This guidance aims to provide our staff with a deeper understanding of how our students experience life at the University of Portsmouth. In this context, we are not focusing on the teaching, facilities, and qualifications our institution offers, but rather on the complete personal experience of being away from home, gaining independence, entering a new social environment and navigating unfamiliar situations.
This guidance is aimed at both academic and professional services staff, as our work at the University affects student experience, whether we have regular contact or not.
However, this may be particularly useful to our staff who interact with students regularly, so we can understand their issues and concerns more fully.
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, Discrimination 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.