to ensure that they are meeting the required level of competency to pass the training course at the end of the placement.

Yes, it is necessary to book an appointment in advance by filling out the form. Additionally, you can select one of the five stores yourself. We will allocate clients to different Wellbeing Practitioners based on their chosen location.

Before having the conversation, we will ask you to fill out a basic questionnaire for preliminary screening assessment. This screening process aims to ensure that the training received by the Wellbeing Practitioners is sufficient to meet the needs of the individuals receiving the service. If it is determined after the screening assessment that the service is not suitable for you, Mind HK will provide alternative recommendations to ensure your safety and support.

For adults who are suitable for this service, all Wellbeing Practitioners have received training on how to identify and respond to safety and risk issues. If you have any concerns about the support process, the Wellbeing Practitioners have appropriate measures in place and will develop response plans based on the urgency of the situation. They can also access support from clinical practitioners from Mind HK or participating organisations.

What private training does Mind HK provide?

Mind HK provides 4 themes of mental health training, including: Supporting Self, Supporting Others, Family Wellbeing and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion).

 

Check out the brochure here for more information.

Mind HK provides a wide range of standardised mental health training, which can be tailored to different circumstances. Chat with our team to explore more! 

Our trainers come from a diverse, accredited pool of clinically experienced professionals. Check out our trainers’ biographies here.

Yes, the Mental Health First Aid class of Mind HK is internationally accredited by the MHFA International. The content and certification is delivered by trainers certified from the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong. You can find out our trainers accreditation here.

We are here to support your mental health education journey! Reach out to us and chat with our team.

How can I connect with other students?

How can I connect with other students? 

For some people, studying is a time where they socialise with a wide range of people and have many new experiences. While this can be positive, it can also feel overwhelming. 

Meeting new people 

Being around so many other students creates a great opportunity to meet like-minded people. If you are finding it hard to meet new people, remember many other students will feel the same way. Here are some suggestions to help you get started: 

  • Volunteering can help you meet people who share an interest with you. Your institution may have student groups or a Students' Union who may be able to help you do this. Alternatively, Hands on Hong Kong has information on volunteering you might be interested in. 
  • Clubs or societies can be a great way to get to know people and create a work-life balance. See what's on offer when you enrol or, check in with your student representative, committee or Students' Union at any time. 
  • Course forums or email groups can keep you connected if you're studying online. Getting to know people online can also make it easier if the course has events like study weekends where you will all meet. 

Meeting new people can seem more of a challenge if you feel less like those around you. 

  • If you have experienced time in care prior to studying, you may feel like you have less in common with your classmates. In addition to the above tips, it can be useful to connect with groups outside of your place of study to help strengthen your support network.
  • If you are LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trangender, queer or questioning) then take a look at these Rainbow HK’s pages for some advice on starting conversations and what to do if you experience discrimination.

“Make plans to see classmates or friends during study breaks to ensure you don’t become isolated or lonely. Also make plans each day to leave the house and get outside. Going for a walk is a useful way of relaxing and clearing your head.” 

Living with other students 

If you have moved away from home, it is likely that at some point you will have to organise your own housing. You may not always feel you have a lot of choice, especially during the first year when university halls are the main option for most students, but you could think about if you want to live: 

  • with people who you can talk to about your mental health 
  • with a smaller number of people, perhaps in a smaller house or block of halls 
  • closer to campus or somewhere with better transport links 
  • near shops and amenities to make it easier to be sociable 
  • somewhere quiet with more privacy. 

Renting a room or flat for the first time is a big deal, but there is plenty of advice and support out there. Check with your place of study if they provide advice about accommodation, managing landlords and signing contracts. You can also visit Study in Hong Kong’s website for information about student housing. 

Loneliness 

Lots of students feel lonely. Social media can give the impression that all of your friends are hanging out together and having the best time, all the time. This comparison can make you feel more lonely, and loneliness can have a big impact on your mental health. 

  • Take social media with a pinch of salt. People usually only post photos of the positive times on social media, giving a false impression of how great things are. 
  • Consider how you could use social media to have a positive effect on your mental health. Joining online groups or a supportive online space where you can share experiences and listen to others who have similar mental health issues, can help you feel part of a community. Take a look at the social media accounts of mental health charities such as those mentioned at the end of this guide as many have platforms to network and share experiences in a safe way. 
  • Try peer support. There might be groups at your institution specifically for students who are experiencing mental health problems.
  • Many students feel lonely. Even if you are shy, remember your peers are often in the same situation and appreciate you talking to them. Perhaps you could: 
    • talk to someone, or just say hello, before and after each lecture or class 
    • meet classmates in the library to plan a joint piece of work 
    • chat to people you are living with while making food in a shared kitchen. 

See our pages on how to cope with loneliness and on social phobia (also known as social anxiety) for more tips.