Whether you have moved ten minutes down the road, or ten hours away from home, new surroundings can be difficult to grasp.

For students arriving on campus during Freshers' Week and beyond, The University of Bedfordshire arranges extra support in order to be there for new students and help them settle in to university life.

The University’s Assistant Director Student Experience and Head of Student Services, Ruki Heritage, said: “The University prioritises its students’ wellbeing by organising a dedicated health, wellbeing and sport theme day during Freshers’ Week.  

“Students can find out more about mindfulness and mental health, sexual health, physical health, money management and also sign up with a local GP surgery.

“The Sports Partnerships team will be arranging some fun challenges on the day and students will also be able to sign up for one of the University’s sports teams.”

Our Welcome Weekend is in full swing! A lot going on across our campuses! We'd love to welcome our new cohort of students! #Freshers #GetReady pic.twitter.com/E1zFwZV05E

— uniofbeds (@uniofbeds) September 21, 2019

On ‘move-in weekend’ at Bedfordshire, the Student Services staff provided a warm welcome for students and parents/guardians. The Student Engagement team were in halls and on campus to offer any advice, whether it was homesickness, or just needed to know where the nearest coffee shop is.  

The extra support arranged during Welcome Week includes Freshers’ Angels. Bedforshire’s Freshers’ Angels provide a friendly and reassuring welcome to new, or returning, students.

Freshers’ Angels have been provided with advice to help them identify if any individual looks overwhelmed or if they look like they need help throughout the week.    

Bedfordshire Alumni Jack volunteered as a Freshers' Angel during his time at the University, he said: “It’s important for new students to be greeted by a friendly face and by someone who can help them get settled in to their new surroundings.

“University is a completely new environment for many, so to have someone who can help them ease into the transition is always useful.”

Ruki continued, “We are looking forward to welcoming all of our new students this year. Freshers’ Week is an opportunity for students to get to know peers, and aims to encourage them to embrace their time here.”