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Reasons why Chichester is the most supportive university

 

“I just really want to get across that anyone coming to university who has anxiety, an eating disorder or any kind of mental health – Chichester is the most supportive university. I don’t think it could be any more supportive and that’s so special.”

Lizzie Vass, BSc (Hons) Psychology

I think I always had the plan to go to university at 18 but was admitted to hospital for an eating disorder so took some time out of education.

I actually went to another university away from home, moved into halls and thought ‘I can do this, it’s fine!’ – but, it just wasn’t for me.

For my second attempt, I moved to Chichester with my now-husband which meant I didn’t need to move into halls this time. I was nervous starting a bit older but the university events for mature students on welcome week were helpful – I actually met one of my best friends on the first week, and now we are graduating together!

Lizzie

My lecturers are SO lovely. I was really nervous about reaching out to them initially and that they’d be like ‘what are you doing here?!’ but everyone’s been so nice.

I was quite nervous going to university with an eating disorder, especially from my previous experience of university where I felt I couldn’t reach out to my lecturers and they didn’t know about my eating disorder at all. Whereas at Chichester it’s completely different.

I probably used too many office hours by the end of my degree… but I really do believe I wouldn’t have got the grade I received if it wasn’t for their constant support! I also wouldn’t have reached out at the beginning of my degree and that’s a real sign for me how much the university has helped me build my confidence over the three years.

Lizzie

I have loved being a Mental Health Ambassador for the past two years. For me, it’s so interesting hearing different students experiences and I feel so proud of the university for allowing us to have that platform too. There are also going to be peer support groups from September and I just think, especially in my first year with my eating disorder, that would’ve been amazing to have and I’m so glad it exists now!

When I look back, there were so many assignments I completed that I steered towards mental health and eating disorders – I tried to weave it in as much as I could! I didn’t realise how flexible my degree would be. Being able to do research on things I’ve experienced is something I never thought I’d be able to do, but it was really exciting.

Lizzie

I’m currently a peer support worker at Chapel Street working within community mental health. I’m actually doing a session with Karen from the University wellbeing team soon which is SO surreal – I remember in my first year trying to find Karen and being like ‘I feel so anxious and I really need help’ and now I’m going to work with her!

I think if I was a first year now, I’d reach out immediately. For me, going into lectures was a really big thing. I was so nervous walking in and now here I am helping others with the person who helped me.

I just really want to get across that anyone coming to university who has anxiety, an eating disorder or any kind of mental health – Chichester is the most supportive university. I don’t think it could be any more supportive and that’s so special.

I’m continuing onto MSc Health Psychology in September – the lecturers are probably thinking ‘omg she’s STILL here’ but I just love the Psychology department so much, the university have been so supportive and I feel so comfortable here.

Find out more about BSc (Hons) Psychology

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Date published

16 Aug 2021

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