First Term
One term in already. Other things you should be aware of.
Are you working on your first assignment?
If you would like to discuss how to approach and write your first assignment you could book a tutorial with a Learning Development tutor to discuss your approach. If you need support in finding the right resources (books, journal articles) for your assignment you could book a tutorial with an Academic Librarian to practice your searching techniques. If you have already received some feedback from your tutor, the Learning Development team can also discuss how to apply that feedback to your future work and assignments, in order to make improvements. Contact us to book an appointment.
To help you settle into your new home
Our residential team; full time advisors and officers as well as our student assistants are here to help and guide you through your first year with us. Information about accommodation and more detail on how we support you can be found on our webpages.
Keep your eye out for cracking accommodation for next year. The StudentPad platform and Residential Life Team offer support, guidance and information about the process of getting your accommodation sorted for next year.
Recruitment for our UON Student Ambassador role occurs mid-way through the Autumn term every year. If you’re successful, you could be working for the university on a range of activities including; working with prospective students on campus tours, open days, school activities, online chat functions and discovery days. Being an Ambassador will help you to develop and enhance a variety of valuable skills, including communication, presentation and leadership which will help with your employability and future job applications.
The Employability Award and you
Hopefully you have already completed your self-assessment and your action plan and be some way into your practical experience (experiential learning). If you need any help with your award book an appointment with a careers advisor or coach. Phone 01604 892727, email employability@northampton.ac.uk.
Does your course include a funded educational or study trip?
Some courses offer free study and educational trips and visits, but you’ll know about these already from when you went through the UCAS application process and you did all your research for your course. Why not have a chat with your lecturers and see when these trips are planned across your course and then you’ll know when to save some money for equipment and materials you might need for the trip.
All study trips are subject to national and local Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions.
Here to help and support when you need us
Getting to know what support services are available and how to access them is really important. There are pop-up events on campus throughout the year, from all our support services which can help signpost you to these services. Click on the links to find out more about what academic support you can access and how our resources will support you with your studies.
Register for the Togetherall digital mental health platform and to access NHS mental health services on the Counselling and Mental Health Hub [student login required].
If you are in crisis please phone 999 in an emergency or go to Accident and Emergency.
There are a variety of external counselling services that may well be useful for you to access and be aware of which can be found at the bottom of the Appointments and drop in page [student login required].
Who to contact if things aren’t going to plan?
If things don’t go according to plan, don’t worry, we are able to support you. Your Personal Tutor or other members of your academic team can help with academic matters such as concerns about meeting assignment deadlines or what resources to use in your assignments. General queries are probably best answered by the Student Information Desk and you can also contact the Student Support and Advice Team (link to Student Hub, requires student login) to discuss options. Whatever happens, please let us know so we can take some of the burden and worry off your shoulders
We know that in your first term there’s a lot of information to take in and that there might be a time when you need signposting to support or services but aren’t sure how or what they do.
You can ask any questions you have on our Applicant group on Facebook and be signposted to the most appropriate support. You might even find that you can help other students from your experiences too.
How are you settling into university life?
Moving to university can be an overwhelming time but you have support around you to make settling in that little bit easier. If you are struggling with your course or just need to see a friendly face, our independent advice service can offer support. As well as academic advice, we provide advice on housing, self-care, work-life balance and also financial help. You can contact our advisors via email or visit the Engine Shed.
Have you joined any student groups? It’s a brilliant opportunity to meet people similar to you. We have a range of academic, recreational and sport clubs to get involved with.
You might want to consider being a course rep. Have at a look at the information on the SU website which will help you decide.