Finding support as a student
Hello, my name is Melody. I’m a second-year Creative Writing student. In this blog, I want to talk about my experience accessing support here at York St John, and how you can access that same support yourself.
What support I’ve accessed
To I want to share some of the support I’ve accessed through the university that you may find useful during your time here:
- Disability Advice
- Funding Advice
- Minute Sessions with Blue the Dog
- Academic Liaison
How to access these services
After you have registered for disability support, the Disability Advice Team are here to help you navigate your time here as a disabled student. They offer 30 and 60 minute slots that you can book through The Student Hub.
The Funding Advice Team are here to help if you are struggling with your finances and need extra support. They can also help with student finance applications. You can book a 15 minute slot through The Student Hub. Join one of the drop-ins on campus, or email them.
Through The Student Hub, you can access 15 minute sessions with Blue, our therapy dog. These sessions, whilst useful, are in high demand, so make sure to book quickly.
Finally, there are the academic liaisons who are here to help you with all your referencing queries; all you have to do is check out the academic liaison section on the library website, find the tutor specialising in your course subject and then book a tutorial online or in person.
My experience with these services
The Disability Advice Team has been a lifeline for me through my journey here at York St John’s. I see Emma, and she has been absolutely wonderful. We’ve had appointments frequently where I’ve been able to check in and communicate any accessibility struggles I’m having. I don’t know what I would have done if she hadn’t been able to help go from a 1 to a 3 week extension.
The Funding Advice Team have been another lifeline for me. I was panicked during the first semester as I hadn’t been able to get the full student loan, due to problems with evidence. The Team helped me every step of the way, from making sure I had enough money until things got sorted to even helping me fill in my student finance application for next year. Do not be afraid to go to them with any financial questions. They are there to help.
Whilst the sessions with Blue are short, they are immensely valuable. Blue’s owner, Linda, is lovely to chat to whilst petting Blue. I always come out feeling more relaxed than when I came in.
Finally, the Academic Liaison Team. I’m supported by Katherine. She has been wonderful in supporting me whilst I’ve gotten used to referencing. Tutorials with her have really helped me grow more confident in my referencing skills and even try to attempt it independently.
Thanks for reading, I hope sharing my experience has helped.
