How To Help Students From Other Universities

Students often need help with a variety of issues, from academic and financial matters to personal challenges and mental health concerns. While most students will be able to rely on their family for support, those who are away from home may need to look elsewhere. This is where the support services at universities come in, which are designed to help students overcome any difficulties they might face and thrive during their studies. These services are typically provided by a team called 'student support services' and are available to students from all backgrounds. The support on offer includes help with accommodation, academic and study skills, budgeting and managing finances, and access to mental health and wellbeing services.

In this article, we will explore the different types of support available to students and how they can access them, as well as the role of universities in supporting their students' success and wellbeing. We will also discuss the importance of peer support and how students can look out for one another.

Student support services can help with finding accommodation, budgeting, and managing finances

Student support services are a great resource for students who need help with a range of issues, including finding accommodation, budgeting, and managing finances. These services are typically offered by universities and colleges to support their students' transition into higher education and ongoing experience.

Finding Accommodation

Student support services can provide guidance and resources to help students secure suitable accommodation. This may include advice on finding accommodation close to campus, understanding lease agreements, and knowing students' rights as tenants. They may also offer assistance in finding roommates or navigating housing applications and procedures.

Budgeting and Managing Finances

Budgeting is an essential skill for students to master, and student support services often offer financial literacy workshops, one-on-one consultations, and online resources to help students manage their finances effectively. They can provide advice on creating and sticking to a budget, prioritizing expenses, and reducing costs. Additionally, they can inform students about scholarships, grants, bursaries, and other financial aid opportunities to help supplement their income and lower education-related costs.

Some student support services also offer emergency loans or hardship funds for students facing unexpected financial difficulties. They can help students understand and apply for government financial aid, such as residential bursaries or residential support schemes, especially if they are studying away from home.

Overall, student support services play a crucial role in helping students navigate the financial aspects of their education, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed in their academic pursuits.

Students can seek help from their peers, such as course representatives

Course representatives are responsible for proactively seeking out students' thoughts and opinions on their programme of study and their wider learning experience. They act as a channel of communication between the students and the university staff, presenting concerns and feedback to the relevant departments and members of staff. They also participate in meetings, such as Staff-Student Consultative Committee (SSCC) meetings, to address any issues or problems that students may be facing.

Being a course representative is an excellent opportunity for students to develop valuable skills and attributes that will benefit their personal and professional growth. It fosters a sense of leadership and enhances their communication and problem-solving abilities. They learn how to gather and consolidate feedback, facilitate discussions, and work collaboratively to find solutions.

Additionally, course representatives promote a positive learning environment by encouraging students to share their thoughts and concerns. They play an active role in the development and enhancement of the academic experience, working closely with staff to resolve problems and improve the quality of education. This collaborative approach benefits both the students and the university, creating a supportive and responsive learning community.

Students can benefit from seeking help from course representatives as they are peers who understand the student perspective and can offer support and guidance. They can provide advice on academic and study skills, direct students to relevant resources, and help navigate any challenges or issues that may arise during their university journey. This peer-to-peer support can be invaluable, especially for students who may be facing similar struggles or adjustments to university life.

Students can take courses at another college or university as a transient student

In Florida, for example, students enrolled in a state college or university can take courses at another state college or university as a transient student. This allows students to mix and match courses from across the state as long as they fulfill state, institution, and program requirements. To do this, students must complete and submit an online Transient Student Admission Application. A separate application must be submitted for each institution, and students can request approval for up to four courses on one application.

Before applying, students must get permission from both their home institution and the institution where they wish to take the course. Additionally, the home institution will make the final decision on residency, which will determine whether the student is eligible for in-state tuition. It is important to note that students receiving financial aid may need to pay tuition for these courses upfront and will be reimbursed later.

When considering taking a course at another institution, it is essential to understand how to transfer college credits. This process can vary depending on the location of the colleges and the specific courses being transferred. In general, it is easier to transfer general education courses and lower-level courses than major-specific or upper-level courses. Checking the articulation agreement between the colleges can help students determine which courses are transferable.

Students can benefit from the support of sabbatical officers, who are elected representatives in student unions

The primary role of sabbatical officers is to represent and support students, and they act as a point of contact between students and the union and university. They help plan campaigns, events, and activities, and work to achieve their manifesto objectives. Sabbatical officers also attend meetings, collaborate with other student representatives, and share the opinions and concerns of students.

The specific roles and titles of sabbatical officers can vary, and may include positions such as President, Education Officer, Societies Officer, Sports Officer, Welfare Officer, or Communications Officer. These officers form the executive committee of the student union and work together to support and represent the student body.

By having sabbatical officers, students can benefit from dedicated representatives who understand their needs and concerns and can effectively communicate these to the university. Sabbatical officers can also provide guidance and support to students, especially in areas such as academic and study skills, financial advice, mental health and wellbeing, and accommodation.

Overall, sabbatical officers play a crucial role in supporting students and enhancing their university experience by advocating for their rights and interests and creating a platform for student engagement and representation.

Students can access support for disabilities and special educational needs

Students with disabilities or special educational needs are protected under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which has been amended to broaden the interpretation of disability. This law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs or activities that receive financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education (ED).

Section 504 requires schools to provide a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) to each qualified student with a disability. This means that schools must provide regular or special education, as well as related aids and services, to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities as adequately as the needs of students without disabilities.

To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, have a record of such an impairment, or be regarded as having such an impairment. Major life activities include functions such as learning, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, and working.

The evaluation process for identifying students with disabilities must ensure that children are not misclassified, unnecessarily labelled, or incorrectly placed. Tests used must accurately reflect the student's aptitude or achievement, rather than their disability, and be administered by trained personnel. The evaluation should consider multiple sources of information, such as aptitude and achievement tests, teacher recommendations, physical condition, social and cultural background, and adaptive behaviour.

Once a student is identified as eligible for services under Section 504, the school must develop an appropriate plan and periodically re-evaluate the student's needs. This may be done in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The school must also ensure that regular education teachers implement the provisions of Section 504 plans.

In addition to legal protections, there are a variety of academic supports and accommodations available to students with disabilities. These include adapting instruction, providing supplementary aids and services, and making modifications or accommodations in scheduling, setting, materials, and student response. For example, a student with a disability may be given extra time to complete assignments, work with a tutor, or be allowed to give oral responses instead of written ones.

It is important to note that the specific accommodations and modifications will depend on the individual needs of each student and should be determined in collaboration with the student, their parents or guardians, teachers, and other relevant staff.

Frequently asked questions