Dedicated help and guidance
We all need some support sometimes, and being at university is no different. If your students need help at Portsmouth, they tell us what’s up – and we act.
With everything from their mental and physical health, through to money, housing or finding a part-time job – expert counsellors and advisers can help your students through any tough times – and they’ll also empower them to develop valuable life skills.
Find out where your students can turn when they need helping hand.
Health and wellbeing support
Student wellbeing services
We want students to be as happy and healthy as possible, so they can make the most out of their university experience. Most universities will have services to support students’ health and wellbeing. Whether students need help registering with a local doctors surgery, or want to book a 1-to-1 with a counsellor, they'll be covered.
Residence life teams
Most universities have a residence life team in place to help students settle in during their first year. This means that if students feel homesick or have issues with their flat mates, they can easily get support. The residence life team may even organise events to help students meet new friends and feel prepared for the year ahead.
Student unions
If your students ever need impartial advice during their university journey, they can turn to their student union for support. Student unions are separate from the university but work in partnership with them, consisting of a network of staff and students. While the specific services offered by student unions may vary across universities, most have some form of support or advice system in place to assist students.
Chaplaincy
Universities typically provide a chaplaincy where students can find various forms of support. Whether they seek a place to practice their religion, require a friendly presence, or seek a quiet spot for reflection, the university's chaplaincy is there to assist. Most universities have multi-faith rooms, Islamic prayer rooms, and chaplains who offer a compassionate and non-judgmental ear, addressing a wide range of issues.
Reading for students
Support for students with disabilities and individual needs
Every university should have support systems in place to facilitate a smooth transition for students with disabilities or additional needs. The specifics of these support services may vary across universities. If students have disclosed any preexisting health conditions or disabilities on their application, most universities will reach out to them once their application has been submitted. However, if students haven't disclosed this information initially, they can still contact the university at any time to inquire about available support.
University support teams offer assistance in various ways. Students may receive pastoral support, access to additional resources, and financial aid. They can also receive guidance in organising reasonable adjustments tailored to their needs, such as changes to their timetable, accessible accommodations, or extra time during exams.
The support provided to each student is always based on their individual requirements, and a needs assessment will ensure that students receive the best possible support.
Support for care leavers and estranged students
Care leavers and estranged students can benefit from additional support throughout their university journey, starting from the period leading up to their enrollment and continuing throughout their studies. The specific support available may vary among universities, but could look something like:
- Personal Support Adviser: Students can have access to a designated advisor who provides guidance and assistance tailored to their needs.
- Care Leaver Bursary: Financial support specifically designed for care leavers.
- Stand Alone Bursary: Financial assistance for estranged students who are financially independent.
- Free place in halls: The opportunity to secure accommodation in university-owned halls of residence without incurring costs.
- Guaranteed interview for a student ambassador role: A guaranteed chance to interview for a position as a student ambassador, which offers valuable experience and potential employment opportunities.
To access this support, students should indicate their care leaver and/or estranged status on their UCAS application or reach out to their chosen university directly. It is important to note that this information is solely used to offer support and does not impact the outcome of their application.
Additionally, universities also provide support for students with caring responsibilities or those seeking sanctuary. The specific support available may vary, but universities strive to provide assistance to students in these circumstances as well.
Financial support
Universities provide a range of financial support services to assist students during their time at university. These services aim to alleviate financial stress, allowing students to fully focus on their university experience. The available support may include:
- Money management and budgeting advice: Guidance on managing finances effectively and creating a budget.
- Support with funding applications: Assistance in navigating and applying for various funding opportunities.
- Information about student loans and bursaries: Detailed information on student loans, grants, and available bursaries.
- Advice on dealing with debt: Support and guidance for managing and addressing any existing debts.
Careers advice services
Additionally, students can access career advice services if they're seeking part-time employment to top-up their income – or when they apply for placement opportunities.
These services can provide guidance on job applications, arrange mock interviews, and help students find suitable part-time jobs in their area. Universities may even offer flexible job opportunities specifically for students, such as roles as student ambassadors.
Where to learn more about support services
Universities often provide their own online resources to support students, such as the Guidance and Support pages at Portsmouth. But there are also external websites that can be useful – regardless of where students are thinking about studying, such as:
- Student Minds: This charity focuses on improving students' mental health and offers free resources on their website. Students can find support and guidance on a range of issues, including relationships, finances, and mental health.
- Student Space: Created by Student Minds, Student Space serves as a hub for mental health and well-being support. It offers valuable tips and student stories, along with access to free and confidential support through web chat, phone, email, and 24/7 text message support.
