Student Support Provision for 2022/23
27 September 2022
As we continue welcoming our new and returning students to campus, colleagues across the University are helping to support them to settle in and get the best start to their studies.
Student Support Services offers a very wide range of support for students through a variety of means. Much of the support available is similar to previous years, but there are a few things to draw colleagues’ attention to.
Concerned about a student – quick guide
Although most students settle into university very well, we know that colleagues can occasionally be faced with students in very difficult/distressing/dangerous circumstances. We have created a one-page quick guide on what to do if you have a serious concern about a student.
Cost of living
We continue to support our students as best we can, and have developed comprehensive information for advice and help with the cost of living for students. Colleagues should be aware the Digital Support Fund and Student Support Fund continue, and students can contact theStudent Financial Support Team for help.
Student loneliness
Sometimes students will need a helping hand settling into university and may reach out to staff for guidance, so here is some useful signposting:
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StarMentors – all new UG students are automatically allocated a STaR mentor usually from their own School. New International PG students can request one.
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RUSU Buddyup scheme- gives students the opportunity to be paired with another student, who has similar interests providing new social opportunities and the chance to meet other students
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Chill & Chat sessions in the Student Life Events programme are designed to help students meet like-minded others. During Welcome Week the programme is bursting with all sorts of events so encourage your students to make the most of these sessions (see listings via the Welcome Week schedule)
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RUSU Student Activities (sport, dance, societies, volunteering, events etc.)
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Building a network at University – guidance from Student Minds
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How to cope with student life - guidance from the charity Mind
Student reports of harassment, bullying, racism, discrimination or violence
The University does not tolerate these behaviours and there is a specific route for students to seek support and/or report such incidents through #NeverOK report & support. All reports will be treated with the utmost sensitivity.
Please get in touch with Student Services if you would like help and advice on how to support students. If you are unsure what service you need our Student Services Reception Teamis a good place to start. You can contact the team on x5555 or on studenthelp@reading.ac.uk.
Student Services continues to explore and develop new initiatives to best support our students and is working on a number of exciting projects for this academic year.