When everything feels strange and unfamiliar, apathy and loneliness could become a problem for newly arrived students. But fear not! There are programmes and support systems available in almost all UK Universities to ensure your stay is worthwhile. Here is a list of community and support systems that you could get during your stay as a student in the UK.
1. Student Union
A Student Union aims to advocate the voices of students to enhance their experience in university. Inside a Student Union, there will be a cabinet of elected representatives ranging from heads of international students to staff. These people will help students solve their problems ranging from financial issues to housing predicaments. The cabinet would help the students by expressing their concerns to the university administration. If they are unable to find the correct solution for your difficulties, they could help refer you to other departments or services within the university that would be glad to help solve your problem.
2. Student Association
Indonesia has 62 student associations around the world, and one of them is PPI UK. It is a student association that is designated for Indonesian students studying in the UK. By participating as a member of the student association, you could engage with Indonesian people abroad, making it feel as if you are in Indonesia! However, if you are not interested in participating as a staff, that's okay! Because these student association regularly hosts cultural events and sporting events where you could come in and enjoy!
3. International Office
The university’s International Office functions as a hub that connects international students to their place of arrival. Usually, they would contact you before your arrival to ensure that you already have everything that you need, especially on immigration and visa requirements, including your travel and accommodation during your stay in the UK. However, it is important to note that their services extend beyond your pre-arrival. After you have arrived, the international office could help you get an insight on adapting to the UK’s education system, ways to connect to the local communities, aid with a language barrier, and others!
4. Student well-being services
If you are feeling emotional challenges during your study in the UK, don’t worry! All UK universities provide their students with a well-being service. It is designated as a non-judgemental place for students to explore their feelings and discuss concerns that may arise during their stay and study journey by engaging in a one-on-one forum with a trained counsellor or with a peer-to-peer support group where students could each discuss their concerns whether due to University-related predicaments or issues outside of the University.
5. Support for students with special needs
UK universities label inclusivity as one of their important aspects, hence they created support teams to help students with disabilities and long-term conditions. They work with students to create a personalised learning method to cultivate reasonable adjustments that would cater to their needs. The support team services range from travel support to alternative course materials. Additionally, if you suspect that you have difficulties in learning, you could communicate your challenges to the professor and the Disabilities Center, so that they could help you seek a formal diagnosis or even tailor your study to fit your workflow.
6. Academic Support and Learning Development
Adjusting to a new education system might be difficult for several individuals. However, through Academic Support and Learning Development, you could get the help that you need to adapt. Their services are centralised in helping students to achieve their maximum potential and fulfil the university’s standards. Academic Support and Learning Development creates services such as workshops, one-on-one support, and online materials that would help students develop their skills. Notably, in terms of time management, study techniques, and others.
7. Careers and Employability
Careers and Employability services provide a resource to support you on your career journey during and after your studies. They could help you with writing and constructing your CV and cover letter to fit your intended work’s requirements, including assisting you with creating mock interviews to boost your confidence! Most importantly, the Careers and Employability service acquires connections with employers, thus they act as an intermediary between firms and students to share opportunities ranging from internships to paid jobs.
Did you know that we also have a support service for your careers and employability as a student or fresh graduate from UK Universities? No need to worry about your work prospects after finishing your studies as we will guide you every step of the way!
In conclusion, it is important to note that when you are abroad, you are not alone! Being far from your family and friends might make you feel like no one is there to assist you and hear all of your problems. However, it is okay to ask for help, to BritCham Education Centre, for instance, to advance yourself to your desired goal!
After reading all of these support systems that the UK universities acquire, have you become interested in studying in the UK? Contact us for more information!