Campus Life project to provide mental health resources for private rental sector

28 Aug 2019

Project will support students in private housing

There are increasing concerns globally about the mental health of students. The university journey can be a challenging time, with many young people living away from home, family and friends for the first time. With higher study costs, increasingly competitive job markets and a media narrative around the perceived failure of young people to stand on their own two feet, there is greater pressure than ever on students.

Given the high percentage of student housing in South Manchester and the proportion of students living in the private rental sector, the University felt it would be beneficial to provide resources for landlords to put in their properties and/or give to new tenants when they sign a contract. Unsupported mental health issues for a given tenant have the potential to have a wider impact on housemates, and if students can access services at an earlier stage, this could have a huge positive impact on their mental health and their overall University experience.

The Division of Campus Life has recently led a project to develop resources in the form of keyrings for tenants, and magnetic fridge memo boards for private halls and rental properties, with details of University and third-party mental health services. These resources have been generously donated by a local portfolio landlord, produced in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University, and distributed with the help of Manchester Student Homes. We hope that they will be beneficial for students to access vital support.