Coming to university is a big step for all students. Whether the student lives in or near Brighton already, is returning to study after a few years away from education, or perhaps they have moved hundreds of miles and are now living independently for the first time. There are lots of new experiences to deal with, and while you may expect this kind of experience to be exciting and enjoyable, it can also sometimes be hard to manage.
If you know a Brighton student who is experiencing issues, there are many ways that you can support them. Often it is the little things that make the most difference.
There is lots of advice and guidance available at Brighton, so please encourage students to contact us. There is no need for any student to feel that they are struggling alone, whatever the issue. Personal tutors, Student Support and Guidance Tutors and Student Services are available on each campus.
You can find out more about some of the common situations we can help students with in course and study, financial and personal issues. We also have information for students who may be considering making a change to their study, including changing course or taking a break.
Being a student
Much of the academic work at university will be similar in many ways to students’ previous experiences of study. They will be reading, attending classes, writing essays and producing other kinds of coursework, and will receive help and advice on all of these from their course tutors and central departments.
There are however some crucial differences in culture and approach; universities don't just transmit existing knowledge, but are constantly engaged in questioning current ideas and in creating and discovering new knowledge. This doesn't only apply to full-time researchers and academics. It means that right from the start, undergraduates are expected to question what they hear and read, to think critically about the evidence for particular theories or points of view, and to develop their own ideas and arguments.
Further information on being a student at a University is available on the ASK Online Study Guide
How you can help
Be there
Students have told us that simply being able to talk about and share how they are feeling with someone can really help. This might be over the phone or in person, how doesn’t really matter, knowing that someone is thinking of you and understands is what counts.
You might be able to offer suggestions and a different perspective on the situation, as well as reassurance. Ask them what you can do to help and remind them that they are not alone.
Be aware
There are key times when students can experience extra worry or stress. When exactly this might be depends on the stage of the course and the subject. It is important to recognise that although it can be worrying, lots of students go through this. Learning to manage these times can be a positive step for students towards living and working to their potential.
Some students experience ‘wobbles.’ This can be brought on by different events but missing home is common and can affect students at any stage. It affects people differently. For first years, homesickness often strikes half way through the first term or after the holidays. Being aware that this is a perfectly normal feeling makes it much easier to cope with.
Students are more likely to feel stressed and anxious when assessments, deadlines and exams are coming up. Sometimes it can be an issue that is not directly related to study that can make stress more difficult to cope with.
The Counselling and Wellbeing Service offer self help guides to these and other issues. All students can contact the Counselling and Wellbeing Service for extra support if they would like someone to talk to. Please reassure students that they are not alone and that there is plenty of support available to them at Brighton.
Wellbeing
Reminding someone to take care of themselves can help too. Managing a work load and a work life balance can be difficult. Getting enough sleep, eating well and getting some exercise can make a big difference to how effective time spent studying can be. The Counselling and Wellbeing Service offer some great tips.
Short amounts of time away from study can mean that you are refreshed and ready to concentrate again. This could be as simple as going for a walk, meeting friends or reading a book. Planning something to look forward to can help. Being able to manage study around time off reduces the chance of feeling guilty about it and increases the benefits!
If the issue you would like advice on is not listed, please contact us.