It’s official. You’re part of the EHU community and you’ve completed your first semester. We hope you have enjoyed your introduction to university life. And that you’ve settled in well. We’ve put together this handy guide to make sure you take advantage of the opportunities around you.
Get more from life at university
Student Life
Our dedicated Student Life team host bespoke events and activities across campus throughout the year. Join in to ensure you make new connections, find out more about ‘extra opportunities’ and to boost your mood and wellbeing.
The best way to keep up to date with events is through the Student Life Portal. It’s a ‘what’s on’ guide where you can search for different types of events and activities. You won’t want to miss a thing. Search by date, category, keywords or location to make your view personal to you. There really is something for everyone.
We already have two amazing events ready for your return in January:
Student Life Fest
Back by popular demand, Student Life Fest will be taking over the Sports Centre on Tuesday 28 January to welcome you back to university. The day is everything sports and wellbeing so if you fancy trying some campus sport activities or grabbing a cuddle with the therapy dogs. You won’t want to miss this event.
EHSU Welcome Fair
Head to our new Students’ Union on Wednesday 29 January (10am-2pm) to kick start your second semester. Explore societies. Establish new connections. And of course, grab some freebies to enjoy too.
Campus Connectors
Our brilliant team of Campus Connectors will help you get to grips with uni life, find out what’s on and help you make new connections. They’re on hand most days at the Student Life arch in the Hub. And they’re easy to spot around campus in their purple hoodies. Ask them a question about whatever you need. They will be happy to help.
There’s always something on at The Arts Centre
And it’s not just art. The Arts Centre is the entertainment and cultural venue located right here on campus offering a jam-packed calendar all year round. Be spoilt for choice with our extensive programme of events. From comedy, music and movies to live theatre and dance, there’s something for everyone.
Big names that have appeared at The Arts Centre include Love Island’s Dr Alex George, comedian Russell Kane and the National Theatre and RSC Live productions.
And the best bit, as an Edge Hill student, most tickets for performances and events are completely free.
A taste of The Arts Centre offerings:
/ Two theatres hosting live performance and entertainment
/ Open mic nights and student talent nights in the Red Bar
/ A weekly programme of recent cinema releases including Free Film Fridays
/ Talks from leaders in the arts and creative sector, as well as science and politics, sharing their stories and giving you an insight into their industry
/ Conveniently located inside The Arts Centre is the Red Bar. Here, you can make your selections from our food and drinks and meal-deal menus, relax and socialise.
In addition to our dedicated provision on campus, thanks to our partnerships with theatres, galleries and festivals throughout the North West, you can get involved in a whole host of cultural experiences during your time at university.
So, even if you think you’re not ‘an arty-type’ or you’ve never been in a theatre before, now is the time to try – you might be surprised.
Making friends at university
We sat down for a chat with current student Freya and asked her to share her experience in making friends for life here at Edge Hill. Freya also shared her top tips on how to settle in, get to know people, and embrace your new home-from-home.
How you met your closest university friend?
I met my best friend at uni on my first day in lectures. I arrived in my classroom nervous that I didn’t know anybody, but I knew everyone else was in the same boat. I sat down next to a girl who looked friendly and struck up a conversation about the temperature. We chatted for a while, getting to know each other before the lecture started. Then after our lecture we went to Subway for lunch and sat chatting in The Hub for hours. We discovered how many things we have in common, and this quickly became one of my most valued friendships. Her name is Eva, and two years on we now live together in a student house.
It’s good to know about these things. The Wellbeing Team offer advice and support with homesickness which can be one of the worries new students have along with settling into accommodation and making new friends.
Supporting you
Your studies
As you get ready to submit your January assignments or sit assessments, the UniSkills team are here to help. Take advantage of the support they offer and reach your full potential.
Loan a laptop
Catalyst has over 100 laptops that you can borrow, as well as over 350 fixed PCs that are accessible 24/7 during term time. All have access to the University network and online file storage, including most software available from the University. So if you don’t have access to your own laptop, head to Catalyst with your UniCard to loan one for up to two weeks.
Specific learning difficulties
Our SpLD Team provide specialist support, advice and guidance to students who have dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and ADHD. We have a range of useful assistive technologies in Catalyst and on PCs across campus, such as text-to speech and mind-mapping software.
Support for disabled students
Through our dedicated Inclusion Team, we can provide advice and academic support if you have a disability including autism, poor mental health, a medical condition that you’re living with or physical or sensory impairments.
For support and advice, please contact the Catalyst Team on 01695 650800 or by emailing [email protected].
Your finances
Did you know we can help cover the costs of attending an interview? If you have an upcoming interview or assessment day apply to the Student Opportunity Fund (SOF) for financial help to cover any related travel expenses which aren’t covered by the employer.
We also have a range of interview wear available, so you don’t need to splash out for the perfect interview outfit. We’ll make an appointment for you to view the collection and select your outfit. The clothes are then yours to keep. Simply email [email protected] or visit the Student Opportunity Fund webpage for full details and to apply.
Part-time work
Want to earn some extra money while studying? Many students successfully combine their studies with part-time work. And the best part is that your part-time work does not need to be related to your degree. Whether it’s a part-time summer role, working in retail or hospitality, or a bar or office, it’s all about developing skills and experience to enhance your CV. You can find your next job through the Careers Portal. There’s even roles available on campus making it even easier to jump from lecture to work.
Help and advice
The Money Advice Team offer virtual and telephone appointments, which can be booked in advance. The team can offer guidance on all money-related matters including student funding, how to manage your personal finances and how to access the Student Support Fund.
The Student Support Fund provides non-repayable discretionary awards and emergency support to assist students in financial difficulty, who might otherwise be at risk of leaving their courses because of financial hardship.
Your health wellbeing
Make the most of your last semester and take some time to recharge. There’s something for everyone at Edge Hill Sport. Keep fit around your studies, meet new people and improve your mental health and wellbeing.
Dive into free swimming sessions
Look after your body and mind by diving into our swimming pool to get fitter and de-stress. You can access free swimming sessions during the January assessment period. Just show your UniCard at the Sports Centre reception to access any public swim session.
Discounted gym membership
You can now sign up for a student gym membership covering January to August 2025 for a discounted price of £90. And we offer a free trial to all students throughout January, so you can try before you buy.
Looking after your mental health and wellbeing
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Team offer a range of emotional and practical support including Counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, joining the on-campus Active Wellbeing Programme and support navigating student life.
And don’t forget, Togetherall, our free online, anonymous peer support network is available 24/7. Moderated by mental health professionals, it promotes early intervention and self-management of mental health and wellbeing. It also offers you guided support courses, focused on a range of wellbeing topics.
To join, simply go to togetherall.com and sign up under ‘organisation’ with your Edge Hill email address.
Faith and community
Our welcoming community is for students of all faiths and none. And our friendly volunteer chaplains are here to provide guidance and support. They also look after prayer spaces on campus and arrange faith and cultural events and celebrations.
Students without family support
If you’re a student without family support (a care leaver, care experienced or estranged student) our Student Support Team are here for you. We’ll connect you to a wide range of specialist support including accommodation, social and financial support.
Our Care Experienced and Estranged Students (CEES) Advisory Panel also offers paid opportunities for you to not only help inform the delivery of university services, but also meet others from similar backgrounds.
Your morning routine
Don’t let a busy morning put a stop to enjoying your breakfast. Our Commuter Breakfasts offer a free hot drink and snack, so you can start your day the right way. Head to Creative Edge between 8-9am every Tuesday and Thursday to collect yours.
Students Union
Edge Hill Students’ Union (EHSU) is an independent organisation shaped by our students.
Our Students’ Union plays a really important part in ensuring you have the best student experience here. That’s because they listen to what you have to say about university life and feed it back to contribute to future plans and initiatives.
So, how does it work? Every year our students elect a team of Presidents who represent the student voice on university committees and run campaigns with the help of SU staff and volunteer elected officers.
Be part of our community
Try something new and make some friends for life. There are lots of fantastic clubs and a massive list of student-led societies and networks to be a part of.
Clubs and societies
You’ll have so many opportunities to connect with people that share your interests. You can keep up with your hobbies or try something new when you join our clubs and societies. And if you can’t find one you fancy, you could create your own, and we’ll help you to do that too.
Advice and representation
The Students’ Union Advice Centre will support you with any challenges you may face. The advice is free, independent, impartial and confidential.
You can get help with a range of things including academic issues, welfare, housing and finances.
New years resolution checklist
Want to get ready for the New Year? We have put together a checklist for you to make sure you keep on track in January.
We’ve pulled together this handy list of key contacts as a reminder of all the Teams you might need at Edge Hill. Or, if you’re not sure who to go to head to the Catalyst Helpdesk and we’ll point you in the right direction.
December 18, 2020
