Student Experience

Find out more about our student support hubs

Image of School of Natural Sciences student support hub

Student support hubs play a crucial role in supporting student wellbeing and contributing to a positive student experience. Each of our Schools is home to a dedicated student hub, and we recently spoke with Rachael Jordan, Student Service, Support, and Development Manager for the School of Natural Sciences, to find out more about how they operate and the support they offer.

Can you tell us about the services that the hubs provide and the kinds of issues that they deal with?
The hubs are the primary point of contact for students and act as a first port of call for any queries they may have. We try to address queries and concerns directly whenever possible, but we can also guide students to the appropriate services within the university if needed.

The hubs provide a range of services including wellbeing support, advice on mitigating circumstances, assistance with registration and course queries, and assistance with documentation, such as replacement student ID cards or letters for job applications, scholarships, or other official purposes. Additionally, the hubs play a key role in amplifying the student voice. Students can provide feedback in an informal setting or engage with the Student Voice Committees, which are supported by our staff.

In essence, we’re here to assist with all aspects of student life, ensuring that students feel supported throughout their University experience.

Who staffs the student support hubs?
They are staffed by the Student Support and Wellbeing team and the Student Information, Advice, and Guidance team (and the Foundation Studies team in the School of Engineering hub). The Curriculum and Programmes, Accreditation and Special Projects and Assessment and Progression teams support these teams remotely and via drop-ins.

Do the hubs offer any special types of events or initiatives?
Yes, each hub delivers a variety of special events and initiatives. An example is our weekly ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays’ which are laid-back events often held on Wednesday afternoons. These might include activities like paint-a-pot sessions, tea and coffee drop-ins for casual chats, or collaborative events with the Students’ Union, such as film screenings. Around Valentine’s Day, we also host a popular ‘Palentine’s’ event, focusing on friendship rather than romance, with activities like card making.

During the exam period, both hubs run daily exam breakfasts, which are really well received. Students can stop by our hub between 8.30am and 2.30pm to pick up a healthy snack, enjoy a hot or cold drink, and chat with staff. It’s a great way for students to calm their nerves before an exam or decompress and share how it went afterward.

We also host several events during Welcome Week to help new students settle in. For example, School student representatives are often available at the hubs, providing a platform for students to discuss any questions or concerns.

Image of the School of Engineering student support hub

Can you tell me more about the virtual hubs?
The School of Natural Sciences already has a virtual hub up and running, and one is currently being developed for the School of Engineering. In addition to face-to-face support, the virtual hubs serve as a one-stop shop for students, providing easy access to a wealth of information and resources.

The virtual hub is designed to address common student queries, offering guidance on topics like student life, financial information, banking, or even how to register with a GP. It provides key contacts and practical advice, covering many of the same areas we assist with in person.

Launched in September 2024, the virtual hub makes it simple for students to find answers online, but of course, if they prefer a more personal approach, they are always welcome to call us or to visit the physical hubs for further support.

What advice would you give to colleagues who want to support students?  
We’d advise that if there are any concerns about a student—whether they’re facing personal challenges, have not been attending, or might just benefit from someone reaching out—the student hub should be the first point of contact.

Our team is dedicated to students’ wellbeing and takes responsibility for checking in with students, identifying any issues, and ensuring they’re guided to the right support pathway. This might involve providing assistance directly through the wellbeing team or making a referral to another University service, such as the Counselling and Mental Health Service or Advice and Response.

The hubs are here to ensure that any student in need gets the right support as quickly and effectively as possible.

The student support hubs are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm during term time. Outside of term time, they are open from 10am to 4pm. For any urgent issues outside of these hours, students can access support through a variety of channels.

If you would like any further information on the student support hubs, please contact: