Your time at university is exciting and rewarding, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. Life as a student can be tough at the best of times, not least without the complications of a global pandemic thrown into the mix. It’s very likely there will be bumps along the road, but thankfully both universities offer a vast array of services to support you during your studies...
Nottingham Trent University
Counselling Service
NTU’s counselling service offers confidential counselling sessions with experienced professionals. Every student is entitled to up to four face-to-face counselling sessions (conducted over the phone or via Microsoft Teams during the pandemic due to COVID restrictions), and an online email service for those living away from university or who feel more comfortable communicating online.
Online Support
SilverCloud is NTU’s online support service. It offers instant access to various cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) programmes targeted towards various mental health concerns including anxiety, depression and stress. The service is available to all students and only requires you to sign-up through your university account. You can access the individual programmes whenever you like from any device with no commitments, making it really simple to use around your studies.
Wellbeing Week
In conjunction with University Mental Health Day which takes place in March every year, NTU hosts a Wellbeing Week to encourage conversation surrounding mental health and raise awareness of support services available across the university.
Healthy NTU Wellbeing Programme
The Healthy NTU guide (available in a nifty online pdf) has helpful information and tips about starting uni, managing stress and keeping your finances in check. Think of this as your holy grail of supporting your physical and mental health. This guide contains everything you need to know about registering with a GP or dentist, reporting discrimination and even where to hire a bike - because when did a bike ride not make you happier?
University of Nottingham
Counselling Service
The counselling service offers free and confidential counselling sessions to all students which can be made through a self-referral. Usually they are able to offer face-to-face sessions but appointments are carried out by telephone or Microsoft Teams depending on local COVID restrictions. Alongside individual counselling sessions, the service offers their own group workshops which you can sign up to whenever you want with no commitments.
Students’ Union Advice
The SU offers free and impartial advice on a whole range of issues including housing, finances and wellbeing. You can also report any hate crime incidents to them and they can sign-post you to other support services if necessary. The charity Student Minds also run a peer support group called Positive Minds for students who experience struggles with their mental health while at university.
Nightline
Nightline is a confidential listening service run entirely by student volunteers. Their traditional call service is available from 7pm to 8am everyday and 24 hours a day during welcome period and exam seasons. They also offer anonymous messaging, email or skype service. The trained listeners are there to listen to any wellbeing concerns you may have if you need listening ear or advice on other health services.
Wellbeing Week
UoN celebrates University Mental Health Day by organising various events across the university including talks from mental health experts. The university also creates challenges and competitions to bring people together and raise awareness of mental health at university.
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