How to build a support system while at University
Date 3 March 2025
3.03.2025In this blog, Faith advises that developing a healthy support network at university is so important that it is vital in making the best of not only your social life here at the University of Northampton but also your academic life.
Building a support network while you study
Support systems can develop from anywhere whether it be your family, your flatmates, your course mates or even the relationships you have with your lecturers.
The power of an email
Forming a good relationship with your lecturers is vital to your degree. Every lecturer will have their set office hours, so make use of these! During office hours is the time during the day that your lecturer will be available to answer any questions and provide guidance with your assignments, as well as other problems you may have.
The NILE site has a ‘collaborate’ feature where you can book an online face-to-face session with your lecturer allowing you to get support if you aren’t able to make it onto campus. This accommodates communication both face to face and virtually.
The University of Northampton is great at looking after students’ mental health and wellbeing.
They have an ASSIST team, with drop-in sessions available, which is in LH009 behind the Student Information Desk in the Learning Hub. This is a good support network to be apart of due to the flexibility and the resources that they provide. You can find all these resources on their ASSIST page. My favourite part about ASSIST is that they will refer you to other services and departments within the university, that may be better suit your current problem or needs.
The Power of Hello
Most students’ number one fear when attending a new university, in a potentially new town, is not making any friends as socialising is such a vital part of university.
It can be scary to put yourself out there, in a new environment when you don’t know anyone. The best advice I can share is to simply say ‘hi’. Saying ‘hi’ to my classmates, my flatmates and other people has allowed me to gain connections with a variety of people. Greeting people then became easy when crossing paths with people, leading to some great friendships.
Walking into the classroom for that first lecture is one of the most nerve-wracking experiences for most students. It imperative to remember that everyone is new. Everyone is doing this together, so the student next to you is likely feeling the same as you.
There is plenty of support available at the University of Northampton, whether it be your lecturers, one of the specialist teams or your group of friends.
Find out more about student support at UON
Faith is a first year student studying a degree in Working with Children, Young People and Families.