Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, we include five helpful checklist points to support new and returning students, as you settle into university and prepare for your course this year…
POINT ONE: FINDING YOUR WAY…
Welcome to your course induction week! We hope you are looking forward to starting your studies with us and getting settled into university life – firstpoint are here to point you in the right direction or answer any questions that you may have during your time at Worcester, you can take a look at our website for ways to contact us.
It’s a great time to start getting to know your campuses – Your St Johns campus hosts the Students Union and Hangar, sports pitches and sprawling teaching spaces; The Severn campus is home to the exceptional University Arena, Riverside gym and specialist teaching spaces; City campus boasts the outstanding Hive library and historic Charles Hastings Building in the heart of Worcester city centre. Pop in to firstpoint and chat to the team if you need a map or any support getting around the university!
You can also start to 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 have access to 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.
POINT TWO: IF YOU’RE FEELING OVERWHELMED…
During your studies you may experience some difficulties and challenges along the way. You may also feel like you need some additional wellbeing support whilst you adjust to your new surroundings – It’s more common than you might imagine and you won’t be alone. The University has a range of specialist support available through Student Services, to help you settle into university life and throughout your time here.
There is an informal ‘Fancy a Cuppa’ event every Tuesday and Thursday during teaching weeks. Drop in for a free drink, biscuit, and a relaxed chat with other students, our friendly student ambassadors and wellbeing staff. We also welcome the wonderful Pets as Therapy dogs at certain events, so keep an eye out for upcoming dates 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 qualified practitioners within a Counselling & Mental Health Service. 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 specialist Money Advice Service. The team 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.
If you’re looking for part-time work to fit around your studies, make sure you log into your myCareer portal, (which can be found on your MyWorc page) for job vacancies, as well as application guides and interview techniques.
POINT FOUR: REGISTER WITH A GP …
You can never be sure when you might come down with something or feel poorly. We recommend that you register with a local doctor if possible; if you become unwell here at university, you might not feel up to making the trip home to see your own GP.
In an emergency, there is the A & E department at the Royal Worcester Hospital, or you can find details on local minor injury units here.
If you’re an international student, you can find out more about accessing NHS services in the UK here.
For more details, a list of local GPs and lots of helpful information about looking after your health at university, please see our Student Support and Wellbeing Health and Medical Support pages.
POINT FIVE: EXPLORE THE STUDENT’S UNION…
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 so 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 new and updated webpages for ways to get in touch with us and subscribe to this blog for regular updates and top tips throughout the year, straight to your university account!
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