As advertised, the Student Support Hub offers support, advice and guidance during the student journey. It addresses everything from student registration to careers.

Prior to the commencement of the academic year, I received an email from the Hub welcoming me to the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) and reminding me of important activities to complete upon arrival. It introduced me to the exciting events for both my program and the university during the Welcome Week. Owing to the plethora of stalls across the campus, we could access a virtual timetable which helped us plan out the week. From the email, I also became aware of the university resources such as the central learning platform Canvas, attendance app SEAtS and award-winning learning essentials toolkit via the university library.

While settling in, as a first-time international student, I approached the Hub with a list of queries pertaining to my registration, course, opportunities and life as a UoM student.

The team listened to and responded patiently to each and every question and followed up with an email confirmation sharing necessary and helpful details. They were delighted to hear about my dancing skills and promised to keep a look out for opportunities wherein I may showcase my talent. Shortly after, I received a course handbook along with details of the optional modules and timetable which helped me understand what my course offers and select those classes most suitable for me. The various academic resources and free dissertation workshops organized by the Hub are extremely applicable and helpful.

Owing to past experiences where international students had issues with the immigration office while travelling during the winter break, my Program Director warned me to ensure my visa was in check so that I may visit my country and return without a problem. I immediately checked in with the Hub who directed me to the visa team and resolved my concern quickly, to my relief.

Having undergone a stressful assignment submission period wherein I raced to complete my essays before the deadline, instead of focusing on my health also, it was nice of the Hub to organize free breakfast, which reminded me I was not alone battling the assessments and the cold weather and that I had to also take care of myself.

The dedicated SEED Hub Student Support and Wellbeing team members offer one-on-one sessions and were the first ones to offer support to those affected by the incident at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue last year.

The Hub is always bustling with activity, be it an inter or intra school activity. All events, opportunities and important dates are promoted and published on the SEED Students Community Page, UoM SEED Instagram page and fortnightly newsletter. The fun events hosted at the Hub are a great way to make friends and take a break from the academics. They motivated me to be a Student Representative for my class and join societies to increase my extra-curricular activities. Reading the stories from the SEED blogs have helped me travel around Manchester, spend money wisely and be healthy while living independently.

From my interactions with the individuals working at the Hub, I admire how they are mindful and respect each student’s privacy. The SEED Student Support Hub is the first place I go to whenever I have a question or a problem or seek support or company. Its efficiency, proactiveness, support and responsiveness give me the reassurance I need. Through its guidance, I realise I am where I want to be, doing the course that is perfect for me.

Written by Sanjukta, a current postgraduate student in SEED.

Related