The Centre for Ethnic Health Research (CEHR) launched an exploratory project following discussions with international students at De Montfort University, which highlighted key barriers impacting students mental health. These included challenges related to accommodation, finances, healthcare access, employment, and cultural adjustment.
To further investigate these issues, CEHR conducted a scoping activity across three universities—University of Leicester, De Montfort University, and Loughborough University—engaging student support services and facilitating Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) sessions with staff and international students.
Findings revealed that mental health support services are not specifically tailored to international students, with universities often relying on external partnerships for these provisions. Additional barriers, such as cultural stigma, visa-related concerns, and disparities in access between on-campus and off-campus students, further limited engagement.
However, peer-led support initiatives and culturally tailored activities emerged as effective strategies for fostering inclusion and encouraging students to seek help.