Now more than ever, society is realising the critical role mental health plays in self-actualisation. This is particularly true for recent matrics and university students. When students pass their matric exams and earn bursaries, it comes with excitement and a huge expectation. However, that excitement can quickly turn into stress, anxiety and depression if they are partnered with a corporate bursar that is not interested in their holistic development.

Craig Barure, Res Manager at Respublica Student Living says, “For many students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, getting a bursary and adjusting to varsity life can put them under immense pressure. Often, corporates do not take their emotional and mental wellbeing into account when handling funding concerns. For example, the late disbursement of bursary funding can cause financial difficulties, feelings of isolation, social pressures, extreme anxiety and studying stress to the student.”

Why corporate bursars must care about a student’s wellbeing:

For students to perform at the standards required by their bursars, it is pivotal that they are in a good state of physical and mental health. According to a recent study, South Africans suffer higher rates of probable depression and anxiety than other countries. This means that more students are likely to drop out if not adequately supported, which is a waste of resources for both the bursar and the student.

Goitseone Moerane, ResLife Manager at Respublica Student Living says, “There is a positive correlation between student wellbeing and academic performance. Students who struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, and mental health have higher failure and dropout rates from universities. This is because it is difficult for them to focus on their studies. Those that pass, do so with lower marks. Our ResLife programme exists to try and help alleviate some of these pressures by giving students a place to get support. But funders need to step up to the plate too.”

How corporates can help:

The most important thing a corporate bursar can do to help develop the students they fund is to ensure timeous payments. If student funding is released late, it can set off a domino effect of negative outcomes. To adjust to varsity life, students need to get their funding early so they can get food, books, laptops, clothes, bedding, and cooking utensils right at the beginning of the academic year. This is necessary for students with financial difficulties to be ready to study at the beginning of the academic year and avoid unnecessary stress at this crucial time of a student’s life.

Most students already survive on tight budgets, and delayed funding often leads to them consuming cheap, unhealthy food, and resorting to destructive coping mechanisms. Additionally, some students end up withdrawing from physical activities arranged for students, which can subsequently lead to mental health disorders.

Student wellbeing is critical for student academic success. Corporate bursars should therefore select universities and student residences that promote holistic wellbeing through residence life programmes like orientation week, academic, sports activities, and easily accessible counselling services.

Creating a holistic ecosystem for student to thrive:

Bronwyn Boavida, managing director at Respublica Student Living, concludes, “Corporate must remember that a bursar is an investment, and you need to nurture investments to ensure you get the proper return on investment. That means you must provide the best possible ecosystem for students to thrive. Thriving bursary students often become the star players in corporate teams, so it is in everyone’s best interest that the companies funding them do their best to help get the best version of that student possible.”