“It’s like having someone cheering you on throughout your university journey.”
For many students, university is an exciting experience filled with new opportunities, independence, and personal growth. But alongside those opportunities can come challenges, uncertainty, and moments of feeling overwhelmed. For Eleanor Trend, a second-year History student preparing for an exciting year abroad in Vancouver, having the right support in place has made all the difference.
Eleanor first accessed support through the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) when she started university. While support had been part of her educational journey since she was 16, she says that continuing this support at university was a natural decision and one that has had a significant impact on her student experience.
“I’ve really benefited from it. I honestly don’t think I would have coped without it. I need someone who’s got my back and who I can voice my concerns to.”
Eleanor receives support from a Specialist Mental Health Mentor through The Learning Support Centre. Weekly mentoring sessions provide her with a dedicated space to discuss any concerns, manage feelings of overwhelm, and create a structure for the week ahead.
Like many students, Eleanor sometimes finds university pressures difficult to navigate alone. Having regular support helps her organise her workload and break things down into manageable steps.
“Sometimes I get quite overwhelmed, so implementing a structure is really helpful. Talking through what I need to do each week helps me map out a direction and what I need to focus on.”
Over the course of her studies, Eleanor has worked with two mentors and describes both experiences positively. Her current mentor, Nicola, has been particularly influential in helping her build confidence and maintain her wellbeing.
“She’s so nice and so personable. It’s so easy to just have a chat with her. Sometimes all I need is to talk to someone, and that’s such a great way to keep your mental health in check.”
One aspect of mentoring that Eleanor values is that sessions are not only a place to discuss challenges. They are also an opportunity to celebrate achievements.
“It’s not just about talking through concerns. I tell her about my marks and when I’ve done really well. It’s nice to share that with someone and have someone there who can celebrate with you.”
Knowing that a mentoring session is always there provides reassurance throughout the week, whether she’s facing difficulties or achieving personal goals.
For Eleanor, one of the biggest benefits of mentoring has been increased confidence in her academic abilities.
She describes often worrying about assignments and questioning whether she has done enough, something many students can relate to. Through mentoring, she has learned to challenge those doubts and recognise her achievements.
“I have a tendency to catastrophise. Every essay I hand in, I’m thinking, ‘Am I going to pass? Have I done it right?’ Nicola reminds me to look at the marks I’ve already achieved and recognise that I’m doing well. The confidence she instils in me is so great.”
When asked which of The Learning Support Centre’s values stands out most to her, Eleanor found it difficult to choose.
“I definitely get all of them. I get the full package.”
However, one value immediately came to mind.
“The first one that really comes to mind is supportive. It’s like having someone who’s cheering you on throughout your university journey.”
For students who may be unsure about accessing support for the first time, Eleanor acknowledges that taking that first step can feel intimidating.
“It’s the unknown. You don’t know what it’s going to be like or how it’s going to work.”
Her advice is simple:
“You’ve just got to throw yourself into it. You’ve got this opportunity and you can really benefit from it. Try that first session and see how it goes.”
She also believes that students should never feel embarrassed about receiving support.
“I’m quite proud to say that I have access to The Learning Support Centre because it’s such a positive thing. Why would I feel ashamed about having it in place?”
As Eleanor prepares to embark on her year abroad in Vancouver, she reflects positively on the support she has received throughout her university experience. Having someone to listen, provide guidance, celebrate achievements, and build confidence has helped her navigate university life with greater reassurance and self-belief.
Her story is a powerful reminder that reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness. It’s an investment in your wellbeing, confidence, and success.
And as Eleanor puts it, sometimes all it takes is having someone in your corner, cheering you on every step of the way.