Personal issues

Balancing a course workload, deadlines and exams can be difficult. There may be times when study or personal issues can become too much and it can feel overwhelming. If you are feeling under pressure, you are not alone. Learning how to manage these feelings can help you reach your full potential.

The counselling and wellbeing service has a range of really useful self help guides including; 

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Managing stress

Who can I talk to ? 

Talking helps, communication with other people is a great way to beat stress. You can express yourself and get some advice and perspective on your situation. 

• Discuss any concerns about your study with a member of staff from your course, perhaps your personal tutor

• Share how you feel with family or friends you trust, including other students. They may well be feeling the same as you

• If you would like to talk to someone else about your concerns, you can make an appointment with a counsellor or a visit a university chaplain. 

How to reduce and avoid stress 

There are ways to help reduce and avoid stress. We recognise that it often does not seem possible at the time but often it is the small things that that can make a big difference to how well you can cope.  

Wellbeing 

• Look after your own wellbeing. Getting enough sleep, taking breaks and eating properly are just a few ways of helping yourself to manage to keep going

• The counselling and wellbeing service offer information and tips on wellbeing

• Keep an eye out for wellbeing workshops held on campus, including stress and anxiety workshops

Effective study skills

• If you are having difficulties with any part of your course, speak to a member of staff from your course about it as soon as possible
• Keep a study diary with key dates such as deadlines so that you can plan around the busiest times of the year
• Use the ASK Study Guide. It offers online study support in areas such as essay writing skills and planning your time, as well as workshops which are held on campus throughout the year
• If you are interested in studying in groups, find out if the PASS scheme is running on your course.

Time off

You may like to take a short break from your studies, such as a weekend away. If you think you need to take a longer break, please read out time off from university page for more information.

Changing your mode of study (reducing your study hours)

An extension to deadline can help if circumstances beyond your control are affecting your ability to complete an assessed piece of work in time. Your circumstances could be taken into consideration and extra time could be allowed for you to complete the assignment, without any negative effect on your marks. A late submission of work without an extension to deadline carries an automatic penalty of a grade cap at 40 percent.

If you need to apply for an extension to deadline, try not to worry or panic. The system exists to support students who need it and there is lots of help available to you.

You should make your application for an extension to deadline in advance of the deadline, as your application will need to be approved by your course leader.  The earlier you apply, the sooner you can get the support you need. Hopefully you will also gain some peace of mind and relieve any stress or anxiety you might have been experiencing.

You will need to make an application via your school office. They will be able to advise you on the process, including how to fill in an application and give you information about how and when decisions are made.

The Students' Union support service offers online guidance on the types of issues that might be considered in extensions and mitigating circumstances. You can also contact an advisor for help to fill forms and advice on the evidence that will support your application.

The University website has links to all student regulations and policies - this includes the Student Handbook which details the regulations regarding extensions, mitigating circumstances and academic misconduct.

Students with Dyslexia or Disabilities

You may be entitled to a Variation of Assessment Method (VOAM), if you have declared a disability or dyslexia. A VOAM could allow for special arrangements to assist you in examinations or assessments, such as extra time to complete coursework or an exam or the use of a computer.

If you have or think you might have a disability or dyslexia that you have not declared, the disability and dyslexia team to help you to access support, including VOAM's, for your studies.

If you have a disability and have not disclosed this to the University there is a limit to the amount of academic support available to you - in terms of extenstions or VOAMS.  You may declare at any time though the sooner the better so that support can be put in place.  Contact the Disability and Dyslexia Team in Student Services

You can make a claim for mitigating circumstances if your personal circumstances (which are beyond your control and which you could not foresee) are having an impact on your ability to study, to complete coursework or to perform well in exams.  Your  circumstances could be taken into consideration when your work is marked.

If you need to apply for mitigating circumstances, don't panic. The system exists to support students who need it and there is lots of help available to you.

The earlier you seek help, the sooner you can get the support you need and it is more likely that your application can be processed in the time set by the examination board. Hopefully this will also help you gain some peace of mind and relieve any stress or anxiety you might have been experiencing.

You will need to make an application to claim mitigating circumstances. Your course leader or school office can help you to do this. They will be able to advise you on the process, including how to fill in an application, what evidence they will need and give you information about how and when decisions are made.

The Students' Union support service offers online guidance on the types of issues that might be considered as mitigating circumstances in extensions and mitigating circumstances. You can also contact an advisor for help to fill forms and advice on the evidence that will support your application.

The University website has links to all student regulations and policies - this includes the Student Handbook which details the regulations regarding extensions, mitigating circumstances and academic misconduct.

Students with Dyslexia or Disabilities

 You may be entitled to a Variation of Assessment Method (VOAM), if you have declared a disability or dyslexia. A VOAM could allow for special arrangements to assist you in examinations or assessments, such as extra time to complete coursework or an exam or the use of a computer.

If you have or think you might have a disability or dyslexia that you have not declared, the disability and dyslexia team to help you to access support, including VOAM's, for your studies.

If you have a disability and have not disclosed this to the University there is a limit to the amount of academic support available to you - in terms of extenstions or VOAMS.  You may declare at any time though the sooner the better so that support can be put in place.  Contact the Disability and Dyslexia Team in Student Services

If a personal issue is affecting your ability to study, it can be a positive step to speak to someone about your concerns and find out what support is available to you. What is right for you will depend on your personal circumstances, there is a range of support available to you at Brighton. 

If you are struggling to meet a deadline or feel that your performance in an exam or assesment has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you may like to apply for an extension to deadline or mititgating circumstances. Sometimes less pressure and more time can really help to make a situation more manageable. 

Where can I get help ?

• Speak to a member of staff from you course, perhaps your personal tutor, or SSGT if your school has one. They will be able to help you plan how to manage your workload
• Talk about how you feel with a trusted friend or family member
• You could make an appointment to see a counsellor
• Visit one of the university chaplains.

Self help guides 

The counselling and wellbeing service offer a range of really useful self help guides, on issues including;

• Bereavement
• Depression
• Eating difficulties
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Homesickness

The transition to university is a big change in lifestyle. Many aspects are positive, with new experiences and opportunities.  With a new environment, different expectations, meeting new people and adapting to a new routine, it can be challenging too.

You are not alone if you are experiencing homesickness or are having trouble settling in.  It happens to lots of students in different ways and at different times. The university is able to offer you support whenever you need it. It is important to remember that it is ok to be homesick, it can feel very worrying but you will learn to cope, it is normal to miss home, family, friends and a routine that you are used to. 

Homesickness 

Feeling homesick can be really difficult but it is more common than many people think. Homesickness can feel quite scary, it can creep up out of no where, even soon after you have been having a great time and feel fine. The counselling and wellbeing service have a self help guide to the symptoms of homesickness. It explains the symptoms and ways to cope. 

Culture shock 

Culture shock is the term often used to describe how it can feel when you move countries to attend university. Culture shock can involve all the main feelings of homesickness and the extra challenge of adapting to a whole new culture too. The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has a guide to culture shock.

Joining the Brighton Student' Union International Students Society is a great way to meet other international students who may be feeling the same as you.

Who can I talk to ?

Remember that other students are likely to feel, or have felt, the same as you do at some point, even though often they might not admitt it. If you can, tell someone you feel you can trust. They might be glad that you did.  

You can also speak to 

• Your personal tutor 

• Make an appointment to see a counsellor 

• Visit a university chaplain.

If you are feeling lonely, try not to worry. It is normal to feel this way from time to time. There are lots of ways to meet people from inside and outside the university during your time as a student. 

Here are some suggestions;

• Get to know people from your course or school. Use lunch breaks or coffee breaks as a chance to catch up. Organise a class meet up on an evening or weekend

• Contact the Students' Union and find out about the range of societies and activities

• Sport Brighton offers a range of sport related facilities, clubs and activities across the five university campuses. Joining in with an activity with Sport Brighton is a great way to make new friends and achieve a healthy work/life balance

• Active student is the university’s award-winning volunteering service. It can provide you with volunteering placements in the local community that are rewarding, safe and supported
  
  
• Join the Choir - The University Community Choir is open to students and staff of all abilities, and meets at Steam House in Moulsecoomb. For further information contact: Tel: 01273 643588, email: f.j.childs@brighton.ac.uk .

• If you are worried and would like to talk to someone, there is support available to you from the university. You could speak to a councellor or a university chaplain.

• You could put yourself forward to be your Course Rep. It is a great way of getting to know other students and staff and doing something positive for your course. You could also join your course society if there is one - if there isnt one, perhaps consider setting one up!

• If you are an International Student, you could join the International Students Society.

Issues with you accommodation can be stressful and depending on what they are, can make day to day activities difficult. If you are having an issue, don't put up with it, seeking help to resolve it is a positive step. 

Who can help me ?

University accommodation
If you are in university accommodation, you can get advice from the accommodation office or you can talk to the residential advisor based at your halls of residence.

Private accommodation
If you are in private accommodation, advice is available from the  university housing advice officer or via external housing specialists

Community liason

At Brighton there are two community liason officers. They work with individuals, community groups, residents associations and other appropriate external agencies. They are available for students who may have community issues that need to be addressed.  For example, they may offer to mediate between student and non-student community residents, with a view to resolving conflict and ensuring appropriate interventions.   If a student is accused of having a negative impact within a community, the liaison officers will also be available to offer advice, support and further referral as required. 

For more details, please contact the community liason officers by telephone +44(0) 01273 643102 or 01273 641894 or email community-liaison@brighton.ac.uk.

Care leavers

If you are a care leaver and having problems finding accommodation,  contact the accommodation office.  They can help secure your accommodation for the whole of your first year of study, including Christmas, Easter and summer holidays. 

• Speak to any member of staff

• Make an appointment to see a counsellor

• Contact the Disability and Dyslexia Team who have Disability Support Officers who will be able to offer you help and support

• See the university mental health policy

• The Students' Union has information and a list of useful contacts if you are concerned about your mental wellbeing.  

•  Make an appointment to see a counsellor 

•  Talk to one of the university chaplains.

If ill-health or a disability is affecting your studies, there is support available to you at Brighton. 

• If you are feeling unwell and have not already done so, make an appointment to see a doctor. If you do not have a local doctor, find out how to register with a doctor 

• Discuss any issues with your personal tutor or course leader so that they can help you get the support you need.  If your health issue could cause you to miss hand in dates or exams you must inform your personal tutor/course leader or SSGT (if your school has one) - they will be able to advise what/if any evidence is required to allow for mitigating circumstances or an extension.

• If you have a long term health issue, you may be eligible for support from the disability and dyslexia team.  Disability support is available on an individual basis according to your needs, but could include adjustments to your teaching and learning environment, exams and assessments or the provision of specialist equipment and support staff to allow you to reach your potential more fully. UK students can apply for a non-repayable grant called the Disabled Students Allowance to fund this.

You can disclose a disability or health issue to the university at any point during your time as a student and the sooner you do, the quicker support can be put in place for you. The disability and dyslexia team work to remove obstacles to learning and make sure that you have full access to the opportunities that the university has to offer. 

If you become pregnant or a parent during your studies at the university, we will do what we can to support you and to minimise any negative impact this could have on your studies. There is a guide to support for students who are pregnant or who have young children in pregnancy and parenthood.

• Contact the carers centre

• See also a guide to careers rights from NHS choices

If you have any questions about immigration, your visa, or work permits, you can contact an international student officer for advice. 

You can find information in our international support web pages on topics including 

• How to apply to extend your visa

• Immigration during your stay in the UK

• Working in the UK

If you are worried about sexual health issues, make an appointment to see a doctor. If you do not have a local doctor, find out how to register with a doctor. 

• The Students' Union runs the contraception and sexual health action team (CASH). The team promotes safer sexual practices, STI awareness and chlamydia screening

• The Brighton and Hove C-Card Scheme allows Brighton-based students under 25 to get a C-Card which gives free access to condoms in over 100 CaSH drop-in outlets in the city. This includes Student Union Receptions. Students over 25 can get free condoms from CaSH drop-ins without needing a C-Card. Student Union shops on campus also sell a pack of 3 condoms for £1

• Free condoms, pregnancy testing and Chlamydia screening are available from the university nurse at Eastbourne

• The Students' Union also provides a list of Local Sexual Health Services

• Emergency contraception is available from most GP surgeries, an emergency appointment will be given provided you state why you need it

• You can also go to a Sexual Health Clinic or chemist, see Local Sexual Health Services

If you are concerned about your drug or alcohol use, there is support available to you at Brighton. 

• It is a good idea to make an appointment to see a doctor. If you do not have a local doctor, find out how to register with a doctor. 

• The Students' Union also offers a list of confidential and honest external groups that offer advice and support for drug and alcohol issues

• You can access advice support and counselling from the university’s counselling and wellbeing service

• You may find it helpful to read the university drug and alcohol policy for more information.

If you are having child care issues you may find it helpful to

• Find out about the university nurseries based at Moulsecoomb and Grand Parade

• Read our further advice and support on being a student parent

• Find out if you are eligible for financial support towards childcare costs, contact the student advice service

• Let a member of staff from your course know if you are experiencing issues that are affecting your study, they may be able to support you to manage your workload around your family comittments. 

If you feel bullied, harassed or intimidated, you do not need to put up with it. The university has a clear policy against bullying and harassment and a procedure for resolving complaints, and there are many sources of support available to you. Most importantly, tell someone else about how you feel and what is happening.       

• See the university’s Student Bullying and Harassment Procedure. This contains sources for support, frequently asked questions, and an explanation of how to raise concerns and feel empowered to take appropriate action
• Talk to any member of staff. This could be a member of staff from your course, a student advisor, SSGT if your school has one, one of the university harassment contacts or anyone you  feel comfortable talking to
• You may like to make an appointment through the Counselling and Wellbeing service to see a counsellor
• The Student Union Support Service includes information on bullying and harrassment
  

If you have been a victim of crime

• In an emergency, always dial 999

• To speak to the police for a non emergency - Report a crime or incident online, from within the UK call 101 (calls cost a flat rate of 15p per call), email contact.centre@sussex.pnn.police.uk

The university works closely with Sussex Police and has an assigned police officer, PC Martyn Pease. Martin works regularly within Brighton halls of residence and works with all students to increase their safety and maintain good links with Sussex Police. Martin can be contacted by email m.pease@brighton.ac.uk

The virtual local action team network is run on the Community at Brighton blog and it is designed to serve the university community and allow students and staff to easilt access information and advice on crime prevention, personal safety and to identify crime, disorder and anti social behaviour in their neighbourhoods.

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