Health & Wellbeing
- I am feeling homesick and want to leave University
- I want to get fit and healthy
- I am worried about my friend who is taking drugs all the time
- I want some condoms
- My friend seems really down and doesn't get out of bed most days
- I don't get on with anyone and feel alone
- I can't cope with the amount of work I have to do on too of the stress of exams
- My friend is worried she may be pregnant
Leaving home and becoming a University student can be stressful. Life changes and other pressures can have a major impact on your health so make you sure take care of yourself during your time at University.
Allow time for fun and exercise and if you do need help or information on any health and well-being related issues, here isa list of some useful sources of information. If you need to talk to someone and don't know where to go, do come along to The Hub and ask to speak to a Student Advisor.
The University has its own Counselling Service which offers work-shops and one-to-one counselling sessions and urgent appointments with a Duty Counsellor. To make an appointments, telephone 0118 975 1823. For more information about the University Counselling Service visit www.rdg.ac.uk/Counselling.
If you would like to speak to another student who has been trained in listening skills by the University Counselling Service, you can contact a Peer Supporter, who can offer informal, confidential support on any issue. To find out more about Peer Support visit http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/peersupport/peer-homepage.aspx
Health Service
Mental Health
- The University Mental Health Advisor is part of the Counselling Service and can offer individual support to students with mental health concerns. To contact the Mental Health Advisor, telephone 0118 975 1823.
- Mind is a national mental health charity which works to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress. Tel: 0845 7660163. Website: www.mind.org.uk
Sexual Health
- You can collect free condoms from The Hub or JCR Welfare Representatives in Halls.
- Department of Sexual Health. Tel: 0118 322 7202 Website: www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/sexual-health
- Florey Unit in Department of Sexual Health. Help-line: 0118 987 7216 Tel: 0118 987 7202 for appointments (this is where to go if you think you may have a sexually transmitted infection).
- Terrence Higgins Trust (AIDS and HIV). Tel: 0845 1221 200 Website: www.tht.org.uk
Personal Safety
- Personal Safety alarms - cost £3 each and are available from the Students' Union shops. Alarms also include a torch. Make sure you keep your alarm where you can easily reach it. Not right at the bottom of your bag!
- Personal Safety Tips - It can be easy to forget to be safe when you are out and about enjoying yourself. Follow these tips for safety on and off Campus.
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- If you are walking home, walk with one or more friends or housemates
- Use the Safety-bus after studying late or taking part in late night activities (details below)
- Keep the number of a taxi company on you
- When walking keep to busy, well lit paths and main roads where you can
- Stay in the centre of the pavement away from the road and any bushes wherever possible
- Carry a personal safety alarm with you
- Make sure someone knows when you expect to be home
- Do not leave people alone. Decide on a meeting place for if the group gets separated.
- Safety Bus - This service is provided free of charge and leaves from behind the Library and provides a safe journey home for those students studying or taking part in late night activities.It runs from 6pm - 11.40pm, Monday to Thursday during term time.Check the board in the Library foyer as to the time of the next bus.
- University Security Services - Security staff are here to help protect you while you are on Campus. For emergencies Tel: 0118 378 6300. General enquiries Tel: 0118 378 7799. Website: www.fmd.rdg.ac.uk/security
Home sickness/culture shock
- Both home and international students can suffer from homesickness. If you are finding it difficult to adapt to University life or living away from home, try to talk to someone about it. You might like to discuss how you are feeling witha University Counsellor (see details above).
- The University also employs an International Student Advisor who has a great deal of experience and expertise in dealing with cultural issues and homesickness.Contact the University Counselling Service and ask to speak to the International Student Advisor or have a look at this useful guide for more information: www.rdg.ac.uk/counselling/intlstudents/culture.htm
Drugs and Alcohol
Keeping Fit
If you need to speak to someone in confidence or have any concerns regarding your health or well-being, contact a Student Advisor. We are here to offer you advice and support.
