Mental Health Inequalities:
​Part-time, distance learner and commuter students

Understanding Student Mental Health Inequalities: Part-time, distance learner and commuter students

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Since we started as a charity, Student Minds has had a mission to transform the state of student mental health. Core to that mission is a conviction that we cannot achieve our goals without truly understanding the diverse needs of students and working to address the health inequalities they face. 

We know that some groups of students face additional challenges that impact their university life. Taking an inclusive and intersectional approach to supporting student mental health means recognising the diversity of the student community and acknowledging the barriers and risk factors some students face. 

​In this report, we explore the experiences of part-time, distance learner and commuter students, shining a light on the benefits of such modes of study as well as the challenges these students face. Inspired and co-produced by the incredible Positive Digital Practices student panel, the report shares insight on the following themes: 
​

• Flexibility and Balance, 
• Connection and Belonging, 
• Finances and the Cost of Living, 
• Physical Environment, 
• Travel (Commuter Students), 
• Pace of Study and Autonomy, 
• Learning Environments, 
• Relationships with Staff, 
• Awareness of Support and How to Access It, 
• Academic Support, 
• Experiences of Accessing Support, 
• Disability, and 
• Mature Students. 

We have also identified a number of recommendations for the sector, which are included throughout the report.

Download the report

Check out our:
​- International students report
- LGBTQ+ research
- Male students’ mental health reports
- Life In A Pandemic report

 

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