There may be times when you feel out of your comfort zone, struggling with self-doubt or various challenges that affect your engagement and sense of belonging. This isn't unusual and there's a supportive network to guide you through your journey - the circle of support.
We recognised that issues and concerns can have an impact on your mindset and sense of belonging at University. You may experience some of the following at times, but support is available to help you:
Loneliness
When moving away from home, remember you are not alone and you'll find like-minded people all around you. The Students' Union is a great place to meet people and find new interests. It offers food, entertainment, sport, clubs, societies, support and advice, a jobs service and a shop. The social space offers meals and drinks throughout the day, whether you pop in for breakfast or make a night of it with friends.
Finance concerns
It can be difficult to manage your money and unexpected costs can sometimes pop up. Our finance advisers are available to give you advice and information on money matters. They offer general advice and guidance on tuition fees, student loans, delayed funding loans and welfare benefits.
Personal issues
Things can happen in your personal life that impact your studies. You can access a range of support through Student Life, including counselling, health and wellbeing, disability support and welfare advice.
Social comparisons
Your student journey is a personal experience and should be about what you can achieve. Comparing yourself to other students' achievements can be detrimental to your own self-belief and affect your motivation and progress. However, you can control your development with the help of our Learning Hub. Our wide range of includes academic skills for writing, referencing and finding resources for assignments through drop-in sessions, workshops and online support.
Desire for perfection
Set yourself realistic expectations and avoid unnecessary pressure, this helps you create a positive sense of achievement and help you meet deadlines. The Learning Hub offers a range of guides to support your learning experience.
Avoiding feedback
Embrace feedback. It is important to show you where you can improve or what you have done well. And t is constructive for your development and understanding. Ask your module tutor to clarify anything and seek out support from The Learning Hub to develop your skills through the Succeed@Tees workshops.
Assignment anxiety
There may be times when you don't know where to start, you feel overwhelmed or feel a barrier preventing you from progressing your assignment. This is common, and many students feel trapped by a fixed mindset, but remember that help is available to get you moving forward with renewed confidence. Your module tutor can provide guidance around assignment briefs and The Learning Hub offers resources for studying at University to develop your academic skills and strategies for resilience and wellbeing.
Thinking of leaving?
You may not have settled in yet or the University experience might not be what you expected. If you're struggling, there are lots of support and advice available and things you can do to help yourself.
- Talk to someone
You're not alone and although you might not feel like it, talking to someone you feel comfortable with can help when you are struggling. It might be a friend from home, your personal tutor or a counsellor on our 24/7 helpline. - Look after yourself
This can sometimes be difficult, especially when you are sleeping in a new room or if you're not used to cooking for yourself. Our Student Wellbeing service can help. From lifestyle clinics to yoga sessions, they can help you stay healthy at University. - Get involved
There are a great range of activities to help you settle in and make friends. Make a start by joining a club or society, or look at what events, workshops and activities are available across campus.
Still thinking of leaving?
Before you make a decision, it's important that you know your options to make the right choice.
- Take a break
Consider taking a break rather than leaving your course. This is called an interruption - you temporarily leave University for up to two years to focus on your situation and decide about your future. Leaving your studies is called a withdrawal - you leave University completely and don't return to your course. - Talk to your course team
If you are thinking of interrupting your studies or withdrawing from your course, speak to your course leader or personal tutor about how you're feeling. They can help you with your options and the support available to you. You can consider options such as potentially transferring your course or studying part-time. - Complete the right paperwork
If you decide to interrupt or withdraw, your course leader or personal tutor will provide you with the correct form to confirm your decision with the University. - Speak to a financial adviser
There may be student funding implications of interrupting or withdrawing. Advisers are available to discuss this with you in Student & Library Services or the Students' Union Student Support service. - Contact your accommodation provider
If you are staying in University accommodation you need to let them know if you are withdrawing or interrupting your studies. Email accommodation@tees.ac.uk and they can advise you what happens next. If you are staying in private accommodation, you should check your lease agreement and speak to your landlord to find out what charges you may be liable for when you leave. You can get independent advice about private accommodation from the Students' Union. - Studying on a visa?
Email our international advisers at international@tees.ac.uk to find out the visa implications of interrupting or withdrawing from your studies.
If you're unsure where to start or need help getting in touch with any of our services, email studentjourney@tees.ac.uk. If in doubt, seek us out.
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