The vast majority of students thrive at UEA once they have settled in, but the settling in period can be very difficult for some.  New and even established students can go through a rollercoaster of emotions, particularly at the beginning of the academic year.  They can be both very excited and acutely homesick at the same time.  They may even feel guilty that they are not missing their parents when they know that their parents are really missing them.  However, it is not uncommon for a student to be sobbing down the phone to their parents one minute, and then to bump into a friend and be off for a coffee a few minutes later.  Most students, given time and encouragement, will resolve their difficulties and continue to thrive in the University environment.

A small number of students find it difficult to settle.  Some may feel that coming to university has been the wrong decision for them, or that they have chosen the wrong course.  Some manage very well at first, but encounter difficulties later on in their courses.  It is also not uncommon for students to have to cope with illness in their families, or the death of a grandparent or other close relative.  Occasionally students become very unwell themselves, and may need specialist medical or counselling support.

UEA has much experience of helping students to cope with all such eventualities, and many others besides.  If you have concerns about your student's wellbeing your first step might be to encourage them to speak to their Academic Adviser in their School or their Resident Tutor (if they are in UEA residences) or to call into the Dean of Students' Office to seek help there.  Students have access to a wide range of general and specialist provision on campus, and we also have close links with the NHS and other services in the local area.  If students are ever reported as missing, we act quickly to find them.

The staff members in the Dean of Students' Office are happy to talk to parents about any concerns they may have and the provision available for students.  However, they are not able to give out any information about individual students to callers (see the Confidentiality section).