Student Life
Welcome to Sulci
Sulcus (noun); Sulci (plural) a groove or furrow, especially one on the surface of the brain
Key Contacts
Faith Mclachlan 30019211@students. southwales.ac.uk
Dr. Phillip Tyson philip.tyson@southwa les.ac.uk
Sulci, your student-led psychology magazine is back! After a short hiatus, we are back and hope to bring new and exciting topics in our issues.
Issue 19 brings you some interesting articles, written by your fellow students, some targeted advertisements, and pages for your downtime such as colouring and wood searches.
Sulci is welcoming a whole new team of writers and illustrators, who have shown great dedication and enthusiasm in getting involved with Sulci.
We strive to ensure Sulci is engaging and interesting; therefore all articles are submitted to the Sulci team, and go through multiple processes before being added into our issues.
Congratulations to BLANK for being voted as a featured writer this issue!
We hope you enjoy issue 19 as much as we enjoyed making it for you!
Contributors’Corner
Hey, I'm Faith! I graduated BSc Hons in Psychology in 2023; I’m now studying for an MSc in Clinical Psychology parttime. I currently work in Coleg Gwent as a support worker to which I thoroughly enjoy. I am extremely passionate about mental health, which has influenced my degree and career choices. My hobbies vary, but mostly I enjoy going on scenic nature walks. I have taken over as chief editor for Sulci and I enjoy exercising my creative freedom within the magazine.
I’m Em. I’m completing my third year of the BSc Psychology with Criminology and Criminal Justice course, here at USW. I’m a part-time Bartender and rookie yoga enjoyer. If I had to pass on any advice to you, as a reader, it would be these three things: 1: Even if you feel groggy, drag yourself out! It WILL make you feel better. Socialize, and eat healthy (don’t forget your dark greens, for brain power) also, watch your favourite comfort movie. 2: Make a to-do list, 3: Try and avoid takeaways, they will drain your student budget.
I'm Kirsty, studying Psychology with Criminology and Criminal Justice. I work in the study skills department as a student ambassador, and I also teach as a supply teacher. My research interests include offending behaviour, special educational needs, and violence against women. As the secretary of the Psychology Society, feel free to ask me any questions. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym and reading.
Faith McLachlan | Chief editor | Student writer| Studying MSc Clinical Psychology|
Emmy Steadman | Student Advertiser | Studying BSc Psychology with Criminology and Criminal Justice|
Kirsty Holpkin | Student Writer| Studying BSc Psychology with Criminology and Criminal Justice|
Shwmae! I’m Jordan Lewis-Iles, soon to be graduating in MSc Clinical Psychology. I am currently working as an Additional Learning Needs Teaching Assistant, supporting vulnerable teens, while I seek further opportunities to continue my passion in psychological and investigative research. I love to write, read, and learn everydaymy top pass times at the moment are probably going to the cinema and playing pool in my spare time.
| Postgraduate Writer | Previous MSc Clinical Psychology student|
Hello readers, I’m Hannah! I graduated in 2023 with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and am looking forward to my MSc Clinical Psychology graduation in January! Outside of my role as a postgraduate researcher here at USW, I enjoy wild-swimming, listening to political podcasts and spending time with my rescue cat Jean-Claude.
My name is Joshua Morgan, and I am studying for a (BA) in Business Management. My research focuses on how people manage stress and what measures they put in place to tackle stress. At university I deal with stress in many ways, for instance I write in my diary assignments I must complete on time, and I go to the gym 3 times a week to make myself feel good. I am currently part of the psychology society and love helping out where I can!
Joshua Morgan| Student Advertiser | Studying (BA) Business Managment
Jordan Lewis Illes
Hannah Jones | Postgraduate Writer | Previous MSc Clinical Psychology student|
Join The Team
Chief editor
Think you have what it takes to take over and run Sulci? This role requires a strong leader, lots of dedication, and creativity. Does this sound like something you’re interested in? Contact me with the details below.
Student Writer
Get creative and write an article for your student magazine. Remember this isn’t an assignment, it’s easyread content so put your own twist on what you write!
Postgraduate Stories
This is your chance to give students advice and tell them interesting stories about life as a graduate.
STUDENT MEALS: TIPS TO SAVE YOU MONEY, TIME, AND
KEEP YOU HEALTHY!
Balancing academics, social life, and healthy eating can be challenging for students. However, with some planning and creativity, you can prepare delicious meals without straining your budget. Here are various meal ideas and tips that are not only nutritious but also quick to prepare and wallet-friendly
Breakfast ideas
Starting your day right doesn’t have to be complicated! Overnight oats are an excellent choice; simply mix oats with yoghurt or milk and add toppings like fruit and nuts. Let it sit in the fridge overnight for a quick breakfast Another easy option is eggs on toast, which can be scrambled, poached, or fried and served on whole meal toast. Adding avocado or spinach can enhance the nutritional value.
Healthy snacks
Healthy snacks are essential for keeping your energy levels up between classes. Vegetable sticks, such as carrots and cucumbers, can be paired with hummus or yoghurt-based dips for a nutritious snack You can also enjoy popcorn, which is a healthy, lowcalorie option if made without excessive butter.
Money Saving Tips
To help manage your budget, consider planning your meals around what’s on sale each week. This approach minimises food waste and helps you stay within your budget. Buying pantry staples, such as rice, pasta, and canned goods, in bulk can also lead to significant savings Lastly, try to limit takeaway food, as it can quickly deplete your budget
Weeklyfood planner
MANAGING STUDENT LIFE
BY FAITH MCLACHLAN
University can to bring a number of changes to your life- both good and bad. You might face challenges such as exam, presentations and deadline pressure, and struggling to have a work-life balance. Coping with these challenges can have an impact on your mental health. However, the good news is, there are lots of things that you can do to make your time as a student easier and more enjoyable.
You might feel like there's a lot of pressure to do well academically. By building strategies to manage stress before it gets too much, this can reduce its impact.
Try out some mindfulness exercises. There's lots of evidence to suggest that activities such as grounding and meditation can be really helpful for managing stress. Try out apps like headspace for some guided meditation. Try using a planner. This can help to keep track of deadlines and key commitments and organise your study
Take time out to relax. Getting away from your desk, even for short periods of time, can help you think clearer and feel less stressed.
Maintain a work-life balance to avoid overloading your schedule around deadlines and exams.
Reach out. Are getting on top of you? Reach out to family or a friend to help you organise or to talk about how you ’ re feeling.
Speak to your lecturers. If you feel you are falling behind, your lecturers and course leaders are there to support you. A simple email explaining how you feel can truly lift a weight off your shoulders.
Exercise regularly
Even gentle exercise, like walking can help you decompress from work, relax and your manage stress levels.
Eat a healthy diet
A balanced diet full of of nutrients not only contributes to cognitive function, it also helps you feel more energised.
Try to get good sleep
Having a regular sleep routine can help you stay on top of university life. If you struggle sleeping, you might want to try herbal remedies such as lavender pillow spray. If you struggle consistently, consider discussing this with your GP.
Get some fresh air
Make sure you ’ re still spending time in nature and changing scenery from your room, library, and laptop
COPING WITH STUDENT ALCOHOL CULTURE
BY FAITH MCLACHLAN
While alcohol is often associated with the student lifestyle, you don't have to drink if you don't want to. Students' Unions and student-led groups offer a range of social events and activities that are alcohol free.
For some people, alcohol can increase confidence and self-esteem. It can also decrease feelings of anxiety and make some you chatty or sociable, even energised. It can also feel rewarding to drink, as alcohol releases dopamine in the brain, encouraging you to keep drinking. These "feel good" effects, however, are short-lived.
Alcohol can worsen the symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression. It does this by slowing down the communication in the brain and body, which can affect your thoughts, and feelings. Here are some tips to keep safe if you decide you want to drink:
Be careful if you are taking medication. Alcohol can interact with some medications and change how they work. If you ’ re unsure, always ask your doctor.
Having a friend around when you are out can help to keep you safe when you are drinking, you could organise a buddy system. Do not accept drinks from someone you don't know and always keep your drinks with you to help avoid your drink being spiked.
Alcohol-free activities
Self care day
Listen to a podcast
Meditation
Cinema
Read a book Comedy club nights
Game nights
Movie nights
Find out everything you need to know about alcohol/ all drugs, their effects and the law on the FRANK website. FRANK also has information about what to do if you think your drink has been spiked.
Scan the QR code for more information
My path to Psychology and USW
APOSTGRADUATESTORY
It took me a while! Having struggled with poor mental health whilst at college, I didn’t do well at A Level and accepted that aspirations of going to university were unrealistic for me. Instead, I followed my passion for helping others into the NHS, where I spent 13 years working as a nursing assistant for older adults with neurodegenerative conditions, a healthcare support worker on a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, an auditor with the Welsh Ambulance Service, and an operating theatre assistant in general and emergency surgery.
"I followed my passion for helping others."
A turning point came in 2020 when a traumatic life event led me to be under the care of a Clinical Psychologist, who –it’s no exaggeration to say –both saved my life and changed it forever. Armed with lived experience and a dream, I applied to USW through clearing to study psychology and (spoiler!) got accepted Starting out on my academic journey at 31 was a daunting prospect (was I too old? could I make friends? how do you write an essay again?!), but it was truly the best decision I ever made I felt like I had finally found my tribe; in USW, in the discipline of psychology, and in some awesome classmates
After spending much of first year getting to grips with the basics of academic writing, literature searching and statistics (I naïvely had no idea there would be maths!), I loved the increased freedom in second and third years to tailor assessments to my interests and chose modules in Clinical, Forensic and Neuropsychology. Crossing the stage at graduation with first class honours and learning that my dissertation (dedicated to the Psychologist who had got me there) had received the BPS Undergraduate Award, was an emotional moment.
Life after graduation
APOSTGRADUATESTORY
After graduating, I returned to USW to study for an MSc in Clinical Psychology I found the pace of the course intense, so modules passed in a bit of a blur! Particular highlights, however, were the sessions with guest speakers; practitioners and experts by experience, which really brought the subject matter to life. For my dissertation project, I worked with USW’s Addictions Research Group (ARG) and the Buvidal Psychological Support Service (BPSS) at Cardiff and Vale Health Board, to explore clients’ experiences of an innovative treatment pathway for opioid dependence and co-occurring psychological difficulties
I took so much away from this experience; from the powerful narratives of the clients and furthering my understanding of addiction, to conducting a study with real-world impact. My research partner Chioma and I (pictured), also got to attend the Royal College of Psychiatrists addictions conference to present our research poster alongside fellow ARG dissertation students We had a fantastic two days disseminating our research, reflecting on our masters journey and learning about the inspiring work happening across Wales to support people struggling with addiction.
“I’m taking time to reflect on how far I’ve come “
If I have any wisdom to share it would be:
(1) Don’t be so focussed on the destination, that you forget to appreciate the journey
(2) Reflect; on feedback, experiences, achievements, failures – there’s always learning to be had.
(3) Your academic and life path may look different to others and that’s ok!
Currently I am a postgraduate researcher at USW, undertaking a project to understand the organisational readiness of the NHS to deliver precision healthcare. Whilst it has been challenging adapting from a taught course to a Masters by Research, I know that I am growing as a researcher and strengthening my skills I am also looking forward to donning the cap and gown once again in January, where I’ll be graduating from my MSc Clinical Psychology course with a distinction. Whilst awaiting the outcome of my DClinPsy application, I’m taking time to reflect on how far I’ve come … and I think my 17year-old self might just be little a bit proud
University Bound? Tips From Post-Grad Student to Achieve Your Best
Jordan-Lewis Iles
University life can be the best years of your life — meeting new people, heading to parties, and learning everything there's to know about your chosen subject. However, your higher education studies can also be the most stressful aspect of student life, full of deadlines, high workload, and not knowing what is next in your life…
Work Experience
Whether you are a new student, or a returning student, work experience may be the most valuable aspects of education with whatever you may be studying. Some courses may have mandatory work placement, which is great because it forces you to get that hands on experience alongside your studies. This way, your CV will not only have your fancy degree on it, you will also have work experience along side it which puts you above other candidates when job searching.
Utilise Your Peers
While studying a course, you are bound to meet new people, especially those who have similar interests as you. Building friendship groups is a natural and great way to maintain a healthy level of academic support. You can reach out to one and other to bounce ideas and thoughts about any given assignment.
Read Assignment Feedback
When those grades drop alongside your assignment feedback, it is easy to look at the grade, see that you have passed, and immediately move on to the next assignment. Stop right there! Taking some time to appreciate your grade and reading your feedback can go a very long way in understanding what you did right, and what you may need to do differently next time.
Conclusion
From the tips above, I believe that I would have benefited more if I did some of these highlighted a lot earlier during my student life. It is easy to scroll past assignment feedback to view your overall grade, which has caused me to be unaware of important changes that I needed to make to my academic writing.
Read more!
Guess the Psychologist!
Library Spaces
The Yellow Cwtch zone
This zone is in the social learning space of Treforest and even has comfortable seats and beanbags! There are books which are updated regularly and cover a range of fiction and non-fiction from thrillers, romance, literature to self-help, cookery and student guides. Perfect for group work so come along with friends to use this space.
Library Spaces
The Green ‘Cwtch Corner’
This is a more hidden zone and can be found inside the main book library. It’s a quiet secluded ‘grassy’ part of the library that has comfortable chairs and a huge forest mural to help students feel closer to nature. Book displayed cover a range of well-being areas and some light reading options for relaxation.
Study Pods
These are the group study pods available to book on the Connect2 portal.
All pods have: Whiteboards
Charging ports
Air conditioning
Adjustable lighting
Comfortable chairs
Student Student RESEARCH
you will find articles written by your fellow students! These can be past assignments or even previous dissertation projects. You’ll also find current dissertation advertisements, so if you’d like to take part in some interesting research projects, here’s where they’ll be!
YOUR STUDENTS’ UNION
GET IN TOUCH WITH US VIA EMAIL, PHONE, OR IN PERSON
We are a democratic organisation separate to the University that is run by students, for students Every year a team of Executive Officers are elected by the student body to represent and guide the Students’ Union. Representing three regions, (Newport, Cardiff and Pontypridd) the Executive Officers work together with a team of dedicated parttime Officers, staff and volunteers to make sure you get the most out of your education and student experience.
From activities, events and venues to volunteering and skill-development, we strive to make sure you have the chance to enrich every aspect of your student life. We support over 100 clubs, teams and societies, 700 SVR and Course Reps and annually hold over 150 events at our venues.
So whether you want to develop your skills, become a representative on your course or socialise with friends, we’ve got it all. And because we’re for students, not for profit, we make sure every investment you make at your SU is put back into the things you care about most.
As the recognised voice of students at the University of South Wales, we support students that want to campaign on the issues you care about and ensure the student body – a collective voice of over 28,000 students is heard at the highest level. The Students’ Union is all about representing you, so if there’s something you need, we can help.
Every student is a member of the Union, regardless of whether you are a full-time, part-time, undergrad or postgrad student. The Students’ Union is not just the building and the staff inside, the Students’ Union is you If there is something that we are not doing that you would like to see, drop-in and have a chat with us. www.uswsu.com
WELLBEING WELLBEING WORKHUB WORKHUB
Do you want a change of scenery from your usual workspace? If so, why not try working from the Wellbeing Hub? This calming and quiet environment, coupled with stunning views of the surrounding nature, helps provide a perfect balance of work and relaxation.
Fancy a break from your work?
No problem, breathe in the fresh air, and stroll along the footpath with idyllic grass and woodland and a stunning 36-acre lake. It’s the perfect setting for a welldeserved break.
Open- Monday – Friday 09.00am – 17.00pm
INCLUDES:
Individual & Group Desks
Heater & Air Conditioning
Comfortable Office Chairs
Charging Ports
Lockers
Free Wi-Fi
Beautiful View
Parc Bryn Bach Merthyr Road Tredegar Blaenau Gwent
Pickup a Psychology Plus Brochure!
Guess the Psychologist Answers
Burrhus Frederic Skinner
Carl Rogers
Sigmund Freud
Abraham Maslow
John B Watson
Albert Ellis