Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, five points to support new and returning students…
POINT ONE: FINDING YOUR WAY…
Welcome to all new and returning students! We hope you are looking forward to starting your studies with us – firstpoint are here to help you settle in and answer any questions that you may have and so take a look at our website for ways to contact us.
There’s nothing worse than feeling a bit lost on your first day, so why not familiarise yourself with the University from the comfort of home by taking a virtual tour online, viewing the campus tour video, or reading about the facilities on campus.
When you get your timetable, you’ll see that there is a code used for each of the buildings on campus. You can find a list of the building codes here and you can also view room layouts with photos.
We hope that these will help you feel more confident and comfortable on campus, but if you are ever unsure, ask at Main Reception or pop in to firstpoint and we’ll be happy to help.
When the University started there was only the St. John’s Campus. Over the years we have expanded to include city and countryside locations. In Welcome Week, keep an eye out for special trips, tours, and a guided visit to explore the library facilities at the Hive.
POINT TWO: IF YOU’RE FEELING OVERWHELMED…
During your studies you may experience some difficulties and challenges along the way. It’s more common than you might imagine. Don’t worry, the University has a range of different types of support available to you.
‘Fancy a Cuppa?’ is an event to help students meet other students, and to make contact with support staff, in an informal casual setting. Our Student Wellbeing Champions provide conversation and support, plus a free hot drink and biscuits
are available! Sometimes there are additional activities, such as crafting, mindfulness and card games!
During the first two weeks of semester 1, ‘Fancy a Cuppa?’ runs every day between 1pm and 2pm, in firstpoint. If you don’t know where we are, have a look at the how to find us section on our webpage. After that, ‘Fancy a Cuppa?” will run every Tuesday and Thursday during teaching. Every other week, Pets as Therapy dogs are invited to join us, so check for more information, as well as the dates and times, on the Fancy a Cuppa webpage.
If you would prefer a confidential appointment with a specialist wellbeing adviser, please contact firstpoint and we can help you arrange this.
The university also has a Counselling & Mental Health Service. To access this support we offer STAR appointments (Support Triage Advice Refer). The 30-minute STAR sessions allow the team to assess and discuss the most appropriate support with you. To book, you can do this online yourself here or contact firstpoint.
POINT THREE: LOOKING FOR SUPPORT WITH YOUR FINANCES…
Occasionally, students have issues with finances. This can be because of delays to your Student Finance application being processed, or you might have had an unexpectedly large bill. We have help at hand from our Money Advice Service. The advisers can help you deal with Student Finance, whether that is cutting through the jargon, sorting through the forms, or ringing them on your behalf if needed. For an appointment, contact firstpoint.
Eligible students who are struggling financially can apply to the Access to Learning Fund, which may be able to provide a non-repayable grant. More information, including the application form, can be found on the Money Advice webpages.
POINT FOUR: REGISTER WITH A GP BEFORE YOU’RE SICK…
You can never be sure when you might come down with something. We strongly suggest that you register with a local doctor; if you become ill here in Worcester, you might not feel up to making the trip home to see your own GP. You can find a list of local GPs and other medical provisions in Worcester on our Student Support and Wellbeing website.
In an emergency, there is the A & E department at the Royal Worcester Hospital.
POINT FIVE: EXPLORE THE SU…
The Students’ Union is there to support and represent you during your studies. During Welcome Week they run lots of events, student fairs, and nights out to help you settle in. You can join different clubs and societies to try new things and meet new people. Pop into the Students’ Union building and ask at the welcome desk, or check out the Students’ Union website.
The SU can also support you with issues relating to both your studies and your welfare. There is lots of guidance on their webpages on topics such as housing, finance, and health, plus University processes such as mitigating circumstances and academic appeals. Remember, although the SU has links with the University, their advice is independent, confidential, and impartial.
We’re very pleased to welcome you to the University and firstpoint are here to help you with any queries you may have while you settle in or return to your studies. Take a look at our webpages for ways to get in touch with us and subscribe to this blog for regular updates and top tips throughout the year.
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