Tag: Welcome 2025

Introducing your Student Experience Coaches

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Support we offer you here at UWE comes in many different forms – this includes a team of Student Experience Coaches who are here to help you achieve your goals and make the most of university life.

Student Experience Coaches use coaching models and techniques that help you to define direction, overcome obstacles and achieve aims.  Student Experience Coaches can help you with your university experience outside of the classroom. They can coach you on many areas of your life and studies, including self- development, wellbeing and self-care and engagement with your course, including growing confidence in your exams and assignments.  

They can:

  • Encourage you to seek solutions to your issues
  • Empower you to take control 
  • Help you to explore what your aspirations and goals are 
  • Identify strategies and establish day-to-day habits that will have a positive impact on your life and studies. 

What students say:

“(Coaching) really helped me to understand how to motivate myself and prioritise my work in a way that worked well for me!”

“My coach was incredibly helpful and supportive. So helpful to sit with someone and process my thoughts.”

“Coaching made me feel like a superhero.”

How to get in touch

Book an appointment via InfoHub or email us at experiencecoach@uwe.ac.uk with an outline of your situation and we will get back to you.

Final bits of info

Coaching is available to all students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, across all campuses. 

An informal chat with someone who is outside of the situation might just help you untangle your thoughts and gain some clarity on a way forward. They are part of the university package you’ve signed up for, so do make use of your Student Experience Coach.

How to maximise your uni investment

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Have you ever taken the time to think about the considerable investment you are making by choosing to study at university? We’re not just talking about the money (although we know that’s significant ) – it’s also the time, energy and effort that you are putting into your degree.  

We want you to focus on really maximising that investment, and make some choices which will help you get the most out of your time here at UWE. 

What simple things can you do?

  • Attendance. Your course is the main reason you are here, right? And you are spending a lot of money for this teaching, so it doesn’t make sense to regularly skip classes. We know there might sometimes be reasons why you can’t make it onto campus, but try to plan your week to give you the best possible chance of attending those lectures. 
  • Engagement. It’s not enough to just turn up to lectures or teaching sessions, you need to really BE there. Be an active participant on your course and you really will see the benefits. What does this look like? Ask questions. Get involved in discussions. Do extra reading. Reply to emails. All of this will drastically improve your learning and help you get more out of your studies. 

Other ways to maximise your investment

It’s worth remembering that life as a UWE Bristol student gives you access to a huge range of support services and opportunities and it’s worth making the most of these. You’ve already paid for it, so take advantage of it!  

  • Careers and Enterprise – Start planning for your future now. Your time at uni will fly by, and you want to be in the best possible position when you graduate. Did you know that a careers coach can cost up to £250 an hour on the outside world? Here it’s completely free, so get booking!  
  • Student Money Service – Don’t let your financial situation get in the way of you excelling at uni. We have bursaries and grants on offer, and specialist advisers who can offer support and help you manage your money.  
  • Centre for Sport – The free MOVE programme gives you access to more than 100 weekly exercise classes and sessions, so make the most of this fantastic facility.  
  • Centre for Music – Looking to learn some new skills? Want to make some new friends? Check out the huge range of opportunities available on campus – membership is completely free! 

Hopefully all that info has given you something to think about. Remember, you only get out of something what you put in (it sounds like a cliche, but it’s so true). 

You’ve made a massive investment to be here – make the most of it! 

Finding part-time work

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Student living costs are at an all-time high, and in 2024, 58% of students said their maintenance loan doesn’t cover their living costs. With that in mind, you might be thinking about picking up a part-time job to help ease the pressure.

Here’s a quick guide to finding and balancing work alongside your studies:

What work can you do?

Anything you like! But if you’re looking for some ideas, here are some popular jobs among students:

  • Bar work offers flexible evening shifts that fit around lectures. However, be prepared for late nights and some challenging customers.
  • Hospitality jobs in cafes, restaurants, and hotels can be flexible around uni and may come with perks like free food. Just keep in mind the hours can be long and often involve being on your feet.
  • Retail jobs in supermarkets or shops include tasks like stocking shelves, serving customers, and working the till. They’re usually flexible and you can often get extra hours during busy periods like Christmas. Just be aware that weekend work is common and hours can vary.
  • Tutoring involves helping younger students with subjects like maths, English or science. It’s often online, so there are no travel costs, and the pay can be higher than other jobs. Just make sure you’ve got reliable internet and a quiet, private space to work from.

How do I find work?

Sort your CV – if you don’t have one yet, there are plenty of free templates online, and Save the Student has a helpful guide to writing a CV. The Careers Team here at UWE can also support you with CV writing and feedback.

Start your job search – look across a range of platforms to find part time jobs that suit you. Here are some good places to start:

Apply – make sure each application is tailored to the role. Read the job description carefully, highlight your relevant skills, and double-check for any errors before submitting. Keeping track of your applications can also help you stay organised.

Prepare for interviews – if you’re invited to an interview, research the company and be ready to talk about your experience, availability, and what makes you a good fit. The UWE Careers Team can support you with mock interviews and helpful advice.

Balancing work and study

Balancing a part-time job with your studies can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you manage:

– Be clear about the hours you’re available and check if your employer can accommodate them

– Ask if you’ll be able to take time off when needed, especially around exams

– Use a planner (digital or paper) to stay on top of your uni and work commitments

– Prioritise rest and relaxation. It’s important for your wellbeing as well as your studies

Why it’s worth it

A part-time job can bring in extra money, boost your CV and help you develop useful skills if it fits well around your studies. You could gain experience in teamwork, communication, and time management, while also building confidence and independence. The key is making sure it supports your student life, not overwhelms it.

Making connections more meaningful

Author Student Communications | Posted on

We’ve all struggled to connect with other people at one time or another, and university is usually the first step out of the bubble of school or college. Ironically, sometimes the more people you’re surrounded by, the easier it can be to feel lonely!

The small, everyday interactions you have all help build a sense of community and belonging. Connecting with people (in whatever capacity) supports your wellbeing – regardless of the number of people you consider friends. In fact, research shows that social connections are just as important to your overall health as exercise is.

But how often do you wish you could skip the small talk, and go straight to being friends with someone? It’s easier to bond over shared interests or experiences, so if you’re already signed up to events, societies and MOVE classes then you’re already on your way – and if you’re not, and your study schedule allows – you know what to do!

The art of small talk is important though, and a skill that will benefit you in your university, personal and professional life, so here’s our top tips to help:

  • Ask open-ended questions. Instead of “did you have a good weekend”, you could ask what someone got up to during it – maybe it’ll turn out you did something similar, or they’ve visited that new spot you’ve been meaning to go to.
  • And then actually listen to the answers! (This one’s important)
  • If you’re asked questions, avoid super short answers; it’s hard to take a conversation anywhere if you don’t give the other person anything to work with. You don’t need to share anything you’re uncomfortable with, but adding a little extra detail can keep the conversation going a little further than just “good thanks, you?” “yeah good, thanks”
  • Respect boundaries. For example, if someone clearly doesn’t want to talk about their family, or dating life– don’t push them to.
  • Don’t take things too personally. You may have caught someone when they just don’t fancy a chat (with anyone), so don’t let this put you off altogether.
  • Be in the moment. Put away your phone – unless it’s relevant to the topic at hand (hello, cute pet pics)
  • If you compliment someone, make sure it’s genuine. Compliments are a great way to start a conversation, or simply brighten someone else’s day – but insincere compliments can have the opposite effect.
  • Make plans with (potential) friends. Especially when everyone is managing a busy workload (or out on placement), it can be easy to shut yourself away a bit. Taking breaks is important though, so factor them into your study schedule and hit two birds with one stone. Had a brief chat with someone after a MOVE class? – ask them if they’re coming to the next one!
  • If you identify as neurodivergent, then come along to one of the Thinking Differently cafes if you haven’t already.
  • Finally – don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, and keep at it! The more you practise, the easier it’ll feel and the more resilient to awkwardness you’ll be. Often the most confident people in the room once felt (or still feel) shy inside!

Connections don’t always develop into friendships, but it’s not all or nothing – a variety of relationships of all different types makes life more fulfilling and interesting.

Good luck!

Keeping on top of your spending in your first first few weeks

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Starting uni is super exciting, but let’s be real, it can feel like a lot in your first week. Between finding your way around, meeting new people, and navigating student life, keeping on top of your money can easily slip down the list.

So here’s a quick guide to help you manage your budget while enjoying student life in Bristol.

Local supermarkets

Bigger supermarkets are usually cheaper than the smaller corner shops, so it’s worth the walk. Here are some good options near Frenchay Campus:

ASDA Filton Superstore – located in the Abbeywood Retail Park (between a 15-20 min walk from campus)

Sainsbury’s – located on Fox Den Road (around a 15 min walk from campus)

Lidl – also located on Fox Den Road (10-15 min walk from campus)

Aldi – brand new this June and located on Fox Den Road (roughly a 15 min walk from campus)

Top tip: Lidl and Aldi are usually the cheapest, followed by ASDA, then Sainsbury’s (especially if you’ve got a Nectar card).

Getting around Bristol

There are lots of ways to get around, but buses are usually the cheapest and easiest.

First Bus: First Bus is the main bus company in Bristol, it offers several routes connecting UWE campuses with the city centre and surrounding areas. The  First Bus app has live bus times and a journey planner. As a student, you can get discounted ticket prices on the app.

M1/M3/M4 Metrobus: Metrobus services (M1, M3, M4) are rapid routes that connect Frenchay Campus to the city centre and Cribbs Causeway. They run late too, which is perfect for getting home after a night out.

You can also hire e-scooters and e-bikes around the city which are great for quick trips and easy to use. Just download the Dott app, ensure you’re signed up for student discount, find a ride nearby, and go. More info at Travelwest.

Food and drink on campus

Making your own food is always the cheapest option, but we get it, Freshers’ Week is hectic. Here’s how to keep your food and drink spend low on campus:

Coffee

  • Greggs is the cheapest at £2 for a flat white
  • The Atrium, The Grill and Wild Kitchen are next at £2.95 for a flat white
  • Starbucks and Costa are usually the most expensive

The Fresh Fruit and Veg stall in the Undercroft offers a great selection of locally sourced produce, including organic and Fairtrade options. Prices are low, and their popular £1 bowls of fruit or veg are a student favourite.

Morrisons Daily, located right on Frenchay Campus, is handy for grabbing essentials, snacks, or a quick lunch between lectures. It’s more affordable than some smaller convenience stores and saves you the walk to the bigger supermarkets.

And of course, if you’ve been organised and got yourself to a supermarket, here are some great recipes to get you started: BBC Good Food or Mob’s Easy & Cheap Student Recipes.

Your University Health Centre

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Did you know we have our very own doctors’ surgery right in the heart of Frenchay Campus?

It’s open to all UWE Bristol students, no matter which campus you’re studying at.

You can stay registered with us for your whole time at university, which means you won’t have to worry about finding another doctor as you move in your second and third year.

Plus, as we work in partnership with The Old School Surgery in Fishponds, registering with us means you’ll be automatically registered with them too. Effectively you’re getting two doctors’ surgeries for one!

It’s easy to register online and registering now means that we’ll be able to get your records from your previous GP so that we’re ready to treat you if you need us. It also means you won’t have to worry about going through the registration process or finding a walk-in centre when you actually need to see a doctor – you can just book an appointment with us without all the extra hassle.

And don’t worry – you can still see your previous GP if you go home for the holidays. You’ll just need to see them as a temporary patient. It won’t affect your registration with us in Bristol and you can easily re-register with them if you move back home once you’ve finished your course.

So why register with us?

We make it really easy for you to book appointments that fit around your lectures – you can do it online using our Klinik access system. We offer routine appointments booking up to two weeks in advance, however, if you have an urgent medical need we also offer same-day telephone calls or face-to-face appointments once your Klinik form has been triaged.

We have a vast clinical team based at the Health Centre, consisting of GPs, nurses, mental health nurses, phlebotomists, first contact physiotherapists, sexual health nurses and clinical pharmacists. The clinician you see or speak to will depend on the symptoms you are experiencing following your Klinik form being triaged.

We offer all of your standard GP services, including appointments, blood tests, travel vaccines, sexual health advice and free chlamydia screening kits.

We can arrange your MenACWY vaccination if you are in your first year and under the age of 25, which protects you against four different causes of meningitis and septicaemia. If you didn’t have it before you arrived we really recommend that you have it.

The Health Centre works in partnership with the University’s Wellbeing Service, offering you support for your mental health and wellbeing. We’ll refer you to other services in and around Bristol where required, to make sure you get all the medical help you need.

Remember that some common minor health concerns like coughs, colds, hayfever or an upset stomach don’t need to be seen by a doctor, unless they last for more than a week. Pop in to talk to your local pharmacist for advice – they’re experts who can recommend certain medications that you can take without a prescription. If the doctors’ surgery or pharmacy is closed, you can call NHS 111 for urgent medical advice.

If you’re an international student our healthcare system may be different to what you’re used to – don’t worry, we’re here to explain everything you need to know and can provide a translator. Most services such as GP consultations and emergency treatment are free for everyone. You may need to pay for prescriptions, dental treatment and sight tests – although most students can get these at a reduced cost or free (just complete an application form). Doctors’ surgeries don’t provide eye tests or dental check ups – you can find an optician or a dentist through the NHS website.

Remember, we’re here to help you so that you can get on with your studies and fully enjoy your university experience – so register with us now!

What to expect in your first few weeks

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Excitement. Nerves. Anticipation. It’s completely normal to experience a whole range of emotions as you start your university experience.

Knowing what to expect during those first few weeks can really help you prepare for what’s to come, and help ensure that you make the most of this opportunity.

Get settled into accommodation

If you’re moving out of home and into student accommodation then that can be one of the most exciting parts of your uni adventure. It might feel like there’s a lot to think about, but don’t worry – there’s tonnes of advice on this Student Life page.

If you’re going to be staying at home, then don’t worry. You’re not going to miss out on anything, and there are so many other students in the same situation as you. Plus there are even specific social events to help you meet new friends.

Starting Block

We know the whole experience might feel daunting, so we’ve developed Starting Block – a series of activities for you to get to know your teaching team and your coursemates.

Once you’ve registered, you’ll see Starting Block activities drop into your timetable so make sure you keep an eye on that and be ready to get stuck in so you get the best possible induction to university life.

Get out and meet people

An important part of university life is meeting new people and making connections. To help you do this, there are a huge range of events and activities you can get involved with, whether you’re the life of the party or you prefer something more low key.

This is your chance to shape your experience to suit you, so take a look at what’s on offer and start building your community.

Explore Bristol

If you’re moving here to Bristol you’ve made a great choice! It’s the perfect student city with so much to offer no matter what your interests are. Arts and culture? Check. Independent shops and restaurants? Check. Incredible nightlight? Check.

Get out there, explore everything and make new friends and memories along the way. Sites such as VisitBristol are a great way see what’s on, and find activities and events that suit your interests and budget.

Switching your mindset

Author Student Communications | Posted on

The move from school or college to university can feel a little overwhelming. Perhaps for the first time, you’re going to have to take responsibility for many aspects of your life – your education, your wellbeing, your finances.

Although it can seem intimidating at first, there’s so much support available to you to make sure you’ve got the help you need every step of the way. But you’ll need to reach out and access this support for yourself.

Switch your mindset now and start thinking about the ways you are going to need to be more independent. This new attitude will help you develop and grow, and ultimately allow you to have the best possible start to uni life!

  • You will be responsible for your own time – get organised. You’re likely to have competing demands on your time. You’ll have lectures to attend, projects to finish, friends to message and social plans to arrange. Add to that paid work, exercise, food and sleep, and it all starts to look a bit busy. Nobody is going to tell you how to stay on top of all this, time management needs to be your priority! If you think you need extra support with this, you might want to book an appointment with one of our Student Experience Coaches.
  • Things won’t get done if you don’t do them. Putting off an assessment, ignoring that looming deadline, forgetting to reply to that email from your lecturer. The only person that can do the things that you need to get done as part of your course is you. Bite the bullet, eat the frog – however you want to phrase it – stop procrastinating and tick off that To Do list to stay on top of your studies. Why not brush up on your study skills if this is something you struggle with.
  • You get out what you put in. There is SO much to love about university life and so many opportunities out there for you to make the most of. But these things aren’t just handed to you on a plate. If you want good marks in your assessments, you need to attend lectures and do the work. If you want to set yourself up for successful career when you graduate, then you need to go out and find internships and work placements so your CV is polished. If you want to travel abroad as part of your studies, then you need to do the research and work out how to make it happen.
  • Get to know who you are and what makes you happy. University is an opportunity to meet new people, take up new hobbies and learn new skills. While this is incredibly exciting and exhilarating, it’s also important that you know when to say no. Getting the balance right between pushing yourself out of your comfort zone while still knowing and enforcing your boundaries, is a tricky thing to learn.
  • Look after yourself. It sounds so basic, but nobody is going to remind you to drink enough water, eat nutritious meals, get an early night every now and again. But they are so vital if you want to stay healthy. You are now responsible for your own health and wellbeing so give it the attention it deserves.
  • Don’t be afraid to lean on old support systems and create new ones. Just because you’re here at uni doesn’t mean all your friends and family back home disappear. Make sure you keep in contact with them, especially if you’re finding things difficult. Also, work on building those support systems here at university as well, so that you feel like you have people to turn to when you need to.
  • Ask for help if you need it. Remember, although it’s down to you to manage your own university experience, you can access so much support here at UWE Bristol. Academic staff are available to answer your questions, the Student Money Service can help with budgeting, our Wellbeing services can support you when times feel tough. But you need to be the one to reach out and access all these services. If you’re going through a tricky patch, find the help that you need and make the most of it.

Practical tips for saving money as a student

Author Student Communications | Posted on

If you’re feeling nervous about budgeting while you’re at uni – don’t panic! Here are some simple things you can do to save money while still making the most of everything that UWE Bristol has to offer.

1. Start with a budget

A basic budget can help you figure out where your money is going and where you might be able to save. Download the Blackbullion app (free for UWE students) for tools to help you track spending, set goals and boost your financial confidence on the go. Or check out Savethestudent’s free money cheat sheet if you prefer a quick guide to get started.

2. Use your student discounts

Student discounts can save you loads over time. A TOTUM card gives you money off food, travel, fashion, and more. You can also sign up to platforms like UNiDAYS and Student Beans for extra discounts online. It’s worth checking before you buy, lots of places offer savings just for students.

3. Cook at home

Ordering food or eating out can be fun, but it quickly adds up. Cooking at home even a few times a week can save you money. Try planning your meals, making a shopping list, and sticking to it. Cooking in bulk or sharing food shops with friends can help too. Mob Kitchen’s student recipes are a great place to find easy, affordable ideas.

4. Travel for less

Public transport is usually cheaper than using taxis and Ubers. As a UWE student, you can get discounted bus fares through the First Bus app. If you’re heading further afield, National Express and FlixBus coaches stop right at Frenchay Campus and run to places like London. If you travel by train, a 16–25 or 26–30 Railcard gives you a third off fares and it often pays for itself in just a couple of journeys.

5. Buy second-hand

Before buying something new, check out second-hand options. You might find what you need for a lot less. UWE’s library has textbooks you can borrow for free, and websites like Biblio or AbeBooks and eBay are good for buying used books. For things like kitchen gear, furniture or clothes, try Facebook Marketplace, charity shops or the Sustainability Hub at Frenchay.

6. Limit subscription services

It’s easy to forget how many subscriptions you’ve signed up for. Music, streaming and gaming services can all add up. Take a look at what you actually use and think about cancelling the ones you don’t. You can also split accounts with friends to cut the cost, and many services have student prices if you haven’t signed up with your uni email yet.

7. Make the most of free or low cost events

There’s loads going on at UWE that won’t cost you anything. From workshops and socials to creative sessions and wellbeing events, there’s always something happening. Check the Student Life webpages, the UWE SU website and the UWE events page to see what’s coming up.

If you’re exploring the city, keep an eye out for student offers at local museums, galleries and cultural venues too. Many of them are free or discounted with your student card.

Be prepared: IT checklist

Author Student Communications | Posted on

We know it can feel overwhelming having to do so many different things to get ready for your new life at uni. Getting your laptop sorted probably sounds like one of the most boring items on your to-do list, but you don’t want to be the one chatting to the IT helpdesk while everyone else is out exploring Bristol.

To help you out, we’ve pulled together this checklist, so you can tick off everything you need to do to ensure you’re ready to hit the ground running and smash your studies when you get here:

  • Kit and equipment – make sure you know what you need to have with you when you arrive on campus to start your course. We’ve pulled together some guidance so you can make the right choices. As we know how expensive tech can be, there’s also info on scholarships and financial support.
  • Accessing your account and keeping it secure – you’ll be provided with a Microsoft account for access to your UWE email account via Outlook and other Microsoft 365 apps. You’ll need to use this to log in and access, well, pretty much everything. Once you have registered online and before you change your initial temporary password, you’ll need to set up your Microsoft security info. This includes setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA) which allows you to confirm your identity and access your account. Most UWE Bristol systems will ask you for verification every three days or when using a personal device, so take some time to set it up, don’t forget to change your initial temporary password and ask if you need help.
  • Software – you may need to use specific software for your studies either on your own device or using computers on campus. Check out the software page for more info which also includes a link to installing and using Microsoft 365 apps.
  • MyUWE – you’ll already be familiar with myUWE as this is where you registered, though now you can use it as a hub to access other things like your email account, personal details and Blackboard.
  • Blackboard – now Blackboard is where it’s at! This is where you’ll find everything you need for your course such as your timetable, modules, assignments and updates from your programme team. You’re also likely to be using MS Teams and we have a blog written already to run through all that with you as well.
  • Get clued up – it’s worth familiarising yourself with the digital tools you’ll be using here, to start confidently and feel prepared. The Digital Learning Course is a short course which introduces you to some of the technologies you will come across at UWE. It will help give you the confidence to use the best digital tools for your subject and help you prepare for study. Also, our JISC Discovery Tool allows you to assess your current digital capability and work out how to improve.

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