Month: March 2025

5 Ways to Manage Motivation

Author Student Communications | Posted on

By Student Experience Coaching

As the flowers and sunshine are brightening our days it’s a good time to think about what matters to you, and how tapping into this for motivation can help your student life and studies.

No matter what your goals are, there are strategies you can use to harness your motivation to keep on track as we move into the last few months of the academic year.

  1. Reconnect with Your ‘Why’ – Remind yourself why you started your course and what excites you about your subject. Keeping your long-term goals in mind can help boost motivation when you’re feeling stuck.
  2. Break It Down – Big tasks can feel overwhelming. Split them into smaller, manageable steps and celebrate progress along the way. This makes studying feel less daunting and more achievable.
  3. Create a Study Routine – Motivation often follows action (not the other way around!) Set a regular time and place to study, and use techniques like the Pomodoro method (25-minute focus sessions with 5-minute breaks) to stay on track.
  4. Make It Enjoyable – Find ways to make studying more engaging. This could be through study groups, changing locations, using colourful notes, or rewarding yourself for completing tasks – it really works!
  5. Be Kind to Yourself – Motivation naturally fluctuates. Instead of being hard on yourself during low-energy days, focus on what you can do and take small steps forward. Progress, not perfection, is key.

The Student Experience Coaching team is here to discuss your challenges and support you to find ways forward.

  • We can help you tap into what motivates you and help you weave that into a plan to succeed.
  • We can explore, unpack and reduce feelings of stress, overwhelm and procrastination providing a safe space, to really look at what’s going on and develop a plan of action.
  • We can future plan with you to grow those feelings of excitement and help you gain clarity around your next steps.

Find out more about us and book an appointment here

What does Netflix’s Adolescence tell us about male loneliness and mental health issues? 

Author Student Communications | Posted on

If you’ve watched the hit Netflix show Adolescence you’ll know the very real consequences of getting drawn into extreme misogynistic content online. 

These influencers and chatroom communities prey on people’s vulnerabilities, offering answers and solutions to complex issues that are so common amongst young people today.  

Loneliness. Low self-esteem. Anger issues. Depression. These sorts of feelings are completely normal and there is a wide range of support available to help you manage these without turning to potentially harmful content on social media. 

Loneliness and building your confidence 

Meeting people, making friends, forming relationships – all this can feel tricky, especially when you’re at university. The social skills needed to build a community around you aren’t always something that comes naturally to everyone. In fact, it can feel impossible at times. 

Getting out and about is key to making those connections, even if this means pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. If you experience social anxiety, or don’t feel confident in social situations there are some small steps you can take to overcome this and feel more confident.  

We’ve pulled together some top tips on how you can embrace the small talk when meeting new people. If you’re feeling lonely at the moment then don’t struggle without help. We have lots of information and support to help you. 

Too much time on social media 

If you’re starting to feel depressed, angry or frustrated about your life then it’s natural to seek out support online. 

So much of our life is now spent online, and social media and chatrooms can feel like an easy way to find like-minded people if you’re struggling with your in-person friendships and relationships. 

The risk is that some of these online communities can lead you to more extreme content, and before you know it your algorithm is feeding you videos that play on your anxieties and insecurities. 

If it’s starting to become a problem for you then take a step away. Speak to people in real life, reset your recommendations and actively protect yourself from content which is designed to make you feel worse in the long run. 

Mental health support 

We know that some men find it hard to reach out for mental health support, and that stereotypes and expectations can be really harmful.  

There are a number of support options available both through UWE and across the community, which cater specifically to men and their mental health. We’ve pulled together the best of these resources including local groups which offer a space for men to talk openly and support each other.  

You can also access the UWE Wellbeing Service for more structured mental health support if you’re suffering with anxiety, depression, feelings of low self-esteem and many other issues.  

There’s support for students with specific learning differences, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and autism, through the Access and Learning Strategies team.  

We also understand the additional pressures or challenges you might experience at university, if you have little or no family support, or if you are caring for ill or disabled family members. If this is you, UWE Cares can support you in a number of ways, from providing information and guidance, to specialist careers support and finance through our bursary and accommodation support. 

Whatever it is you are struggling with, there are support options available to you, both here at UWE and within our Bristol community. 

My career top tip

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Abi

Making the most of the break

At the start of last summer, I was faced with two months of potential relaxation. However, as a soon-to-be final-year university student, I felt the need to make the most of this time. I reframed the summer as an opportunity to learn, grow, and develop skills to move closer to my professional goals.

Gaining Experience and Practicing Mindfulness In July, I sought various work experiences to build transferable skills for future applications. Using LinkedIn, Bright Network, RateMyPlacement, and UWE InfoHub, I secured five roles, including work with immigration law firms and advice organisations.

These experiences improved my communication, problem-solving, and organisational abilities. Despite the productivity, I recognised the importance of rest and took time to recharge during a trip to Jamaica. This balance reinforced that rest is essential for maintaining mental well-being and long-term productivity. Simple stress-relieving activities, like walks or listening to music, have since become part of my routine.

Tools and Strategies for Success Networking played a key role in my success. By categorising connections and following up with tailored messages, I secured valuable opportunities and strengthened professional relationships. Reflection tools like SWOT analysis and the GROW model helped me identify areas for improvement and set clear goals. Additionally, I used UWE’s resources, including CV360 and Interview360, to refine my applications and build confidence in virtual interview scenarios. These tools helped ensure my CV and cover letters stood out, showcasing my skills effectively.

My advice

  • Plan Early: Begin exploring opportunities aligned with your interests to build valuable skills.
  • Network Proactively: Use LinkedIn, insight days, and alumni connections to uncover hidden opportunities.
  • Leverage Resources: University career services offer tools that can enhance your employability and confidence.
  • Balance Work and Rest: Maintain a healthy balance to avoid burnout and ensure sustained productivity.

Looking ahead to next summer, I plan to build on these experiences by pursuing a paralegal role, further enhancing my confidence and problem-solving skills. By staying open to new challenges and leveraging proven strategies, I aim to continue making meaningful progress toward my goal of becoming a solicitor.

Summer is a time for intentional growth

By setting goals, using available resources, and balancing work with rest, you can transform the break into a period of meaningful progress for your personal and professional development.

UWE Bristol adopts the term ‘Global Majority’

Author Student Communications | Posted on

What does Global Majority mean?

Global Majority is a collective term that refers to people who are Black, Asian, Brown, Mixed Heritage, Indigenous to the Global South and/or are not racialised as White.

Did you know that people from Global Majority backgrounds represent around 85%1 of the world’s population? Using ‘Global Majority’ moves the focus away from Europe and whiteness.

Why is UWE using an umbrella term for people from Global Majority backgrounds?

We understand the limitations of umbrella terms: they can be problematic, grouping diverse communities into a single category and not recognising nuance in the lived experiences of diverse communities. Umbrella terms are useful up to a point. They help us recognise that racism is a common experience that harms many Global Majority people.

Umbrella terms can also be helpful when analysing the data we have, and to help illustrate and describe the barriers faced by Global Majority people compared to similar groups of White people. This data helps us to plan initiatives that improve the experience of students who experience barriers at UWE, for example Global Majority students.

Why are we making this change?

Previously we were using the term BAME (Black Asian and minority ethnic). Global Majority students and staff have told us (via surveys) that they would prefer we say Global Majority. This term can be seen as empowering. It brings the contributions, perspectives and demographic realities of the majority of the world’s population to the foreground.

Our choice of language is important, particularly in discussions about race and racism. The words we use have the potential to cause harm but also hold significant power in challenging injustice and promoting positive change. Language plays a powerful role in shaping how we see the world, our university and each other.  This transition reflects our commitment to building an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone and ensures that our language better aligns with our values and our goal to work towards becoming anti-racist.

As a White student, does this mean I’m a minority?

It’s about context. White people made up the majority of the population of England and Wales in the 2021 census: around 82%. In a global context, around 15% of people are White. Ultimately, it’s about equity. Speaking about Global Majority helps us recognise the scale of the impact of racism and the urgency of addressing it in our university.

What else is UWE doing to tackle racism?

Language is a start, but language won’t end racism on its own. UWE Bristol is developing an anti-racism strategy. In the early stages we aim to equip staff with the tools they need to do the work, including language, anti-racism training, and guidance on how to work with people who experience racism to make positive collective change (co-production), to prepare staff for their part in the systemic change to come.

We acknowledge that language is constantly evolving and if we are to be a leading anti-racist university it’s important to acknowledge and challenge our own part in perpetuating racism, including reframing how we refer to Global Majority students and staff.  

Can I still use my own words to describe my own identity?

Yes, definitely. Global Majority replaces previous terms and acronyms like BAME. This change doesn’t affect how you refer and speak about yourself, your ethnicity, culture, colour, nationality or citizenship, or national origins.

We want to avoid taking a one-size-fits-all approach to language that overlooks the nuances of individual experiences, strengths, preferences and identities. We are conscious that your language will vary when it comes to the words you use to describe yourself and others. That’s great! We need to ensure we value the diversity of perspectives and preferences within our community. Taking a person-by-person approach is an important aspect of our journey towards anti-racism.  

What can I do?

  • If you hear outdated language being used, we want you to feel empowered to point people to this message, and to use the term Global Majority. Staff have been asked to do this too. This will help reinforce the change and encourage widespread adoption. 
  • Continue to use the language you prefer to describe your own identity. Respect people’s choices when they speak about their own identity and use more specific terms where appropriate (e.g. South Asian students, African staff). If you’re not sure, ask what words they’d like you to use. Use their preferred words when referring to them and don’t contradict or correct them. Also, understand that sometimes people’s identities change, for example if someone learns more about their own heritage, they may ask you to change the words you use when you speak about them.

International Women’s Day: becoming an ally for the women in your life

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Emma, BA (HONS) Media Communications

International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality and women’s rights. This year I’m wondering what small changes everyone can make to be a better ally. Being an ally to me involves listening to women’s experiences, challenging gender stereotypes, and fighting against discrimination and violence. Allies should aim to create spaces where women’s voices are respected and celebrated.

Allies need to listen, learn, and consistently advocate for women, even when it involves confronting difficult issues like misogyny and sexism. For me, having supportive peers at university who encourage and recognise my potential makes all the difference. It improves my mental wellbeing and boosts my confidence when someone makes me feel heard and reinforces my capabilities as a woman, especially in fields like PR where women dominate but may not be as celebrated.

Allyship celebrates qualities like resilience, strength and connection, helping to break barriers and support progress despite the challenges. It’s important to make women feel comfortable by addressing uncomfortable comments, catcalling, and inappropriate behaviour, in public and especially in the workplace. I find it useful and comforting when someone speaks up in an uncomfortable situation; one where I may feel too small to react in. We need more allies to ensure women’s safety and comfort are prioritised, just as they are for men.

Having allies that relate to my struggles and understand me makes me feel part of a community and understood. Women should support each other, though this isn’t always the reality. Women can sometimes bring each other down, but small acts of kindness like a compliment or even a smile can brighten someone’s day and make someone feel seen. Personally, I’m working on complimenting others first more often – I want to make the effort to uplift others.

Becoming an ally

Becoming an ally means supporting women every day and creating a more inclusive and empowering environment. To help, start by:

Educating yourself

Feeling listened to as a woman allows me to have the confidence to share my experiences and educate others on what past situations have made me feel uncomfortable, or if something didn’t sit right with me. Read books, listen to podcasts by women, and ensure the women around you feel safe and valued.

Speak up

When you witness inequality, say something! Having been in many situations where nothing was done, I can confirm it’s so disheartening to experience as a woman. Support women’s achievements, share their work, and give credit where it’s due. This is a big one – women deserve the same song and dance that men get.

Mentorship

Women are wise and strong. We should all try a little bit harder to offer guidance and support to other women, whether professionally or personally, to help elevate each other. Lastly, support women-owned businesses by investing time, money, and resources into their success.

These everyday actions are simple but powerful ways to be an ally and make a meaningful impact on women’s lives.

International Women’s Day is a reminder that empowering women benefits everyone. Achieving true gender equality requires the collective effort of women, men, and non-binary people. This year, let’s celebrate women and remember that we can all be allies.

Happy International Women’s Day!

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