While most universities have at least a few faces that aren’t white, some have more and a much wider range of shades.

Racism isn’t that common in academia – or not consciously anyway. But problems of ignorance arise where a different coloured face stands out from the usual mix. If that face happens to be yours, it’s worth checking whether your chosen place has an ethnic minorities' or equal opportunities officer.

If the students’ union or university does employ one that’s a good sign that matters are taken seriously, but it’s worth looking at where they are in the hierarchy. A student who is supposed to consider ethnic minorities issues in their spare time is probably not as able to effect change as a full-time senior member of university staff with their own office and PA.

Also look out for support groups, stated policies and a clear and established complaints procedure.

A few measures some places have introduced to counter racial prejudices, whether overt or otherwise, include blind marking of exams so names don’t influence results. This is also handy for countering sex discrimination.

Obviously, overseas students have another set of unique problems to face, not least the whole language barrier and the culture shock.

Overseas students associations can be a particularly important support system, especially when it comes to finance issues that the regular channels don’t necessarily understand properly.

Country-specific groups can be helpful too, particularly when it comes to being made to feel at home.

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