Connecting with the University

Posted by Student Communications JH | October 5, 2020 8:00 am

This month with Enabling Services, we will be focusing on one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing: Connect.

Having a sense of belonging and connecting with other people is important for our wellbeing. This can be challenging at University as you may find yourself in a new place with new people, and settling in and making friends can be a source of worry.

Below is some information about how you can connect with the University community, whether you are a new or returning student. We also want to remind you that it is normal to feel out of place or homesick at some point in your University life, but support is available for you when you feel this way.

Join a Society

If you would like to continue a hobby, or you’d like to try something new, the Students’ Union have clubs and societies for over 300 activities. These are run by students, for students and are a great way to make friends. This year, SUSU will be running meet & greets to allow you to drop into meetings, ask any questions you have and just have a chat with them, or you can try taster sessions during Welcome.

If you’re feeling nervous about joining a society, you could reach out to them before joining. Most societies have email addresses and social media on their society page. Committee members want people to be able to join their society and have fun, so will usually be happy to have a message asking questions about their society and try to help you get involved.

You could also try some self-help techniques from the NHS’s self-help guides on anxiety and social anxiety. There are some really useful practical tips on how to change anxious thoughts to balanced thoughts, and changing your behaviours bit by bit to help reduce your anxiety.

If you don’t manage to join a society in the first few weeks, months, or even your first year, it’s not too late. Corin Holloway, Vice President Activities said: “I’ve attended many different societies during their initial taster sessions or anytime throughout the year. I often worry that I’ll just be a burden and make it difficult for them to include me, but whenever I go, I’ve always felt welcome and like people are happy to have me join in.”

If you’re unsure about joining later, contact societies by email or on social media.

Chat to your PAT

Your Personal Academic Tutor is assigned to you to provide advice and support to you with matters related to academic work and your progress, and they can help to signpost you to other sources of support at the University. Find out more about the role of your PAT here.

It’s a good idea get in touch with your PAT early on in the academic year, and to keep in touch with them regularly. It is advised that you check in with your PAT at least once a semester, and it’s important that you contact your PAT if there are circumstances affecting your studies so that they can help you to access support.

You can find out who your PAT is in “My Student Record (self-service)”. If you would like a step-by-step guide on how to find your PAT’s information, visit the How To Guides and Forms section of your Faculty Student Hub on Blackboard.

Talk to Support

The Student Life team are available to help you settle into University life and to help you have a positive experience as a student.

We know that some students might find it more difficult to engage with University life due to their personal circumstances. The Student Inclusion Team are committed to supporting specific groups of students, including Care Leavers, Estranged Students, Mature Students and Living at Home Students.

If you would like to talk to someone about the support that is available to you, you can attend a Student Support Drop-in or visit the Student Support Hub.

Stay up to date

It’s good to make sure you receive updates about the University so that you’re aware of all the news and opportunities that you can get involved in!

You can do this by regularly reading SUSSED, following the Student Communications Facebook, or by reading the Announcements section of your Faculty Hubs on Blackboard: