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Personal Problems

To find answers to the common problems below click on a heading:

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Any personal problem that might have an impact on your studies?

• Talk to your personal tutor or course leader or any other member of staff.
• Make an appointment to see a Counsellor or perhaps talk to one of the University Chaplains.
• You might need to apply for an extension to a deadline. For further information see the guidelines set out in the Student Handbook which you will find linked to from the 'support' box (top, right hand corner) on the homepage of Student Central.
• Student Services useful external contacts, includes local external support organisations.
• If you feel that your performance in an assessment has been adversely affected by circumstances beyond your control, you may wish to apply for mitigating circumstances. You will need to ensure that this application is submitted to the course Examination Board/Chair of the Examining Board in good time.
  • More information on this is available from your School Office.
  • See the guidelines set out in the Student Handbook - which you will find linked to from the 'support' box (top, right hand corner) on the homepage of Student Central.
  • See Student Advocacy and Research Service for information on extensions and mitigating circumstances. Contact them on 01273 643532 or email ubsuacademic@brighton.ac.uk

Being bullied/harassed/intimidated?

• Talk to your personal tutor or course leader or any other member of staff.

• Make an appointment to see a Counsellor.

• Read the Student Guide to bullying and harassment. This is a brief guide to the university's policy on Bullying and Harassment including details of sources for support and guidance, as well as an explaination of how to raise your concerns and feel empowered to take appropriate action.

• You may want to look at the university complaints procedure. See your 'Student Handbook' for more information - you will find this linked to from the 'support' box (top, right hand corner) on the homepage of Student Central.

• Contact the Student Advocacy and Research Service which is part of the Student Union on 01273 643532 or email ubsuacademic@brighton.ac.uk, or read their information on student complaints

Have you been a victim of crime?

• See the Brighton Virtual Local Action Team resources on Community@brighton

• The university works closely with Sussex Police and has its own assigned police officer.
  Pc Donna Bagguley works regularly within our halls of residence and has a remit to work with all students to increase their safety and ensure that good links are maintained with Sussex police. Donna holds regular drop in surgeries and can also be contacted via university email and the Brighton Virtual Local Action Team (VLAT) on Community.

• Student Services useful external contacts, includes includes support organisations for victims of crime.
• Sussex Police, Helpline (non-emergencies) 08456 070 999, www.sussex.police.uk
• Emergencies - Always dial 999

Feeling stressed or anxious about your course workload, upcoming exams and deadlines?

• There are two ways to approach this - one is via effective study skills - being organised, time management etc - a range of online study support tools have been developed for University students. See the ASK Study Guide on Student Central.
• The other is about wellbeing – getting enough sleep, taking breaks, eating properly, avoiding stimulants. Keep an eye out for stress and anxiety workshops held on campus, get in touch with a Counsellor or perhaps talk to one of the University Chaplains
• See Counselling area (click on self help) on Student Central for information on Stress and revision.
• WaysForward Self Help Program - Sponsored by the Counselling and Wellbeing Service, this computer program will help you think through any worries, concerns or  difficulties. Access via the Counselling area on Student Central.

• You may like to take a short break from your studies - e.g. a weekend away for some time out. If you think you need to take a longer break, see our information on taking a break.

Are things reaching crisis point?

• Make an appointment to see a Counsellor.
• Contact the Mental Health Support Officer who will be able to offer you help and support.
• See the University Mental Health Policy.

Trouble with your accommodation?

• 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 Hall.

• Private accommodation: If you are in private accommodation, advice is available via a number of external orgnaisations - Student Services useful external contacts, includes includes housing and advisory organisations.

• Students with housing problems or issues may wish to discuss with a Housing Advice Officer. Andrew Keefe can be contacted on 01273 641894 or  a.w.b.keeffe@brighton.ac.uk or via Facebook - Uni-Brighton Housing-Advice
• Community Liaison - the University has two officers who liaise with individuals, community groups, residents associations and other appropriate external agencies. The post holders 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.   For students who are 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 Tel 01273 643102/01273 641894 or via email community-liaison@brighton.ac.uk
• If you are a care leaver and having problems finding accommodation - contact the Accommodation Office as they can help secure you accommodation for the whole of your first year of study including Christmas, Easter and summer holidays, as well as at the end of your first year, to find private accommodation in the local area.

Finding it hard to make friends? Feeling lonely?

• Make contact with theStudents' Union (UBSU) and find out about the range of societies and activities that are available. If there isn's a society in your area of interest then why not apply to set one up.
• For sports activities visit a Sport Brighton reception and ask about the clubs, classes and activities available. Sport Brighton can help you find playing partners, direct you to clubs or get you along to turn up and play sessions. These are all great ways to make new friends and achieve a healthy work/life balance www.brighton.ac.uk/sportbrighton/

• You could get involved with volunteering. Contact Active student for further information.

• The Chaplaincy's 'Steam Soc' supports new students and helps them settle into university life. They can help if you are looking for an opportunity to get involved with local community activities, or just looking for some company. 

• Use the university's Community social networking too (part of studentcentral) to make contact with other students with similar interests, start you own online community or join existing communities.

• 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 .

• 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 - a list is available at /www.ubsu.net/societies/societies. If there isnt one, perhaps consider setting one up!

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

Finding it hard to settle in to University life/Feeling homesick or experiencing culture shock?

• Students moving away from home may experience this but the transition to university can cause the sensation of homesickness or loneliness for any student.   It’s a new environment, with different expectations, new people to meet, timetables to adapt to.  For some students – especially international students, there is the issue of adapting to a new culture as well. 
• The experience will vary but it could one or many of the following - apprehension, depression, anxiety, physical ailments or a preoccupation with thoughts from home. 
• See Counselling area (click on self help) on Student Central for information on homesickness.
• The Students' Union runs a Wellbeing Buddies scheme where Year 2+ student volunteers are trained to provide support to other students who are having difficulties with any aspect of non-academic student life.  Buddies can provide online 'live chat' support (NetBuddies) on Sunday evenings (6pm - 9pm) during term-time, and also face-to-face sessions for students who need more in-depth support in identifying and addressing problems they are experiencing.
  Students who may benefit from face-to-face sessions can self-refer or be referred to the Peer2Pier Facilitator (Beth Kent) in the SU's Wellbeing Zone (based in Ringmer House, Falmer x 3044) who will match them with a suitable buddy.  For more information and contact details visit the UBSU website
• If you are an International Student, you could join the International Students Society. Many international students experience Culture Shock when they come to live in the UK for the first time - some information as well as advice and support can be found in the UKCISA guide to culture shock
• You might also feel that talking this through might be helpful, particularly if you are struggling with how you are feeling, in this case you can access Counselling on all of the main university sites, in addition our University Chaplains provide a multi-faith approach to the care of the student community and if you think that a more spiritual approach might be supportive then make contact with them.
• It is important to remember you are not alone and these feelings will be experienced by many students. The University is well equipped to support you through these times of change.

Experiencing a bereavement?

• Make an appointment to see a Counsellor or perhaps talk to one of the University Chaplains
• See the Student Services guide to coping with bereavement, written by the Counselling and Chaplaincy teams.
• You might also find the Understanding Bereavement - Information and advice from the charity MIND on understanding bereavement.

Ill-health/a disability affecting your studies?

• Make an appointment to see a doctor. Health advice and support is provided by Local GP's at Moulsecoomb and Eastbourne, or register with a GP near to where you live (term time). If you have not registered with a Doctor - please do so as soon as possible, as you may not be able to access health services in an emergency.

• It is important to discuss any problems with your personal tutor or course leader (for example, if leave from study/leave of absence etc becomes necessary, or if you need to apply for an extension to a deadline).

• You may need to apply for mitigating circumstances or an extension for your course work.

  • More information on this is available from your School Office.
  • See the guidelines set out in the Student Handbook - which you will find linked to from the 'support' box (top, right hand corner) on the homepage of Student Central.
  • See Student Advocacy and Research Service for information on extensions and mitigating circumstances. Contact them on 01273 643532 or email ubsuacademic@brighton.ac.uk
• If this is a long term health issue, you may be eligible for support from the Disability and Dyslexia Team in Student Services. Contact them on 01273 643799.
• 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 extentions or variations to your assessment. You may declare to the University 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
• See the information on Student Central on Mental Wellbeing/Health - click on Health under the student life menu.
• It may be that reducing your study hours would help - see the information on changing your mode of study.

Are you pregnant?

• See the guide to support for students who are pregnant or have young children.

Caring for someone?

• Contact the Carers Centre
• See also Caring for Someone from Direct Gov

Worried about your sexual health, or concerned about drug or alcohol use?

• Student Services useful external contacts, includes includes support organisations regarding sexual health and drugs and alcohol.

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

• Brighton based students can access the CaSH team - sexual health promotion workers promote safer sexual practices, STI awareness and chlamydia screening.

• UBSU is part of the Brighton and Hove C-Card Scheme.This means that Brighton-based students under the age of 25 can get a C-Card from CaSH drop-ins and access over 100 outlets in the city including Student Union Receptions for free condoms. Students over 25 can also get free condoms from CaSH drop-ins (just no C-Card). In addition, all Student Union shops sell a pack of 3 condoms for £1.

• Make an appointment to see a Counsellor.

• Read the university Drug and Alcohol Policy for more information on these issues

• Emergency contraception is available from most GP surgeries - an emergency appointment will be given provided you state why you need it.  Or you can go to the Sexual Health Clinic or chemist.
  

Immigration, visa, leave to remain, or work permit issues?

• Contact the International Student Officer in the Student Advice Service department, who will be able to offer advice.

Problems with childcare?

• The university has two Nurseries at two different sites. Contact them for information about availability.

• See the useful links information provided by the nurseries for further information and support on being a student parent.
• You may be eligible for financial support for the costs of your childcare. Contact Student Advice Service for information.

 

Have you got a different Personal Problem? Why not contact us