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

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

Jump to the report
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.
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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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Student Minds is registered with Companies House, 07493445
Student Minds is a Charity registered in England and Wales, 1142783
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  • About
    • What we do >
      • Our strategy
      • Our impact
    • Our team >
      • Trustees
      • Clinical Advisors
      • Student Advisors
    • Our supporters
  • Find Support
    • Support for me >
      • Our Peer Support Programmes >
        • Thrive
        • Our confidentiality commitment
        • Support for specific difficulties
      • Support at your university and further
      • University staff-run workshops
      • Student stories
    • Support for a friend >
      • Starting a conversation
      • Looking after yourself
    • Support for parents
    • Cost of living
    • Resources >
      • Men’s Mental Health
      • The Wellbeing Thesis
      • Transitions >
        • Transition into University
        • Know Before You Go
        • Transitions for staff
      • Starting University
      • Exam stress
      • LGBTQ+
      • Looking after your mental wellbeing
      • Year Abroad
      • Student finance
      • Support through a family health crisis
  • Get Involved
    • Student volunteering >
      • Charter Student Resources
      • University Mental Health Day
      • Write for us
      • Peer support groups >
        • Apply to be a peer support facilitator
        • Set up a peer support group
    • Charter
    • Students’ Unions >
      • Mentally Healthy SUs Framework
      • Introduction to Student Mental Health Online
      • Campaigning and Creating Positive Change
  • Training
    • Look After Your Mate >
      • Look After Your Mate Online
    • Mental Health in Sport >
      • Mental Health in Sport Online
    • Accommodation Providers
  • News and Publications
    • Latest news
    • Research and publications >
      • Reports >
        • Climate change and student mental health
        • Part-time, distance learner and commuter students
        • International Students
        • Life in a Pandemic
        • Supporting Students with Eating Disorders
        • The Role of an Academic
        • LGBTQ+ Research​
        • Student Voices
        • Graduate Wellbeing
        • Grand Challenges
        • University Peer Support
        • University Challenge
        • Looking After a Mate
        • Summary of HEFCE’s Report
      • Consultation Responses
      • Insight Briefings >
        • Student Mental Health in a Pandemic >
          • Life in a pandemic: Wave II findings
      • Student Advisory Committee Reflections
      • Good practice guides >
        • Co-producing Mental Health Initiatives With Student Volunteers
        • Podcasting About Mental Health
        • Co-producing mental health strategies with students
        • Student Living
        • Supporting Male Student Mental Health
        • Materials and resources
  • Support Us
    • Donate >
      • Online shopping
      • Payroll giving
      • Universities
    • Fundraise >
      • 10/10 Challenge
      • Plan Your Own Event
      • RAGs and Student Societies
      • Celebrate with Student Minds
      • Challenge Events
      • Paying in money
      • Fundraising Resources
    • Corporate Partners