At Buckinghamshire New University, various support services are available to us students. Over time, I’ve made use of several of them, which made a positive difference to both my studies and my wellbeing. Below are some of the services that I have used, and their benefits, which made BNU feel more like home than just a university:

Student Learning Achievement (SLA)

The SLA team has been a huge help with my academic work. They’ve supported me with essay planning, referencing, and my critical thinking skills. They taught me that it's not just about correcting mistakes, but also overall improvements, so I become more confident in my work. Knowing there’s somewhere to go when I’m stuck or need some academic encouragement has taken away so much stress, and I’m so grateful to have that support whenever in need.

Benefits:

• Increased academic skills such as referencing, critical thinking and essay planning.
• Confident booster.

Food Bank at the Student Hub

University life can get expensive, and it’s reassuring to know there’s practical help if times are tough. The Food Bank at the Student Hub has been a real safety net, where there is no judgment, just friendly staff making sure students have what they need. I was able to go there, fill out a short form, requesting some everyday groceries when I wasn’t in the best financial position, which took a load off my shoulders and positively increased my mental health.

Benefits:

• Free everyday ingredients to make a meal.
• No finances needed.
• A clearer mind, thus clearer wellbeing.

Employability Service

The employability team is all about preparing us for life after uni. The advisers there helped me with my CV, gave me advice on job applications, and even ran mock interviews for my upcoming jobs. I also found out about additional job opportunities in the local community through them, which has been great for gaining experience and earning extra cash while studying.

 Benefits:

• Development of transferable skills.
• CV enhancements.
• Access to advisors 2-3 years after graduating.
• Support with cover letters & interviews.

Free Students’ Union (SU) Events

One of the best parts of being here is being automatically a part of the Students' Union, which holds many free events. From quiz nights to afrobeat nights to cultural celebrations, it’s the best place to relax, meet people, and feel part of the community. These events have made my time here so much more memorable and unique. These events have also helped me take my mind off things and take a much-needed break.

Benefits:

• Create a strong community feel.
• Eases your mental health.

Free Meals at the SU

The free hot meals at the Students' Union are such a thoughtful and inclusive gesture. For three days each week, students can enjoy a delicious meal without worrying about the cost. This has helped me numerous times when I haven’t had the money to buy groceries or cook and helped reduce my overall stress levels.

Benefits:

• Free tasty hot food.
• Inclusivity.

Bursary Support

The bursaries available here have helped ease the financial pressure of studying. The staff guided me through the application process and made sure I knew what support I was entitled to. It’s another example of how the university genuinely cares about its students, thus creating a community feel. This assisted me in purchasing course materials and paying some rent; thus, I was able to fully focus on my studies without worrying about additional funds or worrying about having to pay it back.

• Non-repayable finances.
• Can reduce financial worries.
• Helps you to fully focus on your studies.

Library

The library at BNU is a 24/7 space where I access various materials for my academic work. In the library, I'm able to go to whichever floor I desire and at whatever time that suits me. Whether that be in the MacBook suites, study rooms or lounge areas, I have many options to choose from, and with this service, I'm also accompanied by specialist librarians who are keen to help me. This increases my ability to get the best grades for my academic work as I have the support to do so.

Benefits:

• Tailored study areas.
• Numerous study materials (online).
• Free access 24/7.