Support & Wellbeing

At the moment, you may find that you do not have access to the resources and strategies you normally use to look after your health and wellbeing. Your sleep may be disrupted due to being in a different place, or because of worry, and you might not be able to continue with your exercise routine due to restrictions.

It is helpful to plan your days and keep your routine the same each day, to include regular breaks. 

Exercising and getting fresh air helps to look after your mental health and wellbeing so it is important to build this into your day. While you're out, take it as an opportunity to unplug - ignore any notifications you get on your phone. Take a moment to look at what you can see in front of you while you're out: what colour are the leaves? What can you hear? 

Even if it's just half an hour a day, can be a great chance to think about exactly how you're feeling and what you're thinking.

Student Minds has loads of great tips here.

Social distancing and remote studying can make some of us feel lonely as we know that staying connected with people is going to be more difficult at the moment. Fortunately, technology makes it so much easier for us to stay connected. Keeping connected with others is good for our wellbeing.

As well as being able to keep in touch with your loved ones and the University through email, video calls and phone calls, many organisations and services are offering their support remotely too. You could also consider joining online groups like book clubs, dance classes, online quizzes – whatever you’re interested in! The Student Union are also running virtual activities throughout the term so make sure to get involved with these by checking their website regularly. 

Remember to check Blackboard, Microsoft Teams and your University emails regularly so that you keep connected with your studies.

If you regularly take medication, make sure you bring enough for your stay (or at least the first few months) as it can be a lengthy process to arrange prescriptions. It's also a good idea to bring medical documents that describe your condition and medication as it will make arranging any subsequent prescriptions easier.

Even though you may be covered for some services from the NHS, the University recommends all students to take out appropriate medical insurance from their home country to cover any medical expenses that may occur in the UK and abroad.

Any international student studying at the University for less than six months need to take out medical insurance from their home country to cover any required treatment.

You should also take out travel insurance that will cover you until you arrive at University and for any excursions you decide to do, both during and after your stay with us.

The IHS is a financial contribution to the UK’s National Health Service. It is not a form of medical insurance. You must pay the surcharge if you are a non-EEA national and are granted immigration permission to enter the UK to study for a time-limited period of more than six months. You also must pay the surcharge if you are a non- EEA national already in the UK and wish to apply to extend your stay.

The IHS is applied to immigration applications made on or after 6 April 2015. The IHS is paid when you make your visa application. From 8 January 2018 the rate will be £300 for each period of 12 months leave granted.

Once you have paid the surcharge, this means you are then able to use the National Health Service (NHS). You will still need to pay for certain types of services however, e.g. prescriptions, dental care and eye care. You will not be required to quote your I.H.S number when visiting the hospital or doctor.

Further information is available on the Home Office website. 

Many people resolve their problems by talking to friends, family or perhaps someone in their department. Others find looking on-line for information about their concerns helpful and we have a selection of self-help information available.

However, there are also times when you need more than this, to talk to someone from outside your day to day life, and this is when the NHS Counselling Service may be helpful.

Counselling can help you to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours so that you can reach a clearer understanding of yourself. This can help you to adapt, change and prepare you for your future. 

Accessing the NHS Counselling service

• Full time students
Students can access the NHS Counselling service by booking an appointment with their own NHS doctor. Students can register with a local NHS (National Health Service) doctor, otherwise known as a General Practitioner, or GP, by entering their postcode onto NHS GP search

Alternatively, Regent’s students can register with Marylebone Health Centre which is a 5 minute walk from the main Park Campus.

• Part time students
Students who are studying at Regent’s for less than six months should contact Student Support or the Disability Office for a referral to the counselling service at Marylebone Health Centre.

As you make your preparations to study at Regent’s University London, it is important that you ensure that you have had the necessary vaccinations.

Public Health England strongly recommends that all students have the following vaccinations:

• Meningitis ACWY 
• MMR 

Students can be more vulnerable to these infections due to living closely with many others in student residences and mixing with large numbers of people.

Additional information regarding Meningitis is also available from the Meningitis Now website.

Vaccinations

All NHS entitled students (see further details above, under "Health and wellbeing") can receive this vaccine from Marylebone Health Centre, irrespective of where they live.

Students who are not entitled to National Health Service treatment can contact the Crawford Street Surgery to book a private appointment to arrange the vaccinations. 

Whether you are used to the cold weather, or it is the first time you are experiencing a winter climate, make sure you take care of yourself this season!

Here are some tips to make sure that, even when your body is telling you to hibernate, you can keep healthy and fit, no matter what the weather's like.

Banish winter tiredness/sadness

Many people feel more tired and low during winter. 

Try these tips:

•    Get outdoors in natural daylight as much as possible 
•    Make your study and home environments as light as possible – keep curtains open and study in areas with lots of natural light
•    Sit near windows when possible
•    Try to do some regular exercise, particularly outdoors and in daylight
•    Get a good night's sleep – go to bed and wake up at the same time every day 
•    Destress with exercise or meditation – stress has been shown to make you feel tired

Read more ways to wipe out winter tiredness here.

Eat more fruit and vegetables

When it's cold and dark outside, it can be tempting to fill up on unhealthy comfort food. However, it's important to ensure you still have a healthy diet and include five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. This will also ensure you are getting the vitamins you need to boost your immune system and stop you from getting common winter illnesses.

Winter vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, swede and turnips can be roasted, mashed or made into soup for a comforting winter meal. 

Vaccinations

It is important that you ensure that you have had the necessary vaccinations to protect yourself against illnesses such as Meningitis. For more details and the information on receiving this vaccination, please see the vaccinations tab above.

Stay warm

Remember to wrap up when venturing out and about!

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University has issued information and advice for staff and students here.

For some, this apprehension is quickly overcome as they adapt to a new environment; for others the transition takes longer and sometimes emerges as homesickness where there is a preoccupation with home-focused thoughts. There is a yearning for and grieving over the loss of what is familiar and secure: most often it is about the loss of people - family and friends - but it is also about the loss of places and routines.

You are not immune just because you have successfully experienced leaving home before. Vulnerability to feeling homesick is affected by:

• The distance from home
• A sense of anti-climax at finally arriving at university after working towards it for so long
• Whether the student was responsible for the decision to come to university
• Unhappiness due to expectations of university not being met
• "Job strain" - i.e. work overload and low control over it
• Contrast in lifestyle.

Those who are homesick often feel they have no control over their environment, and that they do not identify with it, or are not committed to the university or their place within it.

What might help?

• Talk to someone. If you haven't made friends here yet, then come and see Student Support.
• Keep in good contact with the people you have left behind; arrange a time to go back to see them. But also give yourself time within the university to begin to get involved here.
• Remember that many other people will be sharing similar feelings, although you may assume that they are doing fine!
• Be realistic about what to expect from student life and from yourself. Establish a balance between work and leisure: you are NOT expected to work ALL the time – you will burn out very quickly. On the other hand, if you don't put in enough time for work, you can very quickly get behind, which will only adds to your stress.
• Remember to get enough food and sleep! These affect us emotionally as well as physically.
• Make contacts and friends through shared activities such as sport or other interests. There are many clubs and societies within the university and city, that you are very likely to find something that suits your particular interests. At the start of the academic year many new people will be joining – you are unlikely to be the only new person.
• Give yourself time to adjust: you don't have to get everything right straight away. Nor do you have to rush into making major decisions about staying or leaving.
• If you stop being able to do normal social and academic things, seek professional help either from your GP or the University’s Counselling service. Don't wait until the problems have grown impossibly large.

We hope that some of these suggestions will prove useful. There are many things you can do to help yourself, but don't hesitate in seeking out the help of others. Homesickness is not unusual - and it can be conquered!

Settling-in

The first term at university can be a challenging time. Trying to balance the social and academic demands of university can be difficult, not to mention tiring.

You may feel that everyone around you has settled in easily, made loads of friends and is also managing to excel academically. Don't worry, you are not alone!

Many students struggle in the first term whether it is finding friends, managing money or getting used to university level study. Even if you have been at university for a few weeks or months (or even years!), there are still things you can do to help you settle in and enjoy your time at Regent’s. The box below outlines some ideas that could help.

Difficulties with studies

If you are having any difficulties with your studies, you do not have to go through this alone. Make sure you speak to your Student Achievement Officer or your Personal Tutor as soon as possible, so that we can find out how we can help you. Appointments can be made via the Student Hub.

Attendance

The Regent’s University London Attendance Guidance states that students are expected to attend all classes. This includes all seminars and lectures. Absences are not justified; students must attend a minimum of 75% of the classes per module. 

If illness or a situation beyond your control is affecting your attendance, please come and speak to us in Student Support as soon as possible so we can discuss your options with you and find out how we can help.

Make sure you have accessed all of the financial support for which you are eligible from Regent's such as bursaries, grants and scholarships. Please see the following links for details:

• Financial Support for Undergraduates
• Financial Support for Postgraduates

Banking and finance tips
Open a student bank account to take advantage of the special offers. Check what different banks are offering before you decide where to open an account. 

Budgeting advice
Make sure you don’t spend all of your money at the start of term so that you have enough to see you through to the end.

Further guidance can be found by visiting the UCAS Budget Calculator or for international students go to the Living in the UK section.

Council tax
Remember, students do not have to pay Council Tax. If you are asked to pay by the Council, do not just ignore the bill because the Council will need proof that you are a full time registered student, a student confirmation letter from can be obtained from Student Hub.

Part-time work
Your studies must always come first. However, if your programme allows you the time to do so, there are a range of part-time work opportunities available in London.

Information on how to find part-time work can be found by booking an appointment to see an advisor in the Careers and Business Relations Department using the Student Hub. There is also a full listing of available vacancies on the Student Hub from organisations who have contacted Regent's to advertise to students.

Hardship Fund
If you are struggling with money, you may be eligible for the Hardship Fund. Contact Student Support to find out if you are eligible for hardship support and how to apply.

Cost of living in London
The perceived cost of living and studying in London is a concern for many students. However, it is possible to live affordably in the capital by taking advantage of reduced price services and facilities on campus and beyond. This includes student discounts and concessions in shops, restaurants and bars, and by avoiding touristy areas of the city.

Top Tips for living in London…

• Travel home with friends after a night out – don’t walk home alone!
• Don’t leave your valuables on display
• Don’t ever take an unlicensed taxi
• Lock your door – every time!
• Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa in a safe place
• Always keep an eye on your drink
• Avoid travelling on public transport too late
• Be aware of who is around you at cash points, cover your pin number and put your money away quickly
• Don’t let people around you in clubs and bars see you enter your pin number
• Don’t carry your wallet in your back pocket
• Stay in safe areas
• If using Uber, share your journey with friends
• Wear a helmet and colourful clothing when riding a bike

For further information on staying safe in London, please see the following:

• The Student Room
• MET Police advice

Safe Sex

It's important to stay safe while having fun at university. 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies are particularly common among young people, so it's worth taking precautions.

If you would like more information and advice regarding safer sex then visit NHS choices for advice on sexual health.

Drinking & Drugs  

Alcohol and other drugs are powerful substances with a potential to harm users or to tempt them into over-indulgence, so it is important to take care of yourself when considering using them and to avoid taking any risks which you might regret later.

Psychological consequences

• Are you using drink or drugs to escape from a problem which you might be able to solve if you faced it? If so this may prolong your shyness, anxiety, depression, unhappiness etc. rather than dealing with it for once and all.
• Drink and drugs don't permanently change our world. They allow us to feel a temporary confidence or happiness, but the effect is usually one of borrowed time. Often the unhappiness or anxiety returns even more strongly once the effects wear off.
• Drink and drugs can cause psychological problems by themselves. Alcohol can commonly cause depression; drugs can also cause depression, or can trigger anxiety or even psychosis (loss of reality).

Social consequences

• You can quite easily end up in trouble with the law. Although drinking alcohol is legal, it can lead to other activities which may not be. Any conviction for drink or drugs offences may severely limit the opportunities open to you in the future.
• Pronounced use of drink or drugs tends to rigidly define social groups, so it may limit your circle of friends.

Physical Consequences

• While the specific physical effects of drug abuse and addiction tend to vary based on the particular substance involved, the general effects of abuse or addiction to any drug can be devastating.
• Drink can lower people's inhibitions against hurting others.
• Drink greatly lessens people's ability to say no to unwanted sexual encounters which they would have definitely avoided had they been sober.
• There are long-term health risks.

Taking Control

• Talk to someone whom you trust about your use. See if they feel you have cause for concern.
• Consider what you are using. In particular note when you use concentrated or particularly dangerous forms of drink and drugs. Can you substitute a less potent alternative?
• Consider the social pressures to consume. Can you limit your exposure to these - e.g. stop buying in rounds, meeting in pubs, partying late etc.?
• Consider what emotions trigger consumption. Are you using drink and drugs to help deal with certain feelings - frustration, anxiety, shyness, boredom etc. Can you find alternative means of dealing with these feelings?
• Try a month of abstinence. See whether you can do it, and if you can find different ways of dealing with problems.

Useful Contacts for Alcohol Related Problems:

• Drinkline Tel: 0800 917 8282
• Alcohol Concern Tel: 020 7928 7377
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Tel: 020 7833 0022

Useful Contacts for Drug Related Problems:

• FRANK, Tel: 0300 123 6600, www.talktofrank.com
• ADFAM National, Tel: 020 7928 8900
• Drug Scope, Tel: 020 7928 1211

Your safety at Regent's is hugely important to us, both on and off campus. We want to ensure that you have all the necessary safety information and tips to make the most of your student experience in London.

London is generally considered as safe as any large city around the world. However, it makes sense to be aware of the potential threats you may face and to know how to be safe. It is important to be mindful of your safety and personal security at all times, particularly at night.

The capital is an exciting place and we want you to enjoy good experiences while living here. Use your judgement carefully when you go out at night as to what you wear. Wearing designer labels and an expensive watch could put you at risk of being targeted by thieves. If you chose to do so, make sure you stay with friends and follow our top safety tips below.

Tips for security

At all times:

• Avoid obvious use of your mobile phone on the street – especially if it is an expensive one
• Always keep your bag where you can see or feel it – even on University premises and especially on public transport, in restaurants, cafes, cinemas, clubs etc.
• Never carry large amounts of cash on you
• Keep a secure record of any credit/debit card numbers so you can cancel them immediately, should they get lost/stolen
• Never leave your drink unattended
• Try to look like you know where you are going – walk at a steady pace, try not to keep looking at a map or your phone.
• Never accept a lift from a stranger, including unsolicited mini cabs. If hailing a taxi, only use a black taxi. Any minicab journey that isn’t booked by phone or in a minicab office is illegal and potentially unsafe
• Always lock your doors and windows when you leave your accommodation
• Keep your laptop out of sight
• Insure your belongings

After dark:

• Stick to main roads and avoid unlit or poorly lit areas, including parks, alleyways and housing estates. In an emergency, always call 999.
• If you see a person or situation that makes you uncomfortable on the street, cross the road or go into a late-night shop, garage, café etc
• You will always be more at risk when you have been drinking alcohol
• If travelling home late at night, travel with someone else or take a taxi; a black cab or a pre-booked mini cab from a recommended firm

For further information on staying safe in London, please see the following:

• The Student Room
• MET Police advice

Transport for London (TfL)
TfL’s text service, Cabwise, also helps you get a cab to take you home safely. Simply text CAB to 60835 and GPS will be used to text you your two nearest minicab numbers and one taxi (black cab) number. For more information, visit TfL Cabwise. You can also search for licensed minicab operators by using TfL’s online service.

Most last Tubes leave central London around 00.30 Monday to Saturday nights, while the night tube runs throughout the night on Fridays and Saturdays on the Victoria, Jubilee, and most of the Central, Northern and Piccadilly lines.

Night buses run all night, and there are now more night buses than ever, with 117 routes all CCTV-monitored.

Late-night Underground trains and night buses are generally busy, but if buses are not, sit near the driver or downstairs on a double-decker.

You can plan your night out and get the latest information on late night travel by visiting Plan a Journey before you go out.

Hollie Guard

Hollie Guard is a smartphone app that provides enhanced levels of protection. 

Regent's University London is working with the Student Union to raise awareness about sexual consent amongst our students. We aim to provide students with information about sexual consent as well as tackle the myths and misunderstandings about sexual consent, rape and sexual abuse.

• Download the ‘Pause Play Stop’ Sexual Consent leaflet.
• Watch the video explaining sexual consent using the ‘cup of tea’ analogy.
• Read an article about myths that new students hold about sexual violence and domestic abuse.

Below, you can find help and support, including where to go if you have experienced sexual assault or rape. In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, dial 999 to be connected to the police.

Support at the University

Student Support

The Student Support team are here to provide you with help and advice. Come to the Student Hub in the Acland building where a member of the team can refer you to Student Support, or alternatively email [email protected] for an appointment.

Counselling

The University offers a free and confidential counselling service for students. Come to the Student Hub in the Acland building where a member of the team will refer you to Student Support, or alternatively email [email protected] for an appointment.

Campus Security

Campus Security aim to ensure Regent's University London is a safe and secure place for students, staff and visitors. They can assist with crime prevention and reporting.

Tel: 0207 487 7495 for Security Control Room
Tel: 0203 075 6222 for Emergencies
The Head of Security can be contacted at:
Tel: 020 7487 7515 / 07540 914 762
Office: Botany Building

Metropolitan Police

In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, dial 999 immediately to be connected to the police. In any other situation, call the non-emergency number 101.
Find out more about reporting an incident of rape or sexual assault, and of further support available in London.

Specialist Services

The Havens
Havens are specialist centres across London where victims of rape and serious sexual assault can get support and advice. Even if you’re not ready to talk to the police, The Havens can provide you with medical help and advice about your options in confidence. 

The Survivors Trust
The Survivors Trust is a UK-wide national agency for 130 specialist organisations for support for the impact of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse. 

SurvivorsUK
SurvivorsUK is a service for male survivors of rape and sexual violence, to cater for people not provided for by other services. They are an inclusive service and welcome anyone who identifies as male, trans, non-binary, has identified as male in the past, or anyone who feels that they are the right fit for them.

This section contains valuable information for all students and staff who may be experiencing or affected by abuse within a relationship.

Domestic abuse takes place within relationships or families where one person bullies or controls another. Abuse can affect people across society regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth and geography.

Abuse may take many forms: stalking, sexual assault, rape, harassment, physical assault, emotional abuse such as being prevented from seeing your friends and financial factors such as not having sufficient control over your money.

• Read an article about students in abusive relationships.
• Read an article about myths that new students hold about sexual violence and domestic abuse.

Below, you can find help and support, including where to go if you are a victim of domestic abuse. In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, dial 999 to be connected to the police.

Support at the University

Student Support

The Student Support team are here to provide you with help and advice. Come to the Student Hub in the Acland building where a member of the team can refer you to Student Support, or alternatively email [email protected] for an appointment.

Counselling

The University offers a free and confidential counselling service for students. Come to the Student Hub in the Acland building where a member of the team will refer you to Student Support, or alternatively email [email protected] for an appointment.

Metropolitan Police
In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, dial 999 immediately to be connected to the police. In any other situation, call the non-emergency number 101. Find out more about reporting an incidence of domestic violence.

Specialist Services
If you or anyone you know is affected by signs of domestic abuse, you can call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence free phone helpline for support on 0808 2000 247.

Women’s Aid
Women’s Aid are provide support for female victims of domestic violence. 

Men’s Advice Line
Men’s Advice Line provide support for male victims of domestic violence. 

Galop
Galop provide support for LGBT+ victims of domestic abuse. 

This section contains valuable information for all students who may be have been affected by a violent crime or assault. This could be in many forms: Alcohol and Drug Related Violence, Arson, Assault, Bullying, Burglary, Gang Violence, Harassment, Hate Crime, Homicide of a loved one, Kidnapping and/or Missing Persons, Mass Violence, Property Crimes, Robbery, Theft, Vehicular Assault.

Below, you can find help and support, including where to go if you are a victim of domestic abuse. In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, dial 999 to be connected to the police.
Support at the University

Student Support

The Student Support team are here to provide you with help and advice. Come to the Student Hub in the Acland building where a member of the team can refer you to Student Support, or alternatively email [email protected] for an appointment.

Counselling

The University offers a free and confidential counselling service for students. Come to the Student Hub in the Acland building where a member of the team will refer you to Student Support, or alternatively email [email protected] for an appointment.

Metropolitan Police
In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, dial 999 immediately to be connected to the police. In any other situation, call the non-emergency number 101.
Find out more about reporting an incidence of domestic violence.

Victim Support
Victim Support help people feel safer and find the strength to move beyond crime.

Victim Information Service
Through the UK Government, the Victim Information Service get free help and advice if you’ve been a victim of crime.