It can be difficult to adjust to university life and during this time you may need some support and guidance. You could be homesick, anxious, depressed, lacking time management and work scheduling skills, you may need to brush up on your grammar or you may just need a cup of tea and a chat!
You are not alone. Many students feel like this when they begin, but help is available. While the University cannot solve every problem, there are plenty of services that you can use for help.
| If you struggle or have a problem with… |
Where to get support |
Studying at
university level |
Study Skills |
| Homesickness |
Mental Health, Campus Life Co-ordinator, Chaplaincy, Students’ Union |
| Depression/mental health issues/low mood |
Mental Health, Chaplaincy, Disability |
| Issues with your course, module or lecturer |
Student Voice Rep, Course Rep, your Lecturer or module leader |
| Money (or lack of) |
Student Money |
| Accommodation |
Accommodation |
| A disability (including dyslexia) |
Disability |
| Assessment understanding |
Study Skills, Lecturer, Students’ Union |
| Thinking of leaving? |
Progression |
With the right support, most students can overcome difficulties they experience. If, after seeking help, you are considering leaving or changing your course of study, we recommend you speak to someone in your Advice Zone to discuss your situation.
Kelly’s Story
Kelly moved into halls in September and has been struggling with homesickness. She has missed several lessons and skipped out of meet-ups with friends, as she does not feel like socialising. Everything is beginning to feel like a chore and Kelly just wants to go back home to her life with her parents and old friends.
What should Kelly do?
You have just made a massive transition in your life and it is perfectly normal to feel like this. It is hard being away from home for the first time but it does get easier. You have friends, chat to them. Even if it is on a 1-2-1 basis in the comfort of your own room. Who knows, maybe your friends will be feeling the same?
Missing classes is never the answer and going forward, you need to email your lecturer and arrange a chat to discuss what has happened. Kelly is not the first student to miss a lecture and won’t be the last. Take ownership of what has happened, admit your mistake and I bet the lecturer will be pleased that you have confronted the issue as well as offer you support.
If you live in USW halls you can talk to a Campus Life Co-ordinator who has made the transition to university life and will help you do too. The Campus Life Co-ordinators will keep your information confidential. They can also point you in the direction of the Advice Zones, Chaplaincy and Students’ Union who can help you.
The Students’ Union officers are ex-students who are a wealth of information. Mish, Liam, Neil and Rhys visit all campuses and can be a great contact if you want a cuppa and a chat. They are impartial and can liaise between you and the University.
The Chaplaincy (based on Treforest campus) will see you without an appointment and in a friendly place. If you’re on a different campus you can contact them by email or telephone. While ministers manage the chaplaincy, there is no requirement for anyone who uses the service to conform to any religion.
Be self- reflective and pro-active. Go and get a schedule together of study times, class time and free time!
Update
Kelly had a chat with her Campus Life Co-ordinator who talked to her about her issues and she quickly realised that what she was feeling was normal! This was the same with her friends, while several of them adjusted to University life easily, some were still struggling.
Kelly emailed her lecturer. They met up for an informal coffee and a chat. Kelly explained that she had been having issues adjusting. They discussed a plan going forward including how Kelly could catch up on the work she missed.
Kelly still has the odd day where she gets homesick but knows there is plenty of support here at USW to help her!
What are these?
If you need help with any aspect of referencing, the 