Returning to uni after mental health issues

Hi

I started a UG course in the Covid year of 2020 but developed mental health problems towards the end of my second year (2022) and dropped out. For the last two years I have been living at home and having treatment for my mental health. I haven’t been able to work.
I would very much like to try uni again next September, so need to apply now - but I don’t how to get a UCAS reference. I don’t think I can get one from my tutors at my last uni. The uni was really bad at offering F2F teaching even after restrictions were lifted and I have never even met a tutor. All labs were supervised by post grads and all lectures in those two years were online. In any event, they won’t give me a good reference because I dropped out.
As I haven’t been in work either, I don’t even have an employer to act as referee.
I have been seeing a therapist.
How can I get a reference to stand a chance with my application?
Thank you.

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

So your uni should be able to provide a minimal reference although ideally your UCAS reference is written by someone familiar with your academic work. You don't need to have seen them for face to face teaching, they just need to know you from your studies.

I used a lecturer from the CertHE I was doing during COVID - I'd never met the lecturer in person but she knew my academic work very well and agreed to be a reference :smile:

If you don't have anyone that familiar with your work (e.g. you didn't have a lecturer you did a couple of modules with or who you communicated with, even via email, more often) then you may be limited to a more basic reference from the uni you were at previously and see how it goes.

Equally if you haven't undertaken any recent academic study, unis may like to see some more recent study so you may also want to explore some interim study options which would address that and give you an opportunity to get a more recent and hopefully detailed reference!

Reply 2

Analyst89

The best thing is to see your GP regarding your depression.

There is a lot of support out there such as:

-The Samaritans, you can call 116 123, which is available 24 hours a day

-Mind, 0300 123 3393

-Saneline, 0300 304 7000, from 4.30pm-10.30pm

-The mix, 0800 808 4994, 11am-11pm

-SHOUT, text 852258, 24 hour text service

-Crises, 741741, text service

-Papyrus, 0800 068 4141, if you have thoughts of suicide or in emotional distress

-Rethink mental health, 0300 5000 927

-No Panic, 0800 138 8889

-Relate, they have a chat advisor

-NHS mental health, 111

-Calm, calm.com

-Mental Health 24/7: 0800 008 6516

-hubofhope website, useful contact information for your local area

You can self refer yourself to talking therapies on the NHS website.

There is the mind forum

Also Facebook groups

You can join support groups

You can contact a crises team if things get very bad Plenty of resources online, infor mation regarding well being.