Support and services at BNU
Support and services at BNU
Here at BNU we know that student life can be tough. We know that every student’s personal situation is unique, so we have developed many services to help all our students in whichever way they need support. Our support services cover a wide range of challenges our students face, from academic support, mental health support to financial advice and bursaries. Another way we support our students at BNU is through the Big Deal. The Big Deal is part of our Students’ Union and students are automatically members when they join BNU. At BNU we want to ensure that all our students feel supported when they study at BNU that’s why we always look out for more ways we can support our students, we encourage feedback and new ideas so everyone at BNU can feel supported.
Academic Support
At BNU we don’t expect you to do it alone, if you are struggling with your assignments just talk to our support team. We are here to help! Our Student Learning Achievement centre helps students with:
- note making strategies
- research
- academic writing techniques,
- financial skills and referencing
- critical thinking.
These skills are essential for assignments at university so our team at SLA ensures that you are not alone when you are completing your assignments, no student should be left without the skills they need to graduate. The SLA team also work closely with students to ensure that their English is developed for academic purpose. We know that the expectations for assignments are different to other levels of education so the SLA makes sure students can comfortably adjust to the work level at university.
Our academic support is not just for students who are struggling with certain skills, the SLA is open for all students to improve already practiced skills academically, to get the most out of their assignments. Also, it is a good way to expand your thinking. With our critical thinking development perhaps the answer to your assignment or personal project could be found from a different angle. It is always worth developing your skills.
Counselling, Disability and Inclusion
It's safe to say we take care of our students at BNU, no matter what your background, disability or personal situation we can support you at BNU. We offer a wide range of support services for the wellbeing of our students. This is all done confidentially and student lead so students can find the support that suits them without having to commit to any continuous support. Also, every course will provide students with a personal tutor. This will usually be one of your lecturers or the head of your course. Your personal tutor can be your first point of call should you be struggling with your course or even your home life. They are there to help students enjoy their time studying and help them with any immediate issue they might have. They can recommend that you go to our support teams at the SU if they feel that you are more supported there. Personal tutors often set up one on one drop-ins should you need to talk to them about any issues. These occur once a term, however, you can always contact them and set up a meeting whenever you are struggling.
Counselling:
As part of our SU, we have counsellors for student’s emotional wellbeing all free of charge. This is done individually and on a one session at a time basis. This is to keep the pressure off students so that they don’t have to commit to going to multiple sessions at a time. This can also be done on a drop-in basis. Meaning help is always available to those who need it at all times. If our team feels that you need further professional support our counsellors will recommend the cheapest and easily accessible professionals to help support your needs too. This is not a must as our team will only recommend professionals, we won’t force you to commit to any services that you don’t want to.
Assessments:
Assessments are a great way for the university to find out ways to support you. Assessments can also ensure that you are aware of your mental health and any disability so outside of university you and future employers are aware. At BNU we want to make sure we look after you even after you graduate. Our assessments can make you aware of any support you are entitled to, should you require any, if you were not aware you were entitled to them. Our assessments include:
- Assessment of need
- Mental health assessments
- Support for learners’ short term acute physical or mental health problems.
Are you unsure if you have a disability. Not all disabilities are physical. This is why BNU offers students free disability and mental health screenings. These include:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Dyslexia
- Dyscalculia
- Dyspraxia
These assessments are to reassure students and let your school at the university, and your lecturers, know about your disability or mental health needs so that they can adjust the way they teach you. We want all students to be taught in a way that suits them. You can also talk to your personal tutor about any adjustments that you need to make in your lecturers.
Financial Support
Funding student life can be difficult, especially with the cost-of-living as a student. Therefore, BNU offers financial support to all students, no matter if you live in accommodation or commute to university. Our financial support team offers bursaries to those who are struggling to finance student life or the cost of their tuition. These bursaries include:
- International students
- Caregivers
- Care leavers
- Household income
- Estranged students (those who have not been in contact with both their parents for more than a year)
- Gypsy and travellers
Bursaries will be removed if:
- A student withdraws from a programme of study.
- A student is suspended or excluded from the University.
- A student has made any misrepresentation or acted fraudulently or dishonestly.
Other areas of financial support include budgeting and money management. At BNU we encourage our students to manage their money wisely. We offer advice on how to use your budget wisely to enjoy university without having to worry about your finances. This goes hand in hand with our accommodation support team who can show you the best deals on network budgeting and advice and running through deposits and contracts for second- and third-year accommodation.
Accommodation Support
At BNU we have three different student accommodations options for students to choose from if they are living away from home.
Brook Street: It's only a 5-minute walk from Campus! Single beds, shared bathrooms and kitchen. It's the lowest cost option!
Windsor House: A 15-minute walk away. Ensuite with a shared kitchen and your own queen size bed. This is our mid-cost option.
Hughenden: A 5-minute walk away too! Your room includes a double bed with an ensuite and shared kitchen. This is our highest cost option.
In your second and third years, studio options are also available.
On campus you can find our accommodation office. Here our team can support you with any issues that you may have with your accommodation, such as facility issues, housemate issues and issues with your contracts. Not only does our team support university accommodation but we also help our second and third years too! Our team can look through private accommodation contracts and find the best fit for you in your second and third years should you choose to use private accommodation around campus.
Students’ Union and The Big Deal
Once you have joined BNU you are automatically a part of our amazing SU. Our SU looks after our students and makes sure their voice is heard though regular meetings and feedback. From our bar, the lounge and the Venue we offer great nights out and entertainment like live music and film nights completely free. Our SU also includes the Big Deal! The Big Deal is Bucks way of looking after our students providing great opportunities to get the most out of student life. Here is what the Big Deal offers to students:
- Free meals on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
- Free events for students to enjoy every day in the Lounge and the Venue
- Free societies to join with fellow students (you can start your own too!)
- The Shh bus to get students back to accommodation after nights out
- Cost efficient meals in the Lounge
- Job opportunities as The Lounge and The Venue Staff
- Varsity
- And many more!
