Psychological help
Shi Jie, who works at the financial aid center for students at Southeast University in Nanjing, Jiangsu, said that in addition to helping disadvantaged students financially, more needs to be done to care for them psychologically.
"Many students from impoverished families are shy and reserved. We constantly need to encourage them to open up more, help them build their confidence and fit in better with others, especially when they first enter university," he said.
Moreover, universities should also help the students learn skills such as computer science, music and art, Shi said, adding that the center offers free courses for them in various subjects to help them keep up with their peers.
Wang Yunyun, who works at the student financial aid center at Beijing Jiaotong University, said the school has opened a psychological hotline and offers on-site psychological counseling for students in financial difficulties.
The students often adapt to university life quickly, she said. "Compared with their peers who are better-placed financially, these students are more resilient and can handle difficulties better. You don't often hear them complain," Wang said.
Most of the disadvantaged students work hard at their studies, and many find part-time jobs while they are at school to alleviate the financial burden for their families. Many of them also perform better than others in their studies and have more chance of winning scholarships and other rewards, she said.
These students have a strong sense of responsibility and know they are the hope of their families and can bring them a better life through hard work, she added.
