Student wellbeing support at Huddersfield
Lily Harvey
Sport Exercise and Nutrition BSc(Hons)
Hello, I’m Lily and I'm a final year Sport Exercise and Nutrition student at the University of Huddersfield. I'm also part of the cheerleading society, which is like a second family to me. I moved to Huddersfield from a small village near Oxford.
An important question to ask yourself when embarking on any new journey in life is ‘where can I seek help or support if I need it?’
If anyone finds change difficult, it’s me! Having said that, without change, there is no room to grow and develop into the best version of yourself and that’s why I made the decision to move away to study at university.
I am currently studying Sport, Exercise and Nutrition at Huddersfield and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I absolutely love the course and I have enjoyed moving away from my hometown, so much so, that I am staying in Huddersfield over my summer break.
However, I’d be lying if I said everyday has been easy, and life has a way of throwing curveballs and causing chaos, especially during big life changes like starting university. Students, parents and carers may feel worried about how they might cope when students need support at university, but there is always support available.
Halfway through my first year, I felt like I needed some advice and someone to talk to who wasn’t personally involved in my life. Some things are tricky to talk about with loved ones and although I had great friends around me, they may not have all the answers you need in difficult times. I wasn’t sure where to go, and so I just went and spoke to iPoint - a help desk located in Student Central which can direct you to places on campus, where to find different services and can help you get in contact with different teams of people.
They gave me the information I needed to book a wellbeing appointment on campus. The appointment was made for the following week, although there are emergency appointments left free for some circumstances, so you are never waiting long to receive support.
Wellbeing appointments are not counselling appointments, although you can be referred to counselling services if you and your wellbeing advisor decide it will be beneficial. A wellbeing advisor is someone to give helpful and professional advice and refer you to resources or services they think may help you. Most importantly, they are a friendly face willing to help!
Without change, there is no room to grow and develop into the best version of yourself.
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After an initial appointment, I was added to a counselling waiting list, which did have a few months’ wait time, but in the meantime, I was not left alone. I was given loads of resources and multiple follow up wellbeing appointments whilst I was waiting for counselling, which meant I could offload about things and was encouraged to continue looking after myself with some great practical advice.
The counselling course was five weeks, and it was great support to get me back to feeling like myself again.
There is a brand new building called the Jo Cox More In Common Centre at the University, designed with natural wood and green colours, where counselling sessions are held, along with prayer rooms and other facilities. This building is such a haven, and there is space to chill out before or after your session.
The following year, I had another situation arise where I just wanted to chat to my original wellbeing advisor for reassurance. I emailed her, and within a few days I was booked in for an appointment with her.
Because she knew me from the previous year, I felt comfortable and at ease asking for advice. After a comforting chat, I felt much better and she rereferred me back to the counselling service as we felt it may be beneficial to do a bit more brain work - each student can access a course of counselling each academic year.
Again, she continued to schedule appointments with me until I received counselling again. I have been told I can get in touch with her at any time for the rest of my time here and she will always help. This has given me peace of mind going forwards. Through this course of support, I have mastered many self-help and wellbeing techniques and feel well equipped to deal with life’s next test.
Regarding my studies, there were some circumstances where my wellbeing advisor could help me extend deadlines or give me advice on how to stay on top of things. I managed to get everything done on time, but if I was panicked, I was reassured there were things we could put in place to alleviate this stress - wellbeing is regarded as incredibly important at Huddersfield.
As well as the services I have accessed myself, there are other services especially for disabilities, workshops and groups you can get involved in to help support you through your studies.
My top tips for wellbeing at university are:
- Walks - I am a very active and slightly chaotic person for the majority of the time at university! Walking has helped me find a slower pace of life, whilst still doing great things for my physical health. Give it a try.
- Little comforts from home, childhood or any fond memories. For me, this is in the form of a hot drink - often a cup of tea. Getting in my pyjamas and winding down with a cup of tea reminds me of my lovely mum and settles me down for the evening.
- A nutritious diet - this can be easier said than done, but as someone who studies nutrition and from my own experience, eating balanced meals, eating enough food and eating regularly are all important factors in making you feel your best.
Although sometimes life can feel like it’s all too much, especially when studying, please reach out for help. With a bit of support, guidance and resilience, you can get through it all, enjoy your time at university and complete your studies to the best of your ability. We believe in you!
Find out more about the university and our courses by chatting to our students via Unibuddy here.
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