Hello and welcome to the May addition of our International Student Support Newsletter. These are difficult times for everyone as we deal with the current COVID-19 pandemic sweeping across the world. I hope that you are all staying safe and our in good health and wish the same for your families and friends during this unpredecented period.
We know that many of you will be dealing with the lockdown in your own way and some may be able to deal with this better than others. Having spoken with a number of you recently it has become apparent that you are concerned for your wellbeing and that a number of you share the same concerns, for example, homesickness, struggling focusing on studies, anxiety and stress, difficulties sleeping.
To help you through these time, we are running a number of webinars over the next few weeks to talk through some of these concerns and why you might be feeling more sensitive towards some of these than normal. I would encourage you to come along, take part and listen to some of the advice we can offer. We main priority is to provide you with some tips on how to deal with these concerns and offer support and guidance where appropriate.
The webinars will take place via. Microsoft Teams, details are as follows:
Tuesday 18th May 2020 – ARE YOU OK? Webinar
1.45pm to 2.45pm
During the session we will be looking at what we mean by wellbeing, what can affect your wellbeing and where can you go for self help or more professional support. There will be time at the end for you to ask any questions you may have.
To join, click the following link: https://bit.ly/2y3v3WK
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Thursday 21st May 2020 – HOW TO GET A BETTER SLEEP – Webinar
1.30pm to 2.00pm
Sleep is an important part of our routine which is very often a neglected part of our overall health and wellbeing. Sleep helps enable the body to repair and to be fit and ready for another day. If you are having difficulties sleeping come along to our webinar to find out how to get a better night’s sleep and the importance that the environment in which we sleep affects the quality of our sleep. There will be time at the end for you to ask any questions you may have.
To join, click the following link: https://bit.ly/3dNbNMj
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In addition, we will also be running the following webinars over the coming weeks. More details will follow next week but you may wish to make a note in your diary so you don’t forget:
Tuesday 26th May 2020 – 1.45pm to 2.45pm – HEALTHY EATING
To join click: https://bit.ly/3fQw8Cd
Thursday 28th May 2020 – 1.45pm to 2.45pm – GET A BETTER GRADE: Wellbeing whilst Studying
To join, click the following link: https://bit.ly/2zBJ7Y6
Tuesday 02nd June 2020 – 1.45pm to 2.45pm – Managing Homesickness
To join, click the following link: https://bit.ly/3fLwBWx
Thursday 04th June 2020 – 1.45pm to 2.45pm – Dealing with Anxiety and Stress during difficult times
To join, click the following link: https://bit.ly/3bDpmfU
As well as our webinar series, you can find a wide range of information on our Wellbeing web pages – take a look.
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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK – 18th May to 22nd May 2020
Next week is Mental Health Awareness week and the theme this year is “Kindness”.
Why Kindness?
The Mental Health Foundation choose Kindness “because of its singular ability to unlock our shared humanity. Kindness strengthens relationships, develops community and deepens solidarity. It is a cornerstone of our individual and collective mental health. Wisdom from every culture across history recognises that kindness is something that all human beings need to experience and practise to be fully alive.”
The University is hosting a variety of online events to celebrate the week which you can all get involved with regardless of where you are in the world. An overview of the week is below and you can find out more about what is going on by liking the Student Hub Facebook page which will have all the links to take part in the activities. Alternatively, you can check our more details via. the My Staffs Uni App under the ‘News’ Tile and then click Mental Health Awareness week.
Do take part if you can and share in the joy that Kindness can bring to us all.
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Keep in Touch!
The International Student Support team are still here to support you albeit it remotely. If you need to get in touch, all our details are below:
You can email us, WhatsApp us on 07876222927, telephone 01782 294639 or book an appointment.
You can also find out more about other University Support Services.
If you need a safe place to talk, share and get support go to Big White Wall.
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On behalf of the Student Services and Wellbeing team, continue to stay safe during the pandemic and please do reach out to us if you require any support or guidance.
International Student Support
If you wish to be met when you arrive at the airport by a local taxi representative and be taken directly to your accommodation then you might wish to consider using our bookable taxi service.
the United Kingdom. Below are some links to the first in this series of pre-arrival information we will send to you. This week we are focusing on “preparing for your journey”. Included is a simple guide about booking tickets, accommodation and travelling to the UK. It is important you read through all this information because the travel guidance is different, depending on which country you are traveling from. The earlier you start to plan for your journey the better prepared you will be.