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Family and community

Andy Owusu

Andy Owusu is the content lead for the Black students’ Student Space package and is a PhD scholar at London South Bank University, consultant on students mental health in Higher Education, a researcher and an author.

The importance of community for Black students at university cannot be overstated. For many this is a chance to curate your support system, develop a sense of belonging, reaffirm your identity as an individual, discover opportunities to practise activism and engage in new relationships. These are a few reasons why community is important for you as a Black student at university.

For numerous Black students, the university journey marks a transformative period where friends, family, and community serve as vital sources of encouragement and support. Nevertheless, this transition can occasionally strain relationships with loved ones.

Pursuing Higher Education

You may find yourself in a unique position as the first in your family or circle of friends to pursue higher education. As you delve deeper into your field of study, expand your horizons and knowledge, you might encounter conflicting emotions and begin questioning whether you're growing apart from those closest to you. Furthermore, your personal growth and evolving perspectives might be met with misunderstanding or negativity from family members or friends, especially for those who are international students and move away from home. This can sometimes lead to self-doubt about your identity and decisions. When your loved ones fail to comprehend your university experiences i.e assignment stresses, and offer inadequate support, it can significantly affect your mental wellbeing.

Pressure and expectations

As a Black student at university in the UK, many of you will experience the weight of high expectations. Whether stemming from a family of high achievers or because you are the first to go to university, high expectations can impose a significant burden on you. This pressure may evoke feelings of guilt and shame when you perceive yourself as falling short of these expectations, hindering your ability to unwind and engage in social activities. The Student Space focus groups identified and discussed this and within the Black community, there's a pervasive understanding that you must work twice as hard as your white counterparts due to systemic racial biases. Nevertheless, without prioritising self-care, these expectations can escalate into overwhelming stressors, dampening your motivation and jeopardising your mental wellbeing.

Summary of family and community

Sense of belonging

In less ethnically diverse institutions or courses Black students often feel like they are the only ones in their classes, which can lead to feelings of isolation and alienation. A sense of community can help students feel like they belong and are valued on campus. Remember that you can find like minded people to connect with through clubs and societies.

Support system

A supportive community can provide emotional support, academic support, and other resources that can help Black students succeed academically and personally, such as mentoring. Mentoring programs are a great opportunity for students to receive one to one support through their mentor to mentee relationships which can lead to positive interactions and feeling supported by your peers and mentors. Having mentors who understand the challenges that Black students face can be incredibly valuable. Mentors can provide guidance, encouragement, and support that can help you navigate the complexities of university life. Contact your institution directly to enquire if they offer mentoring.

Identity development

Being part of a community of Black students can help individuals develop a strong sense of self and cultural identity. This can be especially important for those who may have grown up in predominantly white communities. To find the community you belong to please visit your students’ union/guild to see the range of communities available to you.

Social activism

Community can provide a space for Black students to engage in activism and advocacy around issues that affect them and their communities. This can lead to a greater sense of empowerment and a stronger voice on campus. If this sounds like something you are interested in please reach out to your institution's Student Union and societies such as the Afro Caribbean Societies or Black Student Networks.

To summarise, for most students family and community plays a vital role in their lives. Cultivating family and community as part of your support network can offer a sense of belonging, essential support, mentorship, identity development, and opportunities for social activism, all of which are crucial for your academic and personal success.