1.22 University welfare services

Even before you begin your course, it’s important to think about how you’ll cope with any challenges you might experience as a Psychology student at Exeter. Almost everyone experiences some homesickness or anxiety at some point over the first few weeks or months, and it’s completely normal to have some ups and downs. There are lots of places you can go to access help and support with your wellbeing and in this section we’ll summarise what’s available, with some prompts about things you might like to think about before you embark on your programme of study.

For students with disabilities, specific learning difficulties and long-term health conditions, we understand that you may need support to manage your health and wellbeing, as well as your studies, whilst you are at university. Wellbeing and Welfare Services can offer a range of services to support students personally and in their studies when difficulties occur.

We have organised our Wellbeing web pages to reflect the types of support that you may wish to consider. Even if you are fit and healthy now it is worth exploring what is available in case you or a friend find yourself in need of support during your time at Exeter.

When you contact the Wellbeing team we will ask some questions to help us identify the next steps for you. This may mean working with local NHS and other support groups, guiding you to our online resources, and occasionally recommending counselling and other 1:1 support. We also have other teams to help you in your student journey:

Education Welfare Team

The Education Welfare Team work alongside the academic and support staff for your department and support students with new or ongoing health, wellbeing or welfare issues impacting studies. They can help you look at adjustments for your studies when times are tough, as well as helping you to identify other support that may be helpful with your health and wellbeing, or study skills needs.

Chaplaincy

The Chaplaincy team are for people of all faiths and none and provide a safe space to talk and offer you a non-judgmental and listening ear, no issue is too big or too small.

Residence Life

If you are in University accommodation our Residence Life team can help you to settle into life as a student and being away from family, with advice and social activities to help you settle into our community. Peer support mentors hold regular drop-in sessions and visit residences throughout the year.

AccessAbility Individual Learning Plans

Our AccessAbility team provide information and advice for students with a disability or long-term health condition. This can include specific learning difficulties, long term health conditions, sensory or mobility impairments, autism spectrum conditions and mental health difficulties

If you are eligible, we can help you to set up an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) to recommend reasonable adjustments to help you to minimise the impact any disability, long term health condition or specific learning difficulty may have on your studies. Reasonable adjustments for examinations (such as extra time, laptop usage, specific rooming provision) can be put in place with our support and appropriate supporting evidence.

It is important to note that previous exam adjustments you may have had before registering at the university will not automatically transfer to your study at Exeter.

If you feel you would benefit from any of the Wellbeing support detailed, please do contact our teams as soon as possible so that any support can be arranged for you to start the term confidently.

Budgeting and Finance

University is, for many students, their first time managing their own finances. This comes with living independently, and there are lots of costs that need to be paid attention to, such as energy, water and rent payments. Thankfully, the Students’ Guild has some advice on budgeting on their website, to help you navigate these issues.

The Guild also provides advice about where to find part-time jobs if you need to make a bit of extra cash alongside your studies. Working whilst studying can be challenging, but it is necessary for students in various situations, and support is available if you need it.