Three students sitting around a table and looking at a smartphone

Support

Living in University halls isn't always easy. The most important thing to remember is that you're not alone. Here is some of the support available to you.

Specialist Accommodation

If you feel you would benefit from adapted accommodation to help you live independently in your university halls, please get in touch with The Accommodation Hub and Student Support & Wellbeing who can offer advice and get your room ready for your arrival.

We offer a number of purpose built rooms including:

  • Rooms suitable for wheelchair users with level access bathrooms and lowered kitchen facilities.
  • Adjacent accommodation can also be made available for carers.
  • Several halls have push entry systems to increase ease of access.
  • Rooms adapted for other mobility issues.
  • Rooms set up for students with hearing impairments.
  • Pens for sensory impairment dogs.

Adaptions can be made to your room suit your individual needs, so we encourage you to come and have a look around the accommodation to make sure everything is in order before you arrive. We offer accommodation suitable for students with mobility, hearing or visual needs to ensure you live comfortably and independently during your time at Wolverhampton.

We work closely with Student Support & Wellbeing to ensure all of your requirements are met in time for you to start uni life. To make sure we have everything in place, we ask you to fill out the 'additional/special information’ on the accommodation agreement and email CityAccommodationHub@wlv.ac.uk with any specific info that you feel is important for us to know. We do advise that you pay a visit to the halls to make sure you are happy with everything before you commit to a licence agreement. 

A closer look at our facilities…

Accessibility

At all three of our campuses we have a number of en-suite wheelchair adapted rooms with level access to all areas and lowered kitchen facilities.

Hearing Impairments 

Visual fire alarm alerts and flashing doorbells are included in some of our en-suite and standard accommodation for students who are hard of hearing. These are provided free of charge and will need to returned at the end of your stay, so let us know if you require one and we can get that sorted prior to your arrival.

Carers 

If you think you may need a carer to come with you to the accommodation, please give us plenty of notice so we can book rooms together. 

Unfortunately we are not currently able to offer Disabled Student Allowance for students from overseas.

To get in touch with our accommodation staff, email or call us on:

CityAccommodationHub@wlv.ac.uk or 01902 321268

Downloadable Documents 

Support Letter

Medical Form (Word doc 180k)

Additional Information

Reporting Crime

If you have a sensory impairment, then you can set up your phone to contact the emergency services via SMS. All you need to do is register for this service via the Emergency SMS website.

Deaf Alerter

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, The Accommodation Hub can provide you with a deaf alerter so you know when there is a fire alarm in your block. You will keep the deaf alerter for the duration of your Accommodation Licence.

Deaf Alerter Night Cradle user instructions:

The DEAF ALERTER® Night Cradle wakes you up when you are asleep in bed. It is connected to a pad under your pillow at night, and will vibrate if there is an alarm.

It has a battery, so it will still work if there is an electricity power cut.

How to use your "Night Cradle"

1.     Plug the pillow pad into the back of the Night Cradle where marked.

2.     Plug the power unit into the back of the Night Cradle where marked and into the mains socket.

3.     Switch on. The red light comes on meaning it is correctly attached.

4.     Insert the Deaf Alerter into the top of the box, with the belt clip facing down and the display facing out.

5.     The green light will come on when Deaf Alerter is plugged in correctly.

6.     When there is a fire alarm, the pillow pad will vibrate and wake you up.

7.     Press the button on the top of the Deaf Alerter to see the message.

British Sign Language - Deaf Alerter night cradle

 

The world would be a very boring place is everyone was same with one single identity, scary thought?! Wolverhampton is proud of its status as a multicultural and inclusive university, with students traveling from far and wide to come and study with us.

It is clear amongst our students that equality and diversity is something of great importance, everyone is different and respected. Equality and Diversity works hard to remove any organisational barriers and hurdles created consciously or unconsciously against some groups, so that we all have a fair chance to progress and develop.

There are a number of services offered by the Equality and Diversity Unit. They can offer you guidance for any questions or issues you are having.

 

LGBT

The Students' Union offers support and guidance via their LGBT+ society. If you want to get in touch, you can email them at lgbtwolvesunion@gmail.com.

You can also head over to the Student Support and Wellbeing webpages for more information and events.

Gender Matters Is a website offering advice and support for Transgender people, aswell as their friends and family.

 

If you need to contact Security, for whatever reason, you might find this number handy...

Security Control Room 24 hours a day: 01902 32 2106

Security can be contacted in emergency situations and for any other problems you may have within your Accommodation outside of normal office hours.

For more information about the Security on campus and how to contact them please visit the Security Services webpages 

The University wants students to enjoy their time here and enhance their student experience. Ensuring that our students reside within a safe and enriching environment. There are procedures in situ that will assist students to raise queries or report areas of concern to The Accommodation Hub.

Adhering to Covid-19 Rules & Regulations

The University has put into place social distancing and guidance signage for yours and other peoples safety with regards to Covid-19. It is asked that all students adhere to all of the Government and University protocols.

The University cannot police the actions of all students, with  regard to social distancing, holding social gatherings, or having visitors to the accommodation blocks, but in an attempt to ensure the safety of all Students & Staff who are residing within University Accommodation. The three stage procedure, as stated above, will be instigated if students do not adhere to the guidance in place at that point in time.

How do I inform someone if I have a problem or need an answer to a query?

This is really quick and easy, log onto e:Vision and log a call on the help desk, this will then be passed onto the relevant member of staff that will get back to you with an answer. The procedure to outline how The Accommodation Hub will provide you with further information. Dealing with student queries 2020 - 21

If you require assistance from Security please use Security Apps or report your call on IRAMS.

Student Conduct and Wellbeing Procedure

This procedure will outline how The Accommodation Hub and Campus Operations will investigate all behavioural, conduct, welfare or pastoral concerns that impact upon the student experience of living in University accommodation. The Campus Operations team will manage the security aspect ensuring the residences are a safe, secure and welcoming environment. 

There are 3 stages within this process and the severity of the misdemeanour will determine at which stage the incident is dealt with. It should be noted that all incidents at stages two and three, will be disseminated to the Conduct and Appeals Unit who may invoke the University Disciplinary Procedures separate or in addition to the Accommodation Student Conduct and Wellbeing Procedure.

For further information about what is involved within each of these stages please refer to the Student Conduct & Wellbeing 2019-20 procedures.

Dealing with Substance Misuse

The aim of this procedure is to provide a healthy and safe working and living environment for staff and students. Where the need for assistance for a student has been identified additional support can be provided through the University, either through the Counselling Services, support from the Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator or through the University Safeguarding Group.

What is substance misuse

Substance misuse is the harmful use of substances (like drugs and alcohol) for non-medical purposes. The term “substance misuse” often refers to illegal drugs. However, legal substances can also be misused, such as alcohol, prescription medications, legal highs, caffeine, nicotine and volatile substances (e.g. petrol, glue, paint)

The Substance Misuse Procedure will outline in detail how The Accommodation Hub and Campus operations investigate any issues that are reported on site.

Sexual Violence and Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour.

The University wants students to enjoy their time here. It has a responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of its students and aims to provide a safe environment in compliance with this requirement. This includes offering support and signposting student to the most appropriate specialist service following incidences of sexual violence or inappropriate sexual behaviour that are reported to the University. This is as well as providing opportunities for preventative measures such as workshops and information distribution within for example, orientation or students’ fresher’s week.

Sexual Violence and Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour  procedure will detail the University’s expectations on how to address allegations of sexual violence and inappropriate sexual behaviour involving students living in University accommodation across all campus sites. It will summarise how this will be achieved, ensuring all measures are undertaken to demonstrate that The Accommodation Hubs and Campus Operations have acted reasonably to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of its students.

News Just In...Consent is SEXY

 

                                                           

The Facts:

  • Consent is active & willing participation in sexual activity. That means that both parties had the freedom and capacity to make the choice.
  • Consent cannot be assumed even if you’re in a relationship, have been kissing or no matter who has paid for the date.
  • An absence of a “no” doesn’t mean “yes”. If you’re not sure, it’s always best to ask.
  • A lot of people are worried that checking for consent will be embarrassing. But if you think the mood could be ruined if you ask, then it can't have been that good to start with.

True or False:

  • Consent isn’t always important

False: Consent is important in every sort of sexual encounter whether it is a one-night stand, a long term partnership, a fling, a marriage, and no matter whether the encounter is between a woman and a man, two women, two men, or more than two participants. 

  • Everyone has different boundaries around sexual consent

    True: some people may not want to have penetrative sex, some people may be unable to move into different positions because of physical disabilities and some cultures or religions may make them unwilling or unable to engage in certain sexual encounters. This must all be kept in mind when discussing consent with anyone. But, most importantly, it must be discussed with everyone! 
  • Silence Means No

True: No means no, but silence also means no. Many times people do not feel like they can say no due to power imbalances. People can also become unresponsive or not know what to say when they are in uncomfortable or frightening situations. 

  • You can’t communicate consent due to the nature of sexual interaction

False: Consent can be spoken, but it can also be expressed in action. If in doubt, ask. It won’t ‘kill’ the mood. 

  • If you kiss someone, you don’t have to have sex with them

The Checklist of Consent:

  • Informed – both individuals agreeing to act
  • Mutual – clear understanding of both individuals about what is being asked for and consented to
  • Given – freely and actively
  • Communicated – in words and or actions that are mutually understandable
  • Retractable – one sexual act does not mean all sexual acts
  • Willing - agreement does not count as consent if someone is forced.

Managing your finances can be tricky so instead of getting stressed and behind on payments, the following contacts can offer you some great help and advice to get you back on track:

The Accommodation Hub

If you have a query with your accommodation invoice the Accommodation Hub are the ones you need to talk to, if you are struggling with payments let them know as soon as you can if you are unable to meet the next instalment.

E-mail: CityAccommodationHub@wlv.ac.uk 

Telephone: 01902 32 1268

Appointments can also be made to meet The Accommodation Hub staff to chat about any accommodation fee related issues.

Accommodation Debt Policy

The Funding Support Team

The Funding Support Team administer the university's hardship fund, the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund. 

E-mailmoney@wlv.ac.uk

Telephone: 01902 321070

All student financial support queries are dealt with from the Student Support and Wellbeing office situated in the Alan Turing (MI) Building.

The Student's Union

  • DROP IN - Come in to speak to an adviser in person between the hours of 11am-1pm, Monday to Friday, all year round
  • BY APPOINTMENT - Outside of drop-in times by calling 01902 32 2038 to book an appointment in advance.
  • WEB/ONLINE - If you have a query, please get in touch by completing our enquiry form at www.wolvesunion.org/adviceandsupport/enquiries/ and a member of their team will email you back, usually within 3 working days.
  • SKYPE – Why not make a Skype to Skype appointment with one of our advisers? Our Skype username is: wlvunionasc (they aren’t online all the time so best to contact them via email to arrange an appointment in advance)
  • TWITTER - They are happy to answer your questions via Twitter - simply follow them and mention @wlvunionasc in your tweet.
  • TXT-2-TXT - They also offer a text to text service so if you would like to text them your query, send a message within office hours to 07920 400280
  • Surviving on Student Income *(June 2016 onwards) - The SU and The Gateway will run sessions for specific categories of students with advice on budgeting and funding available to students in June, July and September. Click here to find out more and to get booking from now!

Making contact with Finance

E: vision helpdesk

E-mailincomesection@wlv.ac.uk

Telephone: 01902 32 1256

Appointments can also be made to meet Finance staff to discuss any tuition or accommodation fee related issue.

A campaign protecting students across the country against a dangerous strain of meningitis, MenW is urging new students to get vaccinated after a rapid growth in the infection. 

If you are coming to university in September then we encourage you to contact your GP and make an appointment to get vaccinated. Coming to university means you will be coming in contact with lots of new people so it’s important to get the vaccination before leaving for university.  

Meningitis – know the facts

  • Meningitis is an infection of the meninges - the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord
  • Meningococcal bacteria are common and carried harmlessly in the nose or throat by about one in 10 people
  • They are passed on through close contact

Symptoms include:

  • Fever, cold hands and feet
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Drowsiness, difficult to wake up
  • Irritability and/or confusion
  • Dislike of bright lights
  • Severe headache or muscle pains
  • Pale, blotchy skin with or without a rash
  • Convulsions/seizures
  • Stiff neck.

GPs across the UK are inviting 17 and 18-year-olds to come for a vaccine and first-time students under 25 are eligible too so make an appointment and get protected!

For more information about MenW, click here.

The highest highs and the lowest lows

Alcohol can improve a social experience and be good for breaking the ice when you meet new people and as act a catalyst for some memorable nights. However the day after can leave you feeling depressed, hungover and swearing that you will need to touch the stuff again. We can’t promise you a uni experience without a horrific hangover but if you want to keep these infrequent and recover quickly get to know your limits and what type of drinks suit you.

If drinking becomes more of a habit than a social stimulus bear in mind that over-consumption can have a wide range of consequences - social, psychological and physical. Individuals are often not aware how much they are drinking or its impact on those around them.

Alcohol and Student life

Moving to university can be extremely exciting and pretty nerve racking, and both of those things can make you want to drink. Just remember that the initial effects of alcohol including a happy light feeling with all your worries disappearing, will transform you into more of a moody mess after one too many. If you have just gone through a break-up, feeling homesick or avoiding an assignment alcohol will help you to temporarily forget about it by killing some braincells, however the come down will not seem worth it and make your problems harder to deal with.

This is because alcohol has a massive impact on your personality. On one hand it can make you seem more confident or ‘fun’ but if you go too far you might regret being offensive or overly emotional.

Now for the facts

As a general rule it’s recommended that it is safe to drink up to 2-3 units per day if you are a woman and 3-4 if you are a man (i.e. up to 2 pints a day). There is an increasing risk to your health if you are consistently consuming over these levels. After a period of intoxication, it is strongly advised that you avoid alcohol completely for at least 48 hours to allow time for liver damage to recover. Binge drinking, i.e. drinking a great deal in one evening or over a short period such as a weekend is regarded as particularly hazardous to health.

When drinking becomes a problem

Most people who drink at all will have experienced at least one episode of alcohol self-harm – a hangover! If you consistently drink fairly heavily, your tolerance to alcohol will increase and you run the risk of developing dependency. This may be physical, psychological, or (most commonly) both.

If you feel you can relate to two or more of the following, it’s time to do something about it:

  • You are regularly drinking beyond safe limits.
  • You find yourself drinking in the mornings, or on your own.
  • Your studies are suffering with difficulties in concentration, mood swings and having to contend with feelings of guilt as a result of drinking.
  • Relationships with others may be dwindling, and people around you have expressed some concern.
  • Your outlook and lifestyle seems to revolve around a need to consume alcohol.
  • When you try to reduce intake you get sweating, tremors and anxiety.

Dependency is pretty rare in student – with most of you stopping well short of this, but if you are concerned there is plenty of information and advice available online and in person.

The University of Wolverhampton provides confidential help and support through the Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

The Accommodation Hub also have close links with them and they can assist if you would like someone else to contact them initially on your behalf. You can also attend their drop in sessions each day or use the online support facility.

There are numerous external helplines/resources that can help with professional advice and support with all alcohol related issues:

  1. Be realistic – don’t beat yourself up if it takes you a longer than expected to get things done, or you find things hard.

  2. Set goals and manage your time – make a plan for each day of what you want to achieve and reward yourself when you get it done.

  3. Exercise – make sure you schedule in some time for fitness, it’s a great stress reliever and helps to keep you motivated.

  4. Talk to your friends – getting things off your mind can really help to get things into perspective and cement some really strong friendships.

  5. Get plenty of sleep – know when to rest and when to work, you will get a lot more done after your body has recharged.

  6. Believe in yourself and keep positive – your attitude has a lot to do with your performance and wellbeing.

  7. Eat healthy – we’ve all heard the phrase ‘you are what you eat’ a balanced diet with lots of fruit, veg and water will help to prevent you from feeling run down. Although it’s easier to snack of sweets during revision time try and get in at least one decent meal a day!

  8. Relax – find a way to wind down whether this is meditation, going for a run, listening to calming playlist - find a method that works for you.

Need to talk?

Your uni Student Support and Wellbeing is here to help you make the best of your time at University by offering free, professional, confidential and non-judgemental support whenever you need it. We all get stressed, anxious, have to cope with unexpected situations or simply don’t feel quite right so instead of bottling it up, come and have a chat with us.

Mental health difficulties can beset anyone at any time, although it is recognised that many of the transition points in life can be particularly challenging. For some students for example, an unfamiliar higher education environment/moving away from home for the first time/mixing with new peers can be very stressful, particularly for those who already have an underlying mental health issue. The University of Wolverhampton therefore takes student and staff mental health seriously.

On the plus side, our University prides itself on the new opportunities for developing friendships and pursuing social, recreational and sporting interests we offer, in addition we offer a wide range of easily accessible student support services. We recognise that students may be more able than others in the general population to benefit from psychiatric and psychological help, especially psychotherapy. Our students are bright, articulate and knowledgeable. They are more likely to be psychologically minded and curious about themselves. We embrace our unique environment and encourage at these times of change, can present opportunities for growth and maturation as well as presenting healthy challenges.

Our university accepts if attention is paid to ensuring that the higher education environment and relationships are conducive to enhancing mental well-being, many difficulties can be ameliorated and overcome.

What support is on offer for students?

Our Student Support and Wellbeing offers support to all students who require it, they can offer:

  • Information about rights under Equality Legislation and access to funding if you are disabled.  https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas
  • Advice and information about mental wellbeing and what help is available
  • Talking through difficulties to ascertain what may help
  • Signposting to appropriate services and resources, including other university support services such as counselling
  • Helping you to access services by providing information and support
  • Assisting you to liaise with specialist agencies 
  • Tips on self-care, lifestyle advice and online resources, apps and literature
  • Advice to prospective students with mental health diagnosis or those who have not disclosed; what happens after disclosure and what support can they receive?
  • Support to students who live away from home, helping to transfer their care from their home area to Wolverhampton, Walsall, Burton or Telford.
  • Mental health and wellbeing awareness across the university

If students have;

  • Diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health issues
  • Self-harm or suicidal thoughts (not a crisis service)
  • Recent changes in their mood or behaviour
  • Drug or alcohol use issues
  • Victims of sexual assault, rape or domestic violence.
  • Believe they are victims (historical or current) of abuse of any nature; emotional, physical, financial, sexual and feel ready to address this or simply want to seek advice.
  • Considered counselling and need support to prepare
  • Experienced recent significant life events that have affected their mental health and or ability to cope

To find out more about what support Student Support & Wellbeing has to offer please visit their webpages

Students and staff can book a free wellbeing check with final year Medical Science and Clinical Practice student Olivia Simpson.

There are lots of factors that inevitably affect our wellbeing and health. Whether you're studying irregular hours, in a high-pressure position, or feeling demotivated, your day-to-day lifestyle and activities can impact your mental health for a variety of reasons.

Wellbeing Checks with Olivia consist of a free 20-minute consultation in a private room with no windows to ensure confidentiality. Appointments will take place every Thursday from 14 October and can be booked online, using the book now button below.

Measurements taken during the appointment are non-invasive and include blood pressure, pulse rate, BMI, bone mass density, body fat %, visceral fat and muscle mass. Nutritional, exercise and lifestyle advice, along with food recipe cards, can also be provided.

Where appropriate, those attending will get information and be signposted to other services at the University, including mental health and wellbeing services for staff and students, Walsall HealthScan, the University’s Psychology Community Research Clinic and the Sports Therapy Clinic.

NHS educational leaflets on various topics (e.g. obesity, osteoporosis, smoking and cancers) will also be available.

Appointments will last 20 minutes. 

Online appointments are also available and can be booked with Olivia by email: Olivia.Simpson@wlv.ac.uk.

For more info on bookings, click here: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/current-students/wellbeing-checks/ 

 

The Students’ Union is here for all students, regardless of course, mode or location of study. They are here to represent you, advise you and make sure you get the most out of your university experience. They also want you to be equipped with the right skills, so when it comes time to leave, you’re ready to take advantage of more opportunities than when you arrived.  Follow the link to find out more about our Students Union

Student Services

Careers and Employment Centre

T. 01902 32 1414

www.wlv.ac.uk/careers

Chaplaincy

T. 01902 32 2905

E. chaplaincy@wlv.ac.uk

Student Support and Wellbeing (including counselling)

T. 01902 32 1074

Online Contact Form

Endsleigh Insurance

T. 0800 028 3571

www.endsleigh.co.uk

LGBT+ Society

E. lgbtwolvesunion@gmail.com

www.wolvesunion.org/societies/society/lgbt/

Funding Support Team

T. 01902 32 1070

E. money@wlv.ac.uk

IT Services

T. 01902 32 2000

www.wlv.ac.uk/its

Print Services Unit

T. 01902 32 1990

E. psu@wlv.ac.uk

Students’ Union Advice and Representation Centre (ARC)

T. 01902 32 2038

W. www.wolvesunion.org/advice/

University Finance Department

T. 01902 32 1256

E. incomesection@wlv.ac.uk

University Switchboard

T. 01902 32 1000

West Midlands Police

T. 0845 113 5000

www.west-midlands.police.uk

The Workplace

T. 01902 32 3400

E. theworkplace@wlv.ac.uk

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