Wellbeing Booklet - Europe

Wellbeing Booklet - Europe

AND BREATHE... WE’RE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

@somswansea

CONTENTS A warm welcome from us all at the School You Are Resilient – Hear From Our Students Advice on Managing Stress and Anxiety with Campus Life Swansea: Our City by the Sea Our Student Experience Team Top Tips For When You Arrive At Swansea University

2 3 5 7 9 10

A WARM WELCOME FROM US ALL AT THE SCHOOL

The past year has been like no other. Its unknowns, lockdowns, and periods of isolation have uncovered feelings of anxiety and sadness in so many of us. The pressure of applying to university and the changes to how your final grades are determined, have meant additional stress to an already challenging year. Your feelings are valid, you have been through so much and we hope you will find some comfort and support in this booklet. We have asked our students and support networks within the School of Management, to share their experiences with you and to offer some advice for managing challenging times. Although you’ve not yet joined us, we want you to know that in applying, you are already part of the family and we are here to support you.

Stay safe, School of Management

If you have any questions about your offer, studying at Swansea or your grades, please contact us directly on [email protected].

2

YOU ARE RESILIENT – HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS

You are stronger than you know. You have already worked through an exceptionally difficult year and have received an offer to study with us at Swansea. However, it is understandable if you still feel anxious about the outcomes of your results and what’s to come at university. You are not alone- we asked our students to share their experiences of 2020 and to share their advice for starting university during a global pandemic.

Victoria Ioannidou, BSc Business Management (Year in Industry) “The School was very supportive throughout the start and especially throughout my first few weeks at the university which were overwhelming as I’m from Greece and studying in the UK was new to me. They put on events for us to get to know people on our course better and gave me all the guidance I needed

until I found my feet!” Top Tip: “Studying through a pandemic can be stressful but don’t be afraid to open up to people and push yourself out of your comfort zone, try new things, set goals and get involved in all the different opportunities provided.”

Chido Ranganayi, BSc Accounting and Finance “Being an international student, finding a supportive community was the most important thing, because I knew that once I felt supported and welcomed, I would be able to give my best. Thankfully, Swansea University has provided me with situation- specific academic, wellbeing and community support since starting.”

Top Tip: “The best tips I have for coping with online university during the pandemic are to take each moment as it comes, prioritise your daily tasks, and schedule downtime.”

3

Aleksandra Pietrzykowska, BSc Economics “I am more than grateful for the support I got through pandemic time from my university. Swansea University has established a couple of new dedicated support services for students. I could either call or email them to get help. The University is doing their best to keep students up-to-date on NHS advice and Government guidance and this is something that I really appreciate.” Top Tip: “Meet up with friends. Either for a socially distanced walk at the beach or even via zoom. Having somebody to have a chat with is priceless.”

Alexander Edwards, BSc Economics (Year in Industry) “I received A-Level results that I wasn’t expecting, which was really disheartening. However, I spoke to Swansea Uni and they were so helpful. They put my mind at ease, talked me through my options and I’m proud to say that I’m now in my first year, studying Economics. Speaking to Swansea University directly, was definitely the best thing that came out of results day.”

Top Tip: “My advice would be to join a club or society when you start at Swansea. It’s a great way to meet new people, even if virtually. I would also tell you to ‘be yourself’. Everyone’s in the same boat and opening up to new friends will help build good relationships as you start university.”

Jalal Yousif, BSc Economics (Year in Industry) “The transition to online learning was challenging and it’s difficult not seeing friends in person and not being able to ask lecturers questions in person. However, lecturers are more than happy for you to email them directly for additional support, which has been great. I believe that online learning can be efficient by staying organised and reaching for help if needed.”

Top Tip: “Taking regular breaks and speaking to peers helps. We are lucky that in the School of Management we have Student Experience Officers- I can’t thank them enough for always checking on us and setting lots of fun events albeit virtually.”

4

ADVICE ON MANAGING STRESS AND ANXIETY WITH CAMPUS LIFE

Campus Life at Swansea University is a service that offers free, impartial, non- judgemental advice and support services to all students in a relaxed, friendly and confidential environment. The team understands that for you to enjoy your time at university to its full potential, they need to support you in a variety of ways. On campus they can be found in The Lighthouse (Singleton Campus) and The Haven (Bay Campus). Their services are currently offered online via Zoom and telephone. You can see the team for specialist support about everything from wellbeing, money, living off campus and faith. The Campus Life services include: •Listening Service •Meditation support •Bereavement Support Group •Faith Advice •Specialised support for students living off campus who might need some advice and guidance on living in the community

Mandy Williams is the Manager of Community at Campus Life, she has provided her top meditation tips below to help you pause, reflect and take a step back from the stresses of every- day life. Many students practice these and they’re a great way to consciously make time for yourself- be it when you wake up, on your lunch break or to help you unwind in the evenings.

• Find a quiet relaxing space or find somewhere quiet to head for a walk • If you are new to meditation try using a meditation app (our top suggestions are seen on the next page) or join a group where you will be guided • Start small, 5 minutes of meditation a day is all you need to begin with • Keep at it , try to make it part of your daily routine • Meditation is about being kind to yourself, Go easy, if you feel distracted just bring your focus back to your breathing

5

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT AND WHERE TO FIND IT

There are several wellbeing apps and online support services available, but finding the right platform for you, can be overwhelming. To help you decide what’s best for you, we have included a list of five great resources, which we find useful and effective. We are all different so it’s about finding what works best for you:

SUPPORT AND WELLBEING : myuni.swansea.ac.uk/support-wellbeing

This is a great place to start and to understand the support available to you as a Swansea University student. Here you will find advice on money, wellbeing, student health, help in a crisis and welfare, to name but a few.

STOP BREATHE THINK: stopbreathethink.com/learn

Mindfulness for beginners. There is no time like the present to take a moment and explore what could really have an impact on your wellbeing. This emotional wellness app delivers daily reminders to ‘pause’ and also shares great meditation exercises that you can incorporate into your day.

HEADSPACE : headspace.com

Headspace’s strapline is: Less stressed. More resilient. Happier. That’s what we all want, right? This app helps you practice mindfulness in a manageable way and provides great tips and techniques for incorporating it into your daily routine. MIND : mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/wellbeing Mind is a mental health charity which campaigns to raise awareness and understanding of mental health problems. Their website offers great, practical advice for wellbeing, dealing with stress and how to seek further support if needed.

6

SWANSEA: OUR CITY BY THE SEA Swansea is the ultimate city for open spaces, outdoor activities and a five-mile long sweeping golden beach. Whether we’re in ‘lockdown’ and required to walk (or work)-from-home only, you can’t really experience a much better location than this. To help you get a feel for where you may soon call home, we’ve included our top locations from around the city that our students love exploring. BAY CAMPUS BEACH Home to some of the best sunsets and literally a stone’s throw away from campus, we have adopted this beach as our own. You’ll often catch students having their lunch and playing sport on this beautiful location, which we’re lucky to have on our doorstep at the School of Management. SWANSEA MARINA A great spot for a stroll, grabbing a bite to eat or a drink. Swansea Marina is equidistant between Bay and Singleton campuses and is a firm favourite for both locals and students. It’s also just a 5-minute walk from the city centre and runs parallel to Swansea Bay Beach. SWANSEA BAY BEACH 5 miles of golden beach sweeping from Swansea Marina, the whole way to Knab Rock, Mumbles. This beach is a hot-spot for students and summer evenings are usually spent having BBQs, relaxing and playing sport on this beautiful stretch of sand.

7

UPLANDS AND BRYNMILL This is where a lot of students call home from 2nd year onwards. Home to great bars, stores and restaurants it has the hustle and bustle of a mini town. Just 15 minutes from Swansea Bay Beach and home to three incredible parks; Singleton Park, Brynmill Park and Cwmdonkin Park. PARK LIFE – SINGLETON, BRYNMILL AND CWMDONKIN PARK Three great parks within Uplands and Brynmill – all just a 10-minute walk of each other. Brynmill Park is known for its beautiful large lake right in the middle, Singleton Park is a vast green space and best known for hosting huge music events (including Radio 1s Biggest Weekend), while Cwmdonkin Park is known for its landscaped gardens and links with local writer, Dylan Thomas, who once described the landscaped park as “a world within the world of the sea town”.

GOWER You can experience the UK’s first area of outstanding natural beauty – just a 25-minute drive from Bay Campus. This is where you’ll find Rhossilli, Oxwich, Llangennith, Caswell and Langland bays. Some of the world’s best beaches known for great surfing and untouched natural beauty. You’ll never want to leave!

8

OUR STUDENT EXPERIENCE TEAM Our support network doesn’t stop at our lecturers and tutors. Our Student Experience Team, are here to help make sure you have the best student experience possible The team have lots of experience in supporting students and are always there when you need them. They are your go-to for: •all your welfare and pastoral support needs

•help settling in and becoming part of our SoM Community •student engagement and opportunities to use your student voice

Q: How do I get the most out of my time at Swansea? A: Take advantage of everything on offer! Academic and support services, societies and sports teams, social events and guest lectures, careers advice and wellbeing support – there’s a wealth of opportunities outside the lectures on your timetable! Q: I get extra time for exams at school (e.g. for dyslexia, ADHD) – will I get that at Uni? A: We can make all kinds of arrangements for students with additional requirements, but it isn’t automatic. Talk to a Student Experience Officer and the Disability Office for support with the process of getting adjustments in place. Q: What if I get behind on my work? A: Whether you’re struggling with a module, having some health issues, run into personal problems, or just have trouble managing your time, there’s support available through the University. We’re here to help, so don’t be embarrassed to ask. International @CampusLife is a great resource for students and their families for all sorts of non-academic problems: swansea.ac.uk/international-campuslife We’ve asked Student Experience Officers, to share their frequently asked questions with you, which may put your mind at ease, knowing that other students have these same worries:

AMY GENDERS

LAURA MALE

PETER GRIFFITHS

9

TOP TIPS FOR WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT SWANSEA UNIVERSITY By the time you arrive at Swansea, you will have

your enrolment and accommodation sorted but what about the next steps for settling into your new, exciting life? We asked our student representatives, Elizabeth Lomas and Victoria Ioannidou for their advice on what to do once you arrive with us.

REGISTER WITH A DOCTOR: Accessing the doctor on Singleton campus is not the only option – there is SA1 Doctor Surgery which is just one stop away on the number 8 or number 10 bus VISIT THE STUDENT INFORMATION OFFICE: This team provides pastoral care, and advice on health and wellbeing. If you’re unhappy about something, for example, have concerns about accommodation or concerns about your course – they’re there to support you STUDY SPACES – NOT JUST THE LIBRARY: The library at the Bay can get busy at peak times so be sure check out other study spaces in the School of Management, the Great Hall, Nanhyfer and other buildings across campus – there’s loads of space to use DON’T BE AFRAID TO CONSULT YOUR LECTURERS – THEY ARE NOT MONSTERS: Lecturers at the School of Management are really approachable and want you to succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – they’re there to help you succeed SUPERMARKET SHOPPING: Make the most of online shopping- pool your order with your flatmates; you can also access Click and Collect with all major supermarkets!

HERE TO HELP!

10

EXCLUSIVE ONLINE OFFER HOLDER EVENTS Engage directly with our lecturers, current students, employability and student support services, for in-depth insight into your course, the careers that lay ahead, and life as a student in Swansea.

For more webinars and to see what the School has to offer visit:

swansea.ac.uk/som/schools-engagement/webinar-series swansea.ac.uk/som/schools-engagement/subject-sessions

Join an upcoming Virtual Open Day. swansea.ac.uk/open-days.

Chat to our students and get first hand information on studying and student life in Swansea. swansea.ac.uk/study/student-life/ambassador-chat

KEEP IN TOUCH… We’re here for you and don’t forget to contact us if you want to discuss your offer, grades or anything else about studying at Swansea University’s School of Management: [email protected].

11