As a Care Experienced, Care Leaver, Estranged or Refugee student you can receive support from our Student Success and Retention Team throughout your time at Bath. The team will signpost you to appropriate support and services within and outside the University when you need it.

What we can help with

The Student Retention and Success Team can support with:

• advice on the application process to university
• guidance on funding you will be eligible for and how to apply
• coordinating other support services on your behalf
• putting you in touch with networks of other students with similar lived experiences, including students with care experience, without support from parents (estranged), refuge or with caring responsibilities
• invite you to free social events to meet other students
• invite you to a free Christmas Day Meal on campus*
• invite you to a free sit-down meal in a local Bath restaurant to celebrate the end of the academic year*
• free storage and removals of belongings*
• discount on University accommodation over the Summer Period*
• a friendly face at the University and someone to talk to.

*support available for Care Experienced, Care Leaver, Estranged and Refugee students.

How to meet with the Student Retention and Success Team

The Student Retention and Success Team (SRS) meet pre-entry, during your studies and post graduation. SRS Team meet with students a minimum of twice during an academic year, each Semester, every year including a placement year. We ask students to book a SRS check in appointment once a Semester. There are two Semesters within the academic year at the University of Bath.

Students can meet with the team in person on Claverton Down campus, at Virgil Building in the City Centre or online via Microsoft Teams.

What to expect from a session with the Student Retention and Success Team

Initial meetings will look to understand what support will best meet your needs and get to know you. This may include support with applying, accessing funding or signposting other services.

Once you have started university you will have regular check in meetings with the team. These are an opportunity to see how you are doing, review how the transition into university is going, what support may be required and offer information and advice to help ensure your success at university. We can also discuss if your situation has changed or if you need any additional support.

24/7 Support

If you are struggling and need advice, support, or just somebody to talk to, professional help is also available 24/7 from our free, confidential support line Be Well- Talk Now. Students can contact a trained adviser by phone, video call or live chat from anywhere in the world.

Emergency support

If you need to talk to somebody urgently about your, or a friend's or student's, wellbeing call one of the helplines listed in the urgent or emergency wellbeing support guide.

In cases of overdose and serious injury through self-harm you must seek immediate medical help by calling 999, even if you or the person you are with, do not/does not feel unwell. The effects of an overdose can be delayed by hours (even days) and can be fatal.

External support

There are several charities and organisations that can also provide support:

• The Samaritans who can be contacted on 116 123
• SHOUT offer a 24/7 text-based volunteer crisis support line - text 85258
  
• Papyrus Hopeline UK is a volunteer crisis line to support young people at risk of suicide, or who are concerned about someone else’s wellbeing