Our students’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do, now so more than ever. The pandemic has affected us all in different ways and it’s important that we recognise that. Today we’re talking to three students that have used ULaw support services to help them through some tough times. We have changed their names for privacy reasons.
By Elsa Tatam. Published 23 April 2021. Last updated 13 June 2022.
Ali
I am studying for an LLB over three years and I am currently in my first year. I chose to study at ULaw after attending an open day; I found ULaw to be organised and friendly. Studying at the Birmingham campus also means I can stay home as I wanted. I want to come out of university with the best grades possible and to get a great job but, most importantly, be happy.
I learnt about the Student Welfare Support Services on my first day at ULaw when my tutor discussed all the services that were available and how we could use them.
I have used Togetherall. I had a chat with someone about some sad thoughts I was having. After speaking to them, I felt as though they really helped me and didn’t need to take it further. I have also used the meditation app Headspace, which was provided by ULaw.
I was nervous using Togetherall for the first time but as it’s an anonymous service, that helped me feel confident enough to get in touch. After speaking to Togetherall, I felt much happier and less worried. I often overthink situations, but after my chat, I was calm and could get on with my life again.
Support services like these are important, especially during the pandemic; students can feel alone. Some can also be struggling with other private issues. Just knowing you can reach out to someone if you want or need to is really important.
My advice to other students is don’t be nervous about using the services available. It is so important to reach out, and you will feel so much better for doing it.
Robin
I am currently studying the MA Law. I had always had an interest in law and the lockdown gave me lots of time to reflect on where I was and where I wanted to be.
My mother became a qualified mediator after her split from my Dad. Seeing the doors that she opened for herself by furthering her education and pushing herself gave me the inspiration to do the same. I aim to follow a similar line of work to my mother, something like dispute resolution or helping small businesses.
I looked at the student support services before applying to ULaw as I used them a lot during my undergraduate degree. I have used both Student Space and Togetherall.
I signed up to Togetherall and found some really useful resources, as well as options to talk to the online community. Student Space has a chat function that is great for getting things off your chest.
I wasn’t nervous about using the services as I have used similar ones before, and I was comforted to know they were there. I feel more able to cope day to day just knowing the services are there when I need them.
I think services like this are hugely important. Like I said, just knowing they are there can be a huge weight lifted. Not to mention the relief they can bring when you access them.
Don’t be nervous or worried to reach out; people are there to help you. Don’t see it as another task; you can dip in and out as often as you like. It’s totally up to you.
Alex
I am studying the four year LLB Law Online. I chose to study at ULaw because I had had a difficult home life while in school. When I left home, I didn’t want to uproot my life and start over in a new town. The University of Law allowed me to study the exact course I wanted, a qualifying solicitor’s degree, and I could study the course online.
My law teacher in sixth form made me fall in love with the subject. She was so passionate about it and supplied me with skills, such as revision techniques, that I still use today.
I aim to become a solicitor and hopefully a judge. I would love to reform certain parts of the law, such as in criminal law, as most of it is very archaic.
After discussing some things with my personal tutor, she suggested the ULaw support services. I have used Togetherall and the My SSP app - I received an email from ULaw about this and downloaded it. They have both been helpful when I feel down or have things that are difficult to talk about.
For Togetherall, I signed up and filled out a survey on their website. Then I looked at their self-help courses for issues such as depression and low mood.
For SSP, they have a very easy live chat that is open 24/7, and I used this to have a quick talk with a student support advisor.
I was definitely nervous to reach out; I find it hard to talk about my feelings. It helped just to get everything out; it felt like a weight off my shoulders.
Also, the self-help courses helped to put what I was feeling into words.
Support services at university are essential. I know there is always someone to reach out to, and that’s very important, especially during the pandemic when we cannot socialise normally.
I’d advise students to take that leap. Once you’ve reached out for help for the first time, it gets a lot easier. Anonymous chats allow you to keep everything private and they are really helpful.
Discover more about we can support your ambition with ULaw support services.
