The Advice Service shares these five tips to make your transition into the University life as smooths as possible.
- Tip 1: Learn about the Exceptional Circumstances (EC)
Although we really hope your studies go well, sometimes things may come up in your life which means you cannot submit your coursework or attend your exams. If this would be the case, Brunel has Exceptional Circumstances and Coursework Extension Policy which each student should be aware of from the moment your studies commence.
It is really important that you communicate with the University and let them know about your circumstances as this can prevent you from failing your studies and being asked to withdraw.
You can find more information about this here.
- Tip 2: Learn about Academic Misconduct
To avoid receiving unpleasant emails from the University informing you of allegations of potential breach of student conduct, please familiarise yourself with terms like plagiarism, contract cheating, collusion or falsification of evidence.
In short, if you are feeling stressed and think that using Chat GPT (or similar), copying someone else’s work or sharing your assignments with your friends is a good idea, consider the potential outcome of your actions.
You can find out more information about student misconduct here.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or down, you should get in touch with the Student Support and Welfare Team and consider asking for University counselling sessions. More information can be found here.
Additionally, as mentioned in Tip 1, if you are going through rough time that has a negative impact on your academic performance, let the university know through the EC claim.
- Tip 3: If you are in any financial difficulties, seek help as soon as possible.
We understand that students in financial difficulties can feel ashamed at times, but it is really important to seek help as soon as you are aware of any potential issues with paying for your tuition fees, accommodation or any other bills.
If you would find yourself in a short-term unexpected and unavoidable hardship, the University might offer you help though the University Hardship Fund. However, if your hardship is ongoing, you might need to consider taking a temporary break from your studies.
You can find more money tips and information on how to budget or avoid fraud here.
- Tip 4: Arrange a Student Support Profile if eligible.
Students with long-term medical conditions such as any specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia and ADHD), any mental health conditions (including anxiety and depression) or any long-term physical conditions, should have a so-called Student Support Profile in place.
This is so adequate support is put in place if you need it. This would vary based on your conditions, but good examples of extra support are for example, being given extra exam time or being offered more breaks.
You would need to contact the Student Support and Welfare Team to arrange this. You can either visit them in Student Hub during the opening hours, give them a call on +44 (0)1895 267045 or email them at: studentsupport@brunel.ac.uk
- Tip 5: Contact the Union Advice Service if in doubt.
If you there is anything you need guidance on, please get in touch with us by emailing advice@brunel.ac.uk or visiting us during drop-in hours.
In case we would not be able to help you with your enquiry, we will try our best to signpost or refer you to services that would be able to assist you.