Tag: CHSS Advocates

Tips for Surviving the UK winter: Guide for International students

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Priya Dashini Selvanathan is currently studying a Master’s in Health Psychology and is a Mature Student Advocate.

My idea of winter came straight from the movies, picturing myself sitting in a nice, cosy café, people watching and enjoying the slow, cosy pace that it brings along. However, as someone who has been living in a tropical country like Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, my perception of experiencing my first winter in Bristol was far from ideal.

I had to deal with homesickness, staying on top of back-to-back deadlines and on top of that learning the art of layering and dressing for the cold. My energy plunged with the temperature, my mood was consistently low, and the constant stress was a physical weight—I finally understood the reality of seasonal depression.

Looking back, one thing that helped me survive my first winter in the UK was the connection with peers, and engaging with free events available at the University, as well as free events around Bristol.

My top 3 tips are:

  1. Connection
    It is easy to stay in and feel overwhelmed to venture out. I noticed that slowly stepping out of my comfort zone and interacting with my coursemates and other international students helped me feel less lonely. I arranged a few coffee meet-up sessions that turned into friendships that I now cherish. Forming connections and friendships abroad in a foreign country is not an easy task, but I learnt that if I don’t put myself out there and try, I will never know and be limited to my fears.
  2. Movement
    Hibernation mood hits hard during winter months. I was either spending time staring at my screen completing assignments or mostly hibernating in bed. This routine made me feel sluggish and made me miss home even more. I realised that by using the UWE Move App, I could force myself to book some exercise classes like yoga and climbing. These classes not only help me get out of the house, but they also greatly improve my energy levels and mood. I noticed that I tend to feel much better after engaging in some movement.
  3. Perspective
    A shift in perspective occurred when I finished reading the book “ Wintering” by Katherine May. The book highlights a lot about embracing winter and noticing how the cold teaches us to slow down and focus inward more towards ourselves. I learnt that I have no control over the weather, but I do have control over how I respond to it and adapt to it. I started having a cosy night time routine that I looked forward to, where I would read a thriller novel and have a hot cup of camomile tea, and end the night with a simple skin care routine.

It is not going to be easy experiencing your first winter abroad, but do know that there is a wide array of support available. Feel free to reach out to our student advocates on Teams for a friendly chat.

How to join the CHSS Advocate Programme

Interested in being part of this supportive community? Whether you’re looking for peer support, a place to share your experiences, or simply want to connect with others, the CHSS Advocate Programme is here for you.
To join a group or attend one of our meetups, follow the link to our online space and sign up:

For more information, please email the Widening Participation Team: CHSS.WPTeam@uwe.ac.uk

Adjusting to UWE as a mature international student

Author Student Communications | Posted on

By Priya Dashini, MSc Health Psychology

I was excited and looking forward to my experience studying in the UK. Before enrolling in my course, I had the opportunity to get on a Teams call with my module leader and find out more about the course. This helped me feel more certain in my decision to move from my comfort zone in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Bristol.

The journey was exciting, but it brought its own set of challenges; the main one was experiencing my first winter in the UK, as well as dealing with loneliness and homesickness. I did not anticipate how isolating and difficult it could be. The familiar faces, comfort foods, and navigating an 8-hour time difference from my home country were overwhelming. I expected to feel adjusted and settled in Bristol within a month, but looking back, that was an unrealistic timeline to set, and it only made me feel even more out of place.

As a mature international student, adjusting to academics in a new country and leaving my role as a full-time counsellor was challenging. In wanting to push myself out of my comfort zone, I attended various UWE events, including the Global café team’s weekly coffee session that occurs every Wednesday from 12:00-13:00. I found the team friendly and welcoming. In attending the coffee session, I connected with other international students, shared experiences and challenges that I encountered and formed a sense of belonging.

In addition to attending my classes, I began following the UWE student union and other relevant social media accounts to stay up to date on free activities for students. The UWE Move App quickly became one of my favourite apps, and I was impressed by the wide range of free sports opportunities available. When looming assignment deadlines began to cause stress, I decided to book a climbing session through the app. This experience proved invaluable for my mental well-being. The climbing instructor was encouraging and supportive, and I enjoyed meeting other students who shared similar interests. I made it a priority to attend several climbing sessions as I was working through my dissertation, and it really helped me feel overall better physically and mentally.

My biggest takeaway for mature international students is not to be afraid to try and explore all the free events and activities available for students. Finance can be a stressor, but there are many free events hosted by the student life team, the global café team, UWE sports, and the student union that will truly enhance your student experience at UWE. In looking for a change of scenery, I love doing assignments at the Bristol Central Library, walking up the steep roads of Park Street, and just reading a book at a nearby café. In my role now as a mature student advocate, I am looking forward to hosting events and activities for students to feel a sense of belonging and have a safe space to engage and interact with other students.

How to join the CHSS Advocate Programme

Interested in being part of this supportive community? Whether you’re looking for peer support, a place to share your experiences, or simply want to connect with others, the CHSS Advocate Programme is here for you.
To join a group or attend one of our meetups, follow the link to our online space and sign up:

For more information, please email the Widening Participation Team: CHSS.WPTeam@uwe.ac.uk

Study tips from our CHSS neurodivergent advocate at UWE

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Hey everyone! I’m Imogen, a second year studying sociology and one of the neurodivergent advocates at UWE, as part of the widening participation team.

At the end of my first year I stumbled across the advertisement for the advocacy role in my emails. There were roles for mature student advocates, race equity advocates and neurodiversity advocates. I decided to apply as I knew a lot about neurodiversity. My friends, family and partner (and myself) are neurodivergent. I am passionate about social change, and I am very aware about what support is available. The role is flexible, catering to students at 2-4 hours per week, online or in-person, with 3 to 4 other advocates on each team. I have been working as an advocate for this academic year now, alongside my studies. It is a rewarding role. I have had many opportunities and gained valuable experience. I have particularly enjoyed writing content for newsletters and talking about my experiences at widening access calls to prospective students. I am better at knowing what study methods work for me, and feel much more confident in my abilities as I finish my second year.

With exam and deadline season in full swing, I wanted to share a few study tips that have helped me throughout my time at uni as a neurodivergent student. Whether you’re neurodivergent too or just looking for new ways to stay organised and motivated, I hope you find something useful here!


📋 Make Lists


It might sound simple, but honestly – lists save me. Trying to remember everything in my head never works, so I write a daily ‘to-do’ list with every task I need to get done. And I mean everything. I include achievable things like ‘get out of bed’ or ‘go to my lecture’ because some days, those are big wins too. Ticking them off gives me a little boost and keeps me feeling productive.


📆 Use a Calendar


I live by my calendar. I schedule all my study sessions, but instead of blocking out a vague ‘study time’, I’ll be specific – like ‘check essay conclusion’ or ‘revise topic 3 notes’. It makes my workload feel way more manageable. I personally use Google Calendar because it’s linked to my personal email and lets me combine everything in one place – study sessions, lectures, meetings, and reminders.


🧘 Schedule Breaks


This one’s important: don’t forget to rest. When I get hyper-focused on a task, I can easily forget to eat, stretch, or breathe. Even if you’re someone who thrives on last-minute cramming (no judgement), try to build in small breaks to recharge. Your wellbeing matters just as much as your grades.


🤝 Try Body Doubling


If you haven’t heard of this before, body doubling is a productivity technique where you work in the presence of someone else to help you stay on track. It’s especially popular among people with ADHD, but it works for anyone. I like meeting a friend at the library in the morning – having somewhere to be and someone there makes it easier to get moving. Pro tip: aim for the quiet study areas if you’re easily distracted!

I hope these tips resonate with you, and if you’re finding things tough or need a little extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out to the services available at UWE:

The Student Coaching Service
The range of Library Study Skills Workshops (online or in-person)
The Wellbeing Service

How to join the CHSS Advocate Programme


Interested in being part of this supportive community? Whether you’re looking for peer support, a place to share your experiences, or simply want to connect with others, the CHSS Advocate Programme is here for you.
To join a group or attend one of our meetups, follow the link to our online space and sign up!

For more information, please email the Widening Participation Team: CHSS.WPTeam@uwe.ac.uk

Join the CHSS Advocate Programme and help build an inclusive community

Author Student Communications | Posted on

CHSS Widening Participation Team

Are you passionate about supporting your peers, amplifying voices, and creating a more inclusive university experience? The College of Health, Science, and Society (CHSS) Advocate Programme at UWE Bristol is your opportunity to do just that.

The CHSS Advocate Programme brings together dedicated students who want to make a difference for their peers. Advocates run student-led meetups, offer a safe space for discussions, and support students who may feel underrepresented or face barriers in university life.

Our advocates work with three key groups:

  • Neurodiverse Students
  • Race Equity Students (Black, Asian, and Racially Minoritised)
  • Mature Students

Advocates from each group host events, provide resources, and create online spaces for students to connect and engage with each other. They are dedicated to making sure that you feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout your time at UWE.

What you can expect:

  • Monthly Safe Spaces: Advocates host regular meetups where students can share their experiences, connect with one another, and amplify their voices in a supportive environment.
  • Online Communities: We’ve developed new online safe spaces, managed by the advocates, where you can access resources, participate in discussions, and find out about upcoming events. These spaces are a great way to stay connected, even if you can’t attend in person.
  • Events & Campaigns: From Black History Month to Disability History Month, our advocates are involved in key university campaigns that raise awareness and celebrate diversity.
  • Outreach Opportunities: Advocates also work closely with the wider UWE Bristol community and external organisations, ensuring the work we do has a lasting impact.

How to join:

Interested in being part of this supportive community? It’s easy to get involved! Whether you’re looking for peer support, a place to share your experiences, or simply want to connect with others, the CHSS Advocate Programme is here for you.

To join a group or attend one of our meetups, follow the link to our online space and sign up!

For more information, please email the Widening Participation Team: CHSS.WPTeam@uwe.ac.uk

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Advocates – they’re here to support you!

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