Common issues and support
Institute of Health Science Education (IHSE) students often face a unique set of challenges - ranging from academic pressure and emotional stress to time management and financial concerns. At times, the intensity of the course can feel overwhelming. This page outlines five of the most common issues faced by students pursuing a healthcare-focused degree, along with practical solutions and support options to help you navigate your studies with confidence and care.
Feeling overwhelmed starting university?
Transitioning to university life can bring a mix of excitement, uncertainty and stress. For further information and guidance on starting university, check out Queen Mary's website for new students.
There's a lot of information shared during induction talks, and it can be a lot to take in. If you'd like to go over the key points of our induction talk, you're welcome to book a meeting with a member of our team (via our MS Bookings page).
Big life transitions, such as starting university, can feel overwhelming, but opening up to people you trust makes a world of difference. It is easy to think we have to handle everything alone, but support systems exist for a reason. If things ever feel tough, knowing that you have people who genuinely care can be a game changer. Proactively reaching out allows for more clarity, rather than waiting for stress to take over. And sometimes, just voicing your thoughts aloud helps make sense of them in a way that they don't when they are kept inside.
Struggling to return to study as a graduate?
Returning to study as a graduate is a definitely a big shift - its a whole new rhythm to adjust to, especially in one of the busiest cities in the world. The workload, expectations, and learning style can be quite different from what you experienced before, and that transition can feel overwhelming at times.
One key thing to remember is that you’re not alone in this experience. Many students face the same challenges, whether it’s managing self-discipline, finding study techniques that work, or adapting to a fast-paced academic environment. It helps to build a routine that works for you and lean on support systems - whether through university resources, peers, or mentors who understand the pressures of graduate study.
Breaking down the transition into key areas can help pinpoint what’s causing the most difficulty and make it feel more manageable, such as:
- Academic adjustment
- Time management & routine
- Social integration & support
- Financial & lifestyle changes
- Mindset & confidence
If you'd like to explore ways to make your transition smoother, feel free to get in touch with us at ihse-student-support@qmul.ac.uk
Feeling uncertain about your final year and what lies ahead?
It's completely natural to experience these emotions as you approach the end of medical school - leaving university is just as significant a transition as starting. Take things step by step, and make use of the support available to you.
Stepping into the professional world after graduation can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Our Careers & Enterprise Team is here to guide you, from job interview practice to creating a CV, they offer tailored careers support and guidance for up to three years after you graduate.
If you are applying for further study via the United Kingdom Foundation Programme (UKFP), we offer specific support options
- Tailored advice and guidance on the UKFP Pre-allocation process
- Checking each Supporting Trainees Entering Practice (STEP) application
- Liaising with UKFP references to ensure that they have the correct information for your reference
Juggling studies while caring for someone?
Managing caregiving duties alongside university life can be challenging, particularly for those pursuing a medical degree - where caring for others is at the heart of their future profession. Many students find themselves taking on these responsibilities as their families see them as the household's go-to medical expert.
If you are a student with caring responsibilities, Queen Mary University has resources to help you manage both, such as:
- Welfare advisors - working within the Advice & Counselling Service (ACS), welfare advisors can support you with accessing financial help, emotional support and guidance in navigating external support agencies. You can find out more about what the welfare advisors support with on their website.
- Considering applying for pre-allocation under the criterions for caring? Our Student Support Officers can navigate you through the application process, simply email ihse-student-support@qmul.ac.uk for more information.
Coping with loss while studying?
Grief is a multifaceted emotional response to loss. Grief can feel overwhelming and it is not always easy to know how to care for yourself or what support is available.
Our service has created a specialist guidance document: 'Support while grieving - a guide for students' if you would like a copy of this document, please email us on ihse-student-support@qmul.ac.uk
- Resource on bereavement including information on how you can support yourself and specialist services available.
- Student Space resources on grief and loss
- If you have lost someone to suicide, you may find it helpful to access grief support that is specifically tailored to suicide bereavement. The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) offers a helpful website with dedicated resources and guidance.
- You could also speak to your GP, as they may have some recommendations specific to your situation.
Experiencing the death of someone close can come with a number of practical responsibilities, such as arranging a funeral or handling paperwork. While we can’t assist with personal arrangements, our Student Support Officers are here to help with any administrative tasks related to your course.
If you’d like practical support - such as help with extensions, attendance, or academic communication - please book an appointment (via our MS Bookings page) with a member of our team. We’ll work with you to understand your needs and offer the right support.