Oli Smith

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University Mental Health Day: BA Architecture student finds support and offers advice to fellow students

Thursday, 12 March, 2026

Thursday 12 March is University Mental Health Day, highlighting the importance of student mental health and working together to make mental health a university-wide initiative. Bath Spa University has a diverse student community, and helping them thrive at university is one of the BSU’s top priorities. 

One such student is Oli Smith, who is studying BA(Hons) Architecture and is neurodiverse. Over the past two years at BSU, Oli has worked with his lecturers and the Student Wellbeing and Disability teams to make the course more accessible for him and improve his experience. He is also a strong advocate for speaking up and not being afraid to ask for help. 

In 2021, Oli was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety and depression caused by OCD, and in 2024 he was diagnosed with high functioning Autism. Oli says he chose to study at BSU for its welcoming atmosphere and creative approach to Architecture. He’s also able to commute daily to university, which helps to reduce the stress involved with being too far away from home. 

Oli says he found university difficult at first and he struggled quite a lot, but support from BSU staff, along with making new friends and becoming part of the community, helped him find his feet. Explaining further, he said: 

“My academic advisor was a great help along with my head of course who directed me to the University’s Disability team and the Mental Health Service, who have been a great source of support since. By building a connection between both the lecturers I see on a daily basis and my SWS advisors, I have been able to progress through my studies at a much higher level. 

“Besides my education, I have most enjoyed the people I have met along the way. We all have our differences and quirks but BSU is such a welcoming place from both students and staff. I could not ask to be surrounded by better individuals.” 

Oli said he realised it was important to speak up and be honest with his lecturers to make sure he got the support he needed to thrive at university. It has also helped him to better understand himself and to consider his conditions to be part of who he is, rather than things that are ‘wrong’ with him.  

Oli explained: 

“When people ask me about what goes on in my head, I don’t like to refer to them as illnesses, but permanent parts of my identity which I’m still learning to love. Here at BSU the staff I have worked alongside have been so supportive, and all I can say is if you speak up at BSU your voice will always be heard. 

“BSU offers so many opportunities which have over the last two years helped tremendously with both building my self-confidence but also to have the ability to express myself as who I am.” 

BSU has a higher-than-average proportion of students disclosing a disability and has seen an increase in students making appointments with the University’s Student Wellbeing Services to access support with mental health, disability and wellbeing advice. The University also offers several events throughout the year – including drop-in sessions with the BSU Care Dogs and the Autistic Wellbeing Group (Autwell) sessions – to help students manage their wellbeing and support each other. 

Kitty Eve, Disability Service Manager at BSU said: 

“Student Wellbeing Services has a range of ways for students to get help if they are facing mental health challenges including appointments with our professional Mental Health Practitioners, the Wisdom app and 24-hour helpline. Appointments can be booked via the website and MyWellbeing and can be online or in-person at Newton Park and Locksbrook Campus.” 

For anyone who might be anxious about going to university, Oli shared this advice: 

“It’s a massive step for anyone – not just neurodiverse but for all – so take a deep breath and understand that everyone will be at a different point in their lives when they step onto campus and begin a new chapter. If you're travelling far from home bring something of value to keep with you so that home is never far away. 

“But my key point is if you ever feel down or feel like you can’t do it, reach out or speak to someone. There is such a wide range of support networks and people just like you who will support you as much as they can.” 

Find out more about wellbeing and disability support services at BSU.