Category: Student life

How to make the most of your Summer and get ready for your next steps!

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The Student Experience Coaches

Whether you are planning for resits; working to earn some money; taking time to relax and recoup; spending time with friends or family; or seeking out new experiences and places – or perhaps a combination of all these things, the summer holidays are here to make the most of.

This can be an opportunity to reflect on your achievements, consider areas of growth and plan your next steps. For those of you graduating from UWE Bristol we want to wish you many congratulations and all the best with your future journey.

We’d like to share our tips from across the Student Experience Coaching team and from our coaching sessions with students on how you can make the most of this break.

  • Bring in some structure and routine into days when you don’t have anything planned, this will support your wellbeing after the intensity of the last few months of uni.
  • Connect with others; learn and develop new skills; be in the present during your day; enjoy moments of kindness with others and spend time being active, ideally outside.
  • Get to grips with the UWE year ahead, perhaps when a placement might be happening, modules start etc. This way you can feel prepared and not on the backfoot.
  • Check out the support on offer at UWE on our website and think about what you might want to tap into for next year.
  • Explore opportunities for volunteering or ways to develop your skills. Dust off your CV and use the Careers Toolkit to practice for interviews and grow your employability skills.
  • Spend some time away from technology and engage in creative hobbies and activities.

And finally, book a Student Experience Coaching session to plan and manage your resits, your next year or your future. We can meet online or face to face and we’re here all Summer!

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. 

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.

Student Experience Coaches on LGBT+ History Month

Author Student Communications | Posted on

More and more students identify as LGBTQ+. Each year, 40,000 LGBT+ students1 apply to UK higher education. Many take the opportunity of being at university to come out and explore their identities more broadly than they have felt able to do before.

This year’s theme for LGBTQ+ History Month is Activism and Social Change, and we can take this opportunity to remember all the incredible activists who have worked tirelessly to ensure that LGBTQ+ people enjoy the rights that they do today, without losing sight of all the work there is left to do.

Exploring a new identity and community can be an exciting time and it can also be a time of confusion and uncertainty. How do you connect with a new community to develop your sense of belonging?

Coaching can be a great opportunity to unpack your experience in a safe and confidential space, knowing that your identity will be respected and affirmed.

It can take a long time to find what feels like it fits, and that’s how we can help you to explore this further. Find out more about what coaching is, how we can help you and how to book a coaching session Student Experience Coaches – Study support | UWE Bristol.

  1. Next steps: UCAS report on LGBT+ students ↩︎

Why You Can’t Focus (And What to Do About It)

Author Student Communications | Posted on

By Dr. Aaliyah Khan, Senior Student Experience Coach

Do you ever sit down to study, only to find yourself scrolling through your phone, staring out the window, or suddenly remembering that you really need to clean your desk? You’re not alone. Staying focused can feel impossible, especially when distractions are everywhere. But before you blame yourself for a “lack of willpower,” let’s break down why focus is so hard—and what you can do to fix it.

1. Your brain is overloaded

Between lectures, assignments, social life, and personal responsibilities, your brain is constantly juggling information. When your mental load is too heavy, it becomes harder to concentrate.

Fix It: Give your brain some breathing room by breaking tasks into smaller steps. Use tools like to-do lists or planners to offload information from your mind, making it easier to focus on one thing at a time.

2. Digital distractions are everywhere

Your phone, laptop, and social media apps are designed to grab and keep your attention. Every notification, message, and update pulls your focus away from your work.

Fix It: Set up “focus time” by putting your phone on silent, using website blockers, or studying in a distraction-free environment. Try the Pomodoro technique—work in short, focused bursts with breaks in between.

3. You’re not in the right environment

Your surroundings can make or break your concentration. Noise, clutter, or even the wrong lighting can make it harder to focus.

Fix It: Create a study space that works for you. Whether it’s a quiet library, a tidy desk, or a café with background noise, find an environment where you can work at your best.

4. You haven’t trained your focus

Focus is like a muscle—the more you train it, the stronger it gets. If you constantly switch between tasks, your brain struggles to stay on track.

Fix It: Practice deep work by setting aside time for uninterrupted concentration. Start with just 10–15 minutes and gradually increase your focus stamina over time.

5. Your energy levels are low

It’s hard to concentrate when you’re running on empty. Lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and dehydration can all sap your focus.

Fix It: Take care of your body! Prioritize sleep, stay hydrated, and fuel yourself with brain-friendly foods like nuts, fruit, and whole grains.

Ready to Fix Your Focus?

If you want to understand your distractions and learn practical ways to sharpen your concentration, join our Fix Your Focus workshop. You’ll discover how to take control of your attention and finally get things done.

Date: Wednesday 26th February, 4pm-5.30pm Location: Room 5X102, Frenchay Campus

Limited spaces, book your place on our registration page.

What’s new in the Library? You Said We Did

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Our Library Team has been gathering feedback from you – the student community, to help make our spaces work harder for you. We’ve made improvements in the libraries across our three campuses to make sure you’ve got everything you need to work hard and feel supported this term. Let’s explore what’s new…

Frenchay:

  • You said…There were not enough business books. We did…We subscribed to Business Trove – full text unlimited access to 60+ Oxford University Press key Business titles.
  • You said…You wanted more space to study. We did…We have added 223 study spaces to Frenchay Library.
  • You said…You wanted more accessible study spaces. We did…Our new study zone on Level 2 has sit stand desks and more space to move around.
  • You said…You needed space to chill out. We did…Our relax lounge on Level 4 gives you the chance to take a break from your studies with comfy seating, reading for pleasure and plants.
  • You said…You wanted more study seating options. We did…We have added different ways you can study, from individual pods to sofas and booths.
  • You said…You wanted to be able to feedback on the service more readily. We did…We have put a feedback box on the help desk and a feedback terminal in the Library.

Glenside:

  • You said…You wanted longer laptop loans. We did…We have made 18 laptops available to borrow for up to two weeks.
  • You said…You wanted more reading for pleasure. We did…We added 79 books to our wellbeing collection last year.
  • You said…You wanted more ways to chill out. We did…We ran 10 wellbeing events for you to attend.

Bower:

  • You said…You wanted longer laptop loans. We did…We have made 20 MacBooks available to borrow for up to two weeks

Everywhere:

  • You said…It’s difficult to find a workshop at a suitable time. We did…We moved 70% of our academic skills workshops online and increased the range of time slots.
  • You said…You wanted more Library Disability drop-ins. We did…We made these available at all three campuses.
  • You said….You wanted us to improve Library Search. We did…We’re continuing to add new features including: the number of records you can export and more detailed information about authors.

All these changes have happened from the great feedback received by you, our student community. Keep in touch with us and let us know how we are doing so we can keep improving. We have a comment box in each of our three libraries and you can also use our 24/7 chat service to share your ideas.

Winter Wellbeing: Simple Ways to Beat the January Blues

Author Student Communications | Posted on

By Aaliyah Hussain, Senior Student Experience Coach

January can feel like the hardest time of the year for many. Even though the shortest days of the Winter are behind us (yes, the days are officially getting longer!), mornings are still dark and cold, and motivation can be hard to find. If you’re struggling to stay on top of assignments or missing the sunshine from home, you’re not alone. Winter can be tough, especially for international students from sunnier climes, and even for those accustomed to the great British weather, January can be a drag.

But don’t worry—there are small, practical steps you can take to boost your wellbeing and stay on track through these darker months. Let’s explore five tips to help you feel brighter, even when the sun isn’t shining.

1. Get Outside Every Morning

Daylight is your best friend in winter. Exposure to natural light first thing in the morning helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle and boosts serotonin levels, improving your mood and focus.

Why it matters: Your body clock, or circadian rhythm, relies on light to stay in sync. Without it, you might feel sluggish or out of sorts.

What to do: Spend 20 minutes outside in the morning—whether it’s a walk to campus, a coffee in the fresh air, or just standing by a window. Even cloudy days in the UK provide enough light to make a difference.

2. Take Vitamin D

Vitamin D, often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’, is essential for energy, mood, and overall health. But during winter, it’s hard to get enough through sunlight alone, especially for people with darker skin.

Why it matters: Low Vitamin D levels are linked to fatigue, low mood, and even difficulty concentrating—all things you don’t need when juggling assignments.

What to do: A daily Vitamin D supplement can help fill the gap. It’s a simple addition to your routine that can make a big difference.

3. Stay Active

When it’s cold and dark, curling up in bed all day might feel tempting, but movement is key to feeling better. Exercise doesn’t just keep you physically healthy—it boosts endorphins and helps clear your mind.

Why it matters: Staying active can reduce feelings of stress and help you concentrate better, giving you the energy to tackle your to-do list.

What to do:

  • Take a brisk walk around your campus or a nearby park. Here in Bristol, we are blessed with so many great open spaces to choose from, such as Ashton Court right next to Bower Ashton, and Stoke Park Estate which is a stone’s throw from Frenchay and Glenside. And if you’re at Arnolfini, you have the lovely harbourside to take a scenic stroll.
  • Try a free YouTube workout or yoga session at home.
  • Take advantage of your free MOVE membership. As a UWE student you have free access to a huge variety of classes and sessions every week to help you be active and feel good.

4. Create a Winter-Friendly Routine

Winter days feel short, but having a routine can help you feel more grounded and in control. Small habits can add structure and make those darker hours feel more manageable.

Why it matters: Building simple rituals into your day can help reduce stress and keep you motivated, even when energy is low.

What to do:

  • Plan your day the evening before, focusing on one or two key tasks.
  • Schedule time for breaks and things you enjoy, like reading, cooking, or calling a friend.
  • Wind down with a calming bedtime routine to improve your sleep quality (it’s not just for babies, it really works!)

5. Stay Connected

It’s easy to isolate yourself in winter, but staying connected with others is vital for your wellbeing. Sharing how you’re feeling or simply spending time with friends can lift your spirits.

Why it matters: Social connections help combat feelings of loneliness and give you a much-needed sense of community.

What to do:

  • Meet up with friends for a study session or a meal.
  • Join a UWE society or group to meet new people.
  • Attend an event on campus—there’s loads happening in January!

How Your Student Experience Coaches Can Help

If you’re finding it hard to get motivated, we are there to listen to how you feel, help you identify your challenges, set realistic goals and create a plan for your success and wellbeing.

Book a one-to-one appointment:

  • Head to the appointments section on Infohub, select ‘Student Experience Coaching Appointment’, and choose a time that works for you. You can see us face-to-face at any campus or online (Teams).
  • Alternatively, you can chat to us at a Drop-In session (see here for timings and locations).

Pick your study zone at Frenchay Library

Author Student Communications | Posted on

At Frenchay Library, we are lucky enough to have four floors of study spaces, specially designed for whatever work you need to carry out at uni. Before you start your library session, make sure you’re choosing the right study zone. You don’t want to be that person having an obnoxiously loud phone conversation or chomping their lunch so loud that other people can’t concentrate. Be considerate of other students working and pick your spot accordingly. Here’s a refresher of the specific zones and services available to you at Frenchay Library:

Level 2 is the help zone

This is where you access our other floors – it can get busy and noisy here! Use this floor to visit us at the helpdesk, visit the Careers Lounge, use the self-service machines for borrowing and returning items or use the quick print PCs. There’s also accessible study spaces and some seating areas for you to relax in.

Level 3 is quiet study

For low level conversations and quiet background noise, head to Level 3. You can also access the IT Helpdesk, use a laptop on loan or visit the assistive technology room. The Education Resource Collection is here too.

Level 4 is group study

Get together for group study, plan work, practice presentations, take a call, work independently, have a chat – all at normal volume.
Level 4 is home to bookable study rooms, the Print Hub, workshop rooms and the Wellbeing Space. You can also use the Library Lounge to relax or eat hot food – you can bring your own, use the hot water, purchase hot drinks, use the vending machines or use the microwave.

Level 5 is silent study

Level 5 is for independent, silent work. No talking, audible music or phone calls on this floor. If you need to chat about work, take a call or catch up, move to another area to be respectful of others. Level 5 is also home to our Law Library, Law Search Area and the Research zone for academic staff and postgraduate researchers. We have silent study pods with individual desk lamps here too!

Thinking about the type of study space you prefer can be a great way to make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed in our library spaces and aren’t disrupting other students.


For more information on our Library services, both on Frenchay, Bower and Glenside campuses, check out our website.
Have a question? You can Ask a Librarian here.

International Men’s Day 2024

Author Student Communications | Posted on

What does it mean to be a man?

We’ve been out and about on campus to pose that question to our male-identifying students for a new video to mark International Men’s Day 2024. 

Their responses covered a huge range of topics including talking about your feelings, setting a good example to others and respecting yourself and those around you. 

We know there are many influences, opinions and feelings tied up in modern day masculinity, but encouraging conversations about positive masculinity can help promote the message that there is no one way to be a man. 

Ultimately, being a man can be anything you want it to be. You don’t need to revert to traditional stereotypes about masculinity or manliness. In today’s world, you can choose the sort of man you want to become. 

International Men’s Day is marked on 19 November 2024 and one of its aims is to promote a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity. 

We are urging you to consider how you would answer the questions of what it means to be a man and chat to your friends about their thoughts and feelings on the topic. 

Filming this video on campus is a continuation of work we are doing to promote positive masculinity here at UWE Bristol, and follows the successful launch of a previous video featuring men from across UWE and the wider Bristol community. 

Watch our latest video and join the conversation on social by using #WhatItMeansToBeAMan and #IMD2024

Welcome to Wobble Week

Author Student Communications | Posted on

We know the start of university, or a new academic year, whilst exciting, can also feel a little overwhelming.  

If you’re feeling a little flat after the rush of Welcome and Freshers, and feeling a little uncertain about things, we’re here to let you know that this is completely normal. And it’s not just newbies who feel this way – everyone can feel a bit “What the hell am I doing?”, even if they’re familiar with uni life, campus… the lot!  

First year students – you might be missing home comforts or finding it difficult to adjust to a different kind of learning environment. Second years – you might be thinking “Woah, this year feels waaaay more serious than last year!” And for our international students, you may be feeling the impact of living in a new country. 

We refer to this time as ‘Wobble Week’ – a time when all students can feel a little unbalanced. Wobble Week runs from 4 November, and during this week there are lots of events and activities to help you feel more connected to our community. 

To help you feel less, well, wobbly, we can help you with everything from a chat about your mental health, signposting to support services, study support, and much more! 

However you’re feeling – it’s OK. We are here to support you. 

How to get Involved

Participate in Events: Join the various workshops and social events planned throughout Wobble Week. These activities are designed to equip you with skills and strategies to manage your time at University, or simply meet new people. 

Access Support Services: Explore the different support services available to you. From mental health and academic resources to student organisations, there are many ways to get the support you need. 

Connect with Others: Engage with fellow students, share your experiences, and support each other through the ups and downs of university life. Building a network of supportive peers can make a significant difference in your overall well-being.

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