International students make up a substantial proportion of the UK’s student population, but how do their mental health needs differ from those of home students? That’s the question we’re looking to get to the bottom of in this month’s episode of Accommodation Matters.

Host Jenny Shaw oversees an expert conversation that covers some of the factors that have a particular impact on international students’ mental health – including finances, visas and cultural competency in student support – and how other countries’ approach to mental health can influence students’ own views on seeking support, as well as how mental health issues might present for students from different cultures.

This episode’s guests include:

• Jamie-Lukas Campbell, Postgraduate Officer at Queens University Belfast Student Union
• Dom Smithies, Influencing and Advocacy Lead at Student Minds
• Andy Winter, Director of Student Support Services at University of Sheffield

Special guest Bernadette Cochonat, Head of International Sales and Partnerships at Unite Students, additionally shares her insights into some of the specific factors and cultural background impacting on students from key markets China, India and Nigeria.

Accommodation Matters brings together sector experts to discuss the Higher Education sector’s key issues through the lens of student accommodation. This episode was recorded on 17th April and 5th May 2023 and produced by Ed Palmer.

Resources

Understanding Student Mental Health Inequalities: International Students, a report by Student Minds, is available from the Student Minds website. [2022]

Unite Students’ Living Black at University report is available from the Unite Students website. [2022]