Enhancing your student experience at Teesside University

At Teesside University, we are committed to enhancing your student experience. The ISB survey enables us to gain valuable insights into the experiences of our international students, allowing us to identify our strengths and areas for improvement in ways that are important to you.

Here's how we transformed your feedback from the ISB survey into meaningful change.

You told us you wanted stronger academic support and more consistent teaching experiences

• Clearer support from lecturers and tutors
  We’ve strengthened personal tutoring and dissertation supervision, so you get the guidance you need when you need it.
• More ways to ask questions
  Discussion boards and drop-in sessions now give you more flexible ways to get help or clarification outside of class time.
• A stronger start at induction
  Academic readiness sessions now run at the very start of your journey, helping you feel more confident as you begin your studies.
• Easier access to academic resources
  We’ve promoted our Academic Support Hubs and the English Language Café so you always know where to go for extra help.
• More regular check-ins and feedback
  Returner sessions and programme-level feedback meetings mean you can shape your teaching experience throughout the year.
• A more consistent learning experience
  Student-Staff Partnership Agreements and shared best practice across Schools help ensure your teaching experience is high-quality and consistent.
• Support that reflects different learning styles
  Staff have received new guidance so they can better recognise how you learn and point you towards the right support.
• Targeted support for international students
  We’ve reviewed programmes and introduced tailored academic help to support international student success.

You told us you wanted a smoother arrival, induction and orientation experience

• Clear guides and tools to help you settle in
  New online guides, buddy systems and extended induction options help you feel at home from day one.
• Useful information right from the start
  Academic readiness activities and SafeZone guidance are now part of the induction, so you feel prepared and supported.
• More student voices in decision making
  We’ve increased international student representation in School committees and student groups to ensure your views are heard.
• Better visibility of what’s on offer
  We’re shouting louder about central and School-based induction activities so you don’t miss out on key support.
• A more consistent welcome across campus
  Schools now share good practice to make sure everyone has a similar, high-quality induction experience.
• Flexible induction for late arrivals
  Late induction sessions, orientation tours and campus trails support you if you arrive after the main welcome period.
• Smoother welcome experience
  We’ve made your arrival smoother and more welcoming by expanding our Meet and Greet services, introducing Welcome Buddies and orientation trails, and streamlining accommodation check-in so you can settle in quickly and confidently.

You told us you wanted more tailored support as an international student

• Clearer information about where to get help
  We’ve worked with the Students’ Union to make support communications easier to follow and more accessible.
• More opportunities to ask questions in person
  International student drop-ins are back, with strengthened visa advice to support your transition.
• Support for your wellbeing and identity
  Worship facilities are now more widely promoted so you can practise your faith comfortably on campus.
• Help adjusting to life in the UK and digital study
  The Y2R campaign and hidden curriculum initiatives support you through culture shock and digital learning expectations.
• More opportunities to mix with others
  We’re encouraging group work across diverse cohorts to help you build friendships and develop collaboration skills.
• Social and employability events made more visible
  Curriculum+ activities are promoted more widely so you can build skills and meet new people beyond your course.
• Celebrating creativity and culture
  Events like MIMA Creative Week and wider social activities give you more ways to get involved in campus life.
• Better co-ordination of international support
  The SILT working group brings teams together to improve and streamline the support available to you.

You told us you wanted improved employability and careers support

• Employability built into your course
  We’re working with course teams to review and strengthen employability activities within programmes.
• More access to expert advice and mentoring
  Student Futures and Student and Library Services are helping more students engage with tailored career guidance and mentoring opportunities.
• More industry connections and real-world insight
  We’re offering more certifications, guest speakers and big events like ExpoTees to help you connect with employers.
• Greater focus on career development across Schools
  Curriculum reviews and student focus groups help us shape support based on what you tell us you need.
• Easier access to paid work opportunities
  We’re promoting Unitemps and a wider range of internships so you can gain experience alongside your studies.