Understanding the Student Experience
Supporting students effectively begins with understanding their experience beyond the classroom. This guidance explores what it is like to be a student at the University of Portsmouth, focusing on the personal journey of living away from home, becoming more independent, building new relationships and adapting to unfamiliar environments. It is designed for both academic and professional services staff, recognising that every role contributes to the overall student experience and helps us provide more informed, empathetic support.
Transitioning to Higher Education
Starting university is an exciting but challenging step. From adapting to new academic expectations to managing independence and building a sense of belonging, this stage brings opportunities and pressures. Resources and support can help students navigate the change with confidence.
Identity, Disadvantage and Belonging
A sense of belonging is vital for student wellbeing and achievement. Research shows the importance of inclusive environments, strong social networks and tailored support for underrepresented groups. By addressing discrimination, imposter syndrome and structural barriers, universities can help every student feel supported and able to succeed.
Mental Health
Mental health plays a key role in students’ academic, social and personal experiences. With rising levels of stress, anxiety and depression across UK higher education, supporting wellbeing has become a priority. This section explores the challenges students face, highlights gender-specific concerns, and outlines how UoP fosters a mentally healthy university environment.
Key Takeaways
The primary message of all these sources and pieces of information is that students are dealing with a lot. In most cases, students are dealing with a few of these challenges, if not all of them. University is no longer the ‘care-free’, ‘no-responsibilities’ experience it used to be.
It is important to bring these issues to the attention of the staff at the University of Portsmouth to ensure we keep them in mind when we’re interacting with students, planning their courses and introducing new policies.
Our students are at the heart of everything we do and we must support them by creating an inclusive, open and compassionate environment.