Table of Contents Show
AD: Guest Post
Going to university is often the first time students live away from home and have their first taste of independence.
Likewise, for mature and postgraduate students moving to a new environment can be overwhelming.
With that in mind, it’s comforting to know that universities like Robert Gordon University offer a wide range of support networks.
RGU support and advice services cover a range of issues and have student welfare at their heart. Here are the student support services available and how to make the most of them.
1. Student Help Point
This support network is often the first port of call for students regardless of how big or small your query is.
They’ll help give you advice on filling out forms, official documents, accommodation issues, financial issues, and much more.
Furthermore, the student help point is available to both on-campus and online students.
They deal with a range of issues so drop by or send an email and ask for some advice. If they can’t help you fully they will put you in contact with people who can.
2. Student Counselling and Wellbeing
Your time at university can be some of the best years of your life, but it can also be stressful and difficult.
Whether you’re looking to talk to someone about workload issues, emotional support, or anything in between, you can organise a confidential chat with one of the team.
They’re there to help you with any difficulties you may have at university and want to ensure you have the best experience.
3. Report and Support
RGU has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual violence and harassment, and they offer an online report and support service for anonymous or named reports of Gender Based Violence disclosures.
If you want to make a disclosure face-to-face to specially trained staff called First Responders who can be found across campus.
You can report a GBV day or night and it’s best to get in contact if you experience any form of GBV. They’re there to help support you and ensure your welfare.
4. Disability and Dyslexia
Universities want all of their students to succeed and offer specialised, confidential support to students with visual or hearing impairments, health or mental health conditions, autism, dyslexia, and or any other needs.
Organising a confidential meeting with this service can help you arrange suitable exam conditions, in-class support, dyslexia screening, and much more.
Making an issue known is the best way to ensure you do the best you can at university – it’s all confidential.
5. Study Support
Transitioning from school to university or coming back into education can be challenging.
Looking for extra guidance with academic writing, referencing and so on can be a great help.
Support is confidential and one-to-one so you can seek guidance on any academic or study-related issue.
Even if you’re quite comfortable with the academic side of university, organising a meeting can help you further hone your writing, exam, language, or study skills.
6. Student Immigration Services
Universities are always welcoming overseas students and offer a range of services to support their transition into studying abroad.
RGU goes a step further and offers a meet and greet service in September and January to students arriving at Aberdeen airport, and give an introductory talk to students about life in Aberdeen.
Also, small things like registering with a Doctor or opening a bank account is covered and they are available throughout the year to support Tier 4 students.
7. Childcare Services
Often universities have a crèche capable of taking care of students’ children.
Some universities, like RGU, even have education facilities for younger children.
If you’re a student that has a child or children, it’s worth looking at the care and education services that your university offers. These are often convenient and educational!
Regardless of the university you choose to attend, almost all have extensive support networks to ensure their students’ welfare.
The important thing to remember is all universities want their students to succeed so they will do their best to help and guide you, whatever the issue.
They’re there to help, so make your issue known through the various support networks available so that you can get the best out of your university experience.
All the best,
