Getting Started - January 2024

INTRODUCING YOUR UNIVERSITY WELCOME TO UNIVERSITY. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GETTING STARTED.

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FOR LECTURERS AND TEACHING QUALITY WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2023

A HUGE WARM WELCOME FROM THE START Wherever you want to go in life, we will help you get there. We know you are one of a kind and we are here to help you make the most of your time with us.

I am delighted that you have chosen the University of Suffolk to continue your education. We believe in the transformative power of education to help us all continue to grow and change during our lives and I know that the experience you will have here at the University will be transformative for you too. You join us at an exciting time as we rise up the league tables for the quality of our provision and student experience, we have had a brilliant outcome in the Research Excellence Framework and our students rated us very highly in the recent WhatUni Student Choice Awards, including coming fifth in employability. We are proud of our achievements and hope that you are proud to join us and will become our ambassador now and in the future.

Enjoy your time with us and embrace all the opportunities on offer to support you on your journey.

Professor Helen Langton MBE Vice-Chancellor and CEO, University of Suffolk VICE-CHANCELLOR’S WELCOME

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RISING UP THE TABLES

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in the Complete University Guide 2024

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Introduction

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Enrolment and Induction Checklist

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Key Dates and Enrolment Explained

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Students' Union and Freshers Week

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Campus and Location

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Campus Map

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WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2023

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Creating Connections

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Wellbeing and Support

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Six Steps

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Suffolk Life Mentors

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Useful Contacts 3

HELPFUL PROCESS CHECKLIST

There are a few things that you will need to do before your course begins.

Use our checklist to make sure you’re ready.

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YOUR APPLICATION If you’re holding a conditional offer, make sure you send copies of your results (certificates and/or transcripts) to Admissions at admissions@uos.ac.uk if they aren’t shared through UCAS. Respond quickly to any requests for additional information i.e. evidence of highest qualifications, fee assessment questionnaires, DBS forms, Occupational Health forms (Health and Social Work students) or references, to avoid any delays to your enrolment.

BRIGHTSPACE As a new student you will be invited to join Brightspace, the online learning environment at the University of Suffolk. By joining this online community before you arrive, you start to build contacts and relationships to share your journey. This is also where you can access our Welcome module.

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ENROLMENT This takes place shortly before your course starts. If you are a UK student, we will send you an email inviting you to complete enrolment online via the Applicant Area as soon as your enrolment is ready. If you are an international student, you will complete enrolment when you arrive on campus.

During the enrolment process, you will confirm the information we hold about you, choose your modules and tell us how your fees will be paid.

ID CARD It’s important to upload a photograph of yourself to the Applicant Area before starting so your student ID card can be produced and given to you at Induction during Welcome Week. This will give you access to our buildings and specialist facilities. Your ID card will also get you any all-important student discounts!

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TIMETABLE The Welcome module on Brightspace will explain how to find your course timetable on Brightspace and in the Applicant Portal. Make sure you check the details for your first day on campus.

WELCOME WEEK Your Welcome Week will focus on final preparations, and an introduction to your course and modules. It’s important to engage with Welcome Week to ensure you have the information you need to get started.

During the first few weeks, the Students’ Union will run a number of activities to help you meet new people and get settled in.

Contact Admissions on +44 (0)1473 338348 if you have any questions about the process or status of your application.

GET STARTED WITH YOUR CHECKLIST

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KEY DATES

ENROLMENT EXPLAINED

January - March 2024 Course Start Dates*

Enrolment is a simple online process where you will be asked to check that all your details are correct and confirm module selections (where applicable). You will be asked to virtually sign and agree to the various rules and regulations in place at the University. You’ll be provided with links to key documents and staff will be able to answer any questions you might have.

22 - 27 January 2024 Refreshers Week 25 March - 5 April 2024 Easter Break 6 May 2024 May Day Bank Holiday 27 May 2024 Spring Bank Holiday * Start dates vary for courses. For more information, please visit www.uos.ac.uk/applicant-area/start-dates

New students will be invited to enrol from December onwards. Please do not worry if a friend is invited to enrol before you. Invitations are sent in groups and even students on the same course may receive their invitations at different times.

When you are invited to enrol you will be emailed a link with all the information you need. If you have any problems or need any advice, there will be a ‘Help’ button on each page of the enrolment form, or you can contact the Student Centre.

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MORE INFORMATION

STUDENTS’ UNION AT SUFFOLK YOUR STUDENTS’ UNION To put it simply, we believe that every student at the University of Suffolk should have a fantastic experience.

We are a charity led by elected Student Officers and we want to make sure that we give you the knowledge to shape, mould and develop your experience at the University of Suffolk. We deliver your sports, societies, events, advice, SHOP SU and much more.

REPRESENTING YOUR ACADEMIC INTEREST A course rep is a member of the course year group who will represent the students on that course and collate feedback to improve the student experience.

They gain a valuable set of skills which boosts their employability and aid them in the future.

All course reps are supported throughout the year, with monthly catch-ups and drop-in sessions provided. If this is something that interests you, you can apply to become a course rep for your course. For more information on how to become a course rep, please visit our website.

I find that training and competing in sports is my way of relieving stress.

I enjoy being able to meet students at other universities and sharing those experiences with my teammates.

Leesha Daniells Senior Sports Ambassador 7

DELIVERING THE EVENTS YOU WANT Refreshers week activities for new and returning students will take place the week of 22 January.

Attending these events is a great way to make friends, try out new activities, learn more about your campus and find out how to join a society or sports team.

We are planning a number of events throughout the year to create opportunities for you to meet people and gain meaningful connections. To find out about our Freshers timetable and all events running throughout the year, please visit the student union website or follow us on social media.

PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR YOU TO STUDY AND RELAX The SU social space, located on the ground floor of the library building, provides an area for you to study and relax. With access to free table tennis, pool and board games, this is the perfect spot to take a break from your studies.

ShopSU is located next to the SU social space. This self-service convenience shop has all the essentials, including meal deals, sweet treats and more.

Mix is located on the ground floor of the James Hehir building. This student space serves food and drink at student-friendly prices and is host to a variety of events.

ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU The SU Advice service is completely free for students, and it is independent from the University. We give friendly and non-judgemental advice on a range of academic and wellbeing issues to help you make the most of your student experience.

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You can talk to an adviser about anything and be confident that we are listening. If there is something we are unable to help you with, we will know someone else who can! We will take our time to explore your options with you and talk through your next steps.

HELPING YOU HAVE FUN AND BUILD NEW SKILLS Joining a society is one of the many ways you can get involved in fun activities outside of your studies. Societies can bring you so many different opportunities to make friends, build support networks and learn new skills.

All of our societies are run by committees, made up of passionate student volunteers. From academic societies representing the interests of their students, liberation societies for underrepresented groups and recreational societies just for the fun of it – we are sure there is something for you! We highly recommend joining a society, and having a committee role looks great on a CV. If you can’t see a society that interests you, why not start your own.

Your SU provides excellent sporting opportunities and activities. We believe that a healthy mind is key to help you succeed in your studies. We have several social ‘turn up and play’ style sessions for you to get involved in and host ‘Give it a Go’ events throughout the year, where you can try new and exciting activities and make friends whilst doing so.

We are affiliated with the BUCS inter-university league, so whether you compete as an individual or as part of a team we would love for you to represent our University nationally. Our sports are open to all abilities whether you’re looking to compete or just have fun, and remember we’re always here to provide guidance on ways to keep physically active too.

GET IN TOUCH Follow us on social media to be the first to hear about news, events and opportunities.

Facebook @UOSSU Instagrams @uosunion & @katie.lewis.su.presidents Website www.uosunion.org Email su@uos.ac.uk

Becoming a part-time Student Union Officer is one of the best decisions I have made since starting at the University of Suffolk. It has given me invaluable skills, and really grown my confidence. Getting involved with the SU has helped me to meet new people outside my cohort, including those I now consider my closest friends.

Sam Clarke Social Sciences and Humanities Officer

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TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR

CAMPUS AND LOCATION Set in the county town of Ipswich, our compact campus boasts picturesque views across the marina, home to many local cafés, pubs and restaurants – great for taking some time out with friends or finding a spot to study.

In Ipswich you will find plenty of bars and nightlife, and activities such as escape rooms and Clip ‘n Climb for those who like life a little more active. Ipswich is also well connected: there are direct train services to London in about an hour and Cambridge in an hour and twenty minutes.

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Studying in Suffolk offers something for everyone. We have plenty of countryside walks and lovely beaches, all perfect for some downtime and two have been ranked Top 10 in The UK’s best seaside towns (Which? 2023).

I FOUND MY WORLD IN SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY OF SUFFOLK

WATERFRONT BUILDING

RIVER ORWELL

NEPTUNE MARINA

IPSWICH WATERFRONT

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My favourite part of campus is the new social area; I think it is the best thing ever for socialising and relaxing with friends.

Jay Chandler

As well as being close to the coast, Ipswich train station is just a 20-minute walk from campus, making it easy to explore Suffolk and further afield.

We were recently voted in the Top 20 universities in the UK for Facilities (WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2023) and, alongside our helpful Library and Learning Services, we have many subject-specific facilities including studios for art, photography, print and film, laboratories for sport, science and clinical skills, and lecture theatres.

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We are continually developing our campus, recently adding the new Health and Wellbeing Building offering cutting-edge clinical simulation facilities, a midwifery birthing unit, new sports and exercise facilities, and state-of-the-art hospital wards for our health courses.

We also have a partnership with BT at their Adastral Park site, where we have developed a £9.6million research and engineering facility, named the DigiTech Centre, for courses within our School of Technology, Business and Arts.

We have a very welcoming and inclusive community at Suffolk, in part thanks to our social spaces allowing for time to relax, socialise and collaborate. Our SU social space provides pool tables, table tennis, a kitchenette, a shop and group working pods. We have an on-campus Paddy & Scotts café, perfect for relaxing or refreshments between lectures.

Atrium Building

Health and Wellbeing Building

CAMPUS MAP

Waterfront Building

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PROUDLY SUFFOLK & IPSWICH

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GETTING TO KNOW THE LOCATION

We love driving to Shingle Street for picnics next to the lagoons.

The waterfront provides a tranquil spot, benefitting studying, and plenty of coffee shops and places to eat.

Leesha Daniells

Jessica King-Fisher

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

What I love about Suffolk is the combination of the coast and the countryside, plus it’s not far from London and the airports.

Jessica Karen

The university has a community of various people from various backgrounds, and everyone is willing to lend a hand and be supportive and to make a person feel welcome.

Rosemary Thompson

The University is in a beautiful location - it’s lovely to be able to look out of the lecture theatre window and see the boats coming into the docks.

Emilie Witt

The university itself is brilliant; the staff are so helpful and supportive, the facilities and campus are excellent, the area around the university is so beautiful, the student union is very active and really listens to what we need. There’s also plenty of support and a great community for all religious beliefs.

Ebony Horne-Wild

I like the fact you can get a train to Felixstowe and be on the beach within 15 minutes!

Sophie Carter

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GENUINELY CONNECT ON SOCIAL CREATING CONNECTIONS We understand how important it is to create connections and to feel settled at university.

At Suffolk, we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, friendly and inclusive community.

From sports, societies and our Students’ Union, to events, student jobs and our online communities, we believe there is a way for everyone to feel connected.

Join our Facebook group to meet others starting their studies, get to know future classmates and find your flatmates. Search for ‘University of Suffolk – Starting Your Journey’ to request access and join our community.

Follow us on Facebook @UniofSuffolk to keep updated.

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We are also on Instagram and Twitter @UniOfSuffolk and TikTok @UniversityOfSuffolk, where we regularly share content created by our Student TikTok Ambassadors and Student Content Creators. From ‘day in the life’ content and sneak peeks, to course trips, coffee shops and campus tours, our student creators have all the insider knowledge for navigating life at Suffolk.

I really enjoyed staying at Athena Hall in my first year, there was such a sense of community and everyone got along so well.

Sophie Lambert

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YOUR WELLB AND HOW WE WILL SUPPORT We were recently ranked 6th in the UK for spend on academic services (Complete University Guide 2024). We pride ourselves on offering outstanding support to all students.

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Our Student Life team offer a range of information, advice and guidance services. We are committed to offering a free, confidential, impartial and experienced service, with friendly Advisers on hand to provide one-to-one advice and guidance.

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DISABILITY & WELLBEING SUPPORT We are here to support you if you have a disability, a mental health difficulty, or a specific learning need.

We aim to create an environment that is accessible and inclusive for all students. We will work with you to ensure that appropriate individual support is in place, and we can advise you on your eligibility for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). Your individual needs and support arrangements can be discussed before you start your course or at any time during your studies.

SPECIFIC LEARNING DIFFICULTIES If you think that you may have a specific learning difficulty (such as Dyslexia or Dyspraxia) and would like to find out more, our team of specialist teachers provide a range of assessments, including screenings and full diagnostic assessments.

They can also assess for, and recommend, exam concessions and reasonable adjustments to support with your studies.

STUDENT LIFE ADVICE

COUNSELLING SERVICE

Student Life Advisers are here to make your transition to, and journey through, university as smooth as possible. To join us and start university life with a student mentor, email studentlife@uos.ac.uk

Independent, impartial and professional counselling is available to all students. This support is confidential, so you can discuss any problems you may have. Counselling can also offer help with exam anxiety, depression, stress, relationship and emotional problems.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT Our expert Advisers can advise you on financial support that may be available to you. We have partnered with Blackbullion, the e-learning platform equipping students with financial skills for life to maximise student success. You can also email moneyadvice@uos.ac.uk for support.

Please call +44 (0)1473 338833 or email studentsupport@uos.ac.uk.

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT HOW WE SUPPORT YOU. 19

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IT’S ABOUT YOUR POSITIVE WELLNESS Six steps to improve your health and wellbeing, and how we’re here to support you throughout your studies.

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KEEP LEARNING Ignite your curiosity and give something new a go. University is a great place to try out new things, like joining a club or society, or signing up for a careers session to improve your CV.

BE ACTIVE Being active has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety, and to lift moods. It can also help to boost self-esteem and encourage clear and calm thinking. The Students’ Union provide sports activities and a sport buddy scheme to tackle isolation and mental health issues at university.

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TAKE NOTICE

Taking notice means to focus your attention on yourself and the world around you, both the external factors that influence your life and how they affect you internally.

CONNECT

As a social being, you naturally require a level of interaction with others. The relationships you create and nurture in life provide social bonds that can give you a sense of purpose and belonging.

FOOD + MOOD

Food fuels you throughout the day, providing the nutrients to keep your body happy and healthy. But it’s also there to be enjoyed and lift your mood. Giving yourself a treat from time to time is perfect for a healthy body and mind. Read tips from our student bloggers at uos.ac.uk/lifeatsuffolk

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GIVE TO OTHERS Giving can strengthen existing relationships and help to foster a more positive outlook. Think about becoming a mentor to network and support other students here at Suffolk.

Wellbeing can be understood as how people feel and how they function, both on a personal and social level, and how they evaluate their lives as a whole. mentalhealth.org.uk

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STUDENT LIFE MENTOR SUPPORT Student Life Mentors are experienced students who can offer information and support to help you with your transition to university. They also organise activities to help you learn more about university life and meet new people.

I am proud to be a student at the University of Suffolk, it feels like my second home.

Hannah Njenga

They are committed to ensuring you have the best possible experience during your studies and can assist you in reaching your goals.

Our Student Life Mentors are trained by staff in Student Life, who provide information and advice on: • Careers and Employability • Student Finance • Disability and Wellbeing • International Opportunities They also bring their university/life experience to the role. Many of our mentors are: • On placement as part of their course • Working part-time in Ipswich and beyond • Mature students • The first in their family to go to university

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If you would like to be put in touch with a Student Life Mentor, please contact studentlife@uos.ac.uk

USEFUL CONTACTS LIST ADMISSIONS For support regarding your application or enrolment, please contact our Admissions team on +44 (0)1473 338348 or email admissions@uos.ac.uk

STUDENT CENTRE

This is the main point of contact for many of the services, support and activities you may need during your time at university.

The knowledgeable team of Advisers provide a welcoming, friendly and efficient service, and will be able to respond to the majority of your enquiries.

Our Student Centre team can be reached on email studentlife@uos.ac.uk or on social media @UOS_StudentLife on Twitter and Instagram, @StudentLifeUOS on Facebook.

ACCOMMODATION To help you decide what you want from your accommodation and what you can afford, we can provide you with details about accommodation we recommend and how to book your chosen room.

Visit uos.ac.uk/accommodation

LIFE AT SUFFOLK Read our blog to find out more about university, including loads of tips, experiences and insights into student life at Suffolk. Visit uos.ac.uk/lifeatsuffolk

YOUR SU Your Students’ Union is just that – yours. You elect the Officers and they deliver your sports, societies, events and much more, whilst you work hard and play harder at university.

You can find our SU on social media @UOSUnion on Instagram and Twitter, @UOSSU on Facebook.

FINANCE You can find all the information on fees and financial support available to you in the Student Finance section of our website, whether you are a full-time or part-time, undergraduate or postgraduate, international or home student.

Visit uos.ac.uk/studentfinance

CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY Our Careers team can provide you with the information, advice and guidance you need before, during and after graduating. This service is available to all current and prospective students and continues to be available to you for three years after graduating. Visit uos.ac.uk/careers

INTERNATIONAL If you are coming to study from overseas, please contact the International team for any additional support by emailing internationaladvice@uos.ac.uk

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