Going to university is a huge change in anyone’s life, and often involves moving away from home and becoming more independent and as a result can impact on people’s physical and mental health.
Here at the University of Sunderland we want our students to thrive, not just in their studies but in their daily lives, and we have a range of support available to help them do this - from financial guidance to wellbeing support. Find out more below:
Settling In
Many students make friends on their course, in their accommodation and through societies they join through the Student Union. However, starting university can be overwhelming and some students may struggle to settle into their new environment. That's why our Students' Union offers our SU Buddies scheme, which pairs new students with a current student who can help them find their way around, find the best place to get a cup of coffee, share study tips and much more.
Wellbeing Services
Our Student Wellbeing team offer a free and confidential service, giving students support to help manage any difficulties whilst studying with us. Their services include:
- General wellbeing advice and support
- Therapeutic Counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Mental health support
- Group work, workshops, and welfare support
- Links to external specialist support services
- Referrals and signposting
- Online reporting and support
- 24/7 support
Financial Support
Our Student Financial Guidance team can give advice on student loans, grants, state benefits, funding applications, budgeting, and general money management – even before a student has enrolled with us. You can find out more on the webpage below and they are always around on our Open Days to speak to in person. Visit our website for more information about our Student Financial Guidance team.
We also have a Student Support Fund which can help relieve unexpected and unforeseen financial hardship that might impact a student’s ability to study and participate in higher education. Visit our website for more information out Student Support Fund.
In addition to this we offer a package of non-repayable bursaries and scholarships for those identified as being in most financial need. It’s worth looking to see what scholarships and bursaries are available before starting university, as students could get more help with their finance than they realise. For a full list of our scholarships and bursaries visit our website.
Disability and Learning Differences
For students with disabilities (including mental health and/or long-standing health conditions), our Disability Support team will work with them to ensure they have the learning support they need.
The team are experienced, friendly disability specialists. Students can make an appointment and we will use their preferred method of contact for any meetings (email, telephone, Teams). We’ll discuss how we’ll share with their tutors any challenges they face and support they need.
For more information visit our website.
You can also find out more by watching our Disability Support Services Video
Library Services
Our library services offer a range of books and publications for students’ courses and laptop loans, both of which can save money. Plus, our libraries provide independent and collaborative workspaces. We deliver the tailored reading for individual courses and can create personalised study skills support.
Interfaith Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy offers information on the different places of worship in the area, supporting religious groups of all faiths and non-denominations. Our full-time Chaplain coordinates a multi-faith team and runs activities for those who would like to explore or affirm their faith, or even just to meet people from different backgrounds.
Care experienced and estranged students
Our award-winning We Care team can offer individual, bespoke support to estranged students and young people who are care experienced, whenever prospective and current students need it. They can assist on a wide range of issues including guaranteed accommodation 52 weeks a year, student finance and funding, employment and part-time work, academic queries, mental health and wellbeing, and accessing the We Care bursary.
Career advice
As well as employability being embedded into all our courses, through work experience, placements and guest speakers from industry, we also offer plenty of support outside of courses for students thinking about their career. Our Employability and Enterprise Hub allows students to engage with employers through talks, conferences and careers fairs so they can start to build industry connections while studying. We also offer opportunities including volunteering, work shadowing, paid projects, Student Ambassador roles and professional mentoring to help enhance our students’ future employment prospects.
Alternatively, if a student wants to set up their own business, The Enterprise Place provides support to help them realise their start-up ambition whilst with us and for three years after graduation.
Childcare
The University of Sunderland Childcare Service at St Mary's Childcare Centre is open to students, staff and the general public, who can take advantage of the excellent staff and facilities at our Sunderland City Campus.
If you have any questions about any of the support we’ve outlined above, don’t hesitate to get in touch or reply to this thread to start a conversation – we’re happy to help!