Colleges need to reach out with a positive mental attitude to students

For many, college days coincide with quite a challenging time of life. Derek Chambers argues that colleges are uniquely placed to offer advice and support

THE period of time a young person, or a mature student, spends on a college campus can be incredibly valuable. The opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of an interesting subject in a supportive environment in the company of your peers is a privilege. Added to that, the array of clubs and societies offering all sorts of sporting and social activity means that, in theory, college life really can be a special time.

But what if at all goes wrong? What about the loners and outsiders, or those who feel the pressure of exams more than others? What about those who can’t really afford to be in college? Even then college is a great place because there is free counselling services, student support services or the sanctuary of the chaplaincy for a cup of tea.