Majan’s Student Counsellor, Rasheeda Al Riyami, recently visited the University of Bedfordshire (UoB) to exchange knowledge and experience on various areas of student support, such as counselling and mental health. The purpose of the visit was to see how the University of Bedfordshire handles these issues, and to bring back to Majan any good practices that we do not currently embrace. During the visit, Rasheeda learned more about UoB’s student support system, including the roles and responsibilities of the different supporting units, and the way that the University addresses matters relating to counselling, mental health, and student engagement.
Rasheeda had a chance to visit different departments that provide academic guidance, financial advice, counselling, and other support services to students. She learned how the appointment system works, as students are not all based on the same campus and learned more about the types of sessions offered to them, depending on the challenges or issues concerned. The University’s guidance in various areas also encourage the students to discover more about themselves through self-help. The University library provides resources through which students can research the challenges they face and find out about solutions that have been shown to work well.
Two types of students who may need additional support are international students, who may struggle with cultural differences or with homesickness, while some students have special educational needs such as dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or sensory deprivation of various kinds. The University’s community engagement services and programmes help students by providing a platform to introduce different cultures, celebrate their special days, and learn more about their religion.
The aim of all UoB’s student services is to have a positive impact on each person’s learning experience; to offer tailored support whenever it is needed; and to ensure that students are comfortable and happy throughout their period of study. It is hoped that they will learn new skills, meet new people and develop new hobbies.
Summing up her visit, Rasheeda says “I learned a lot while I was at the University of Bedfordshire. I am grateful to all the university staff who made my visit so worthwhile, and I thank Majan for giving me this opportunity.”