Support for students – information for partner agencies
We offer a comprehensive range of services and support for students during their time at the University, whether that’s offering guidance, practical help or signposting them to further external support.
Here is an overview of some of the services that we have available for students at the University.
General student support
Advice Zone
The Advice Zone is a first point of contact for all student enquiries.
Students can receive guidance on a variety of issues and be directed to the most appropriate specialist services for further support.
There are various ways for students to contact the Advice Zone including online, via telephone, or by visiting one of the Advice Zone desks at each of the University’s campuses.
Health and Wellbeing
Health Team
Our USW Health Team is nurse-led and offers free health advice and support to all students. They form part of the overall healthcare provision, alongside a students’ GP, pharmacist, dentist and the NHS where they will need to access specialist services.
Students are encouraged to register with a local GP on their arrival at the University.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Mental Wellbeing webpages provide students with a variety of advice and guidance, including access to Togetherall, which provides students with an anonymous 24/7 online peer support community.
Students can also book a Wellbeing Advice Appointment to talk to an adviser about their needs – they will then be signposted to the most appropriate support. This can include being referred to a mental health adviser or counsellor, if appropriate.
Disability Advice Team
The Disability Advice Team provides information, advice and guidance, and co-ordinates disability-related support for USW students. This includes students with physical, sensory, mental health or unseen disabilities, specific learning difficulties (eg, dyslexia) and autism.
Student safety
Students can access information about how to stay safe on the student safety section of the website. From personal safety and keeping property safe to how to stay safe online.
Emergency contacts
If students need an emergency response they are provided with a list of emergency contact information.
Security and SafeZone
Our security professionals provide 24/7 security and are trained to provide a first response service including first aid.
To support the team, and offer round-the-clock safety reassurance to students and staff, we offer a free and handy safety app to students and staff called SafeZone.
SafeZone lets you get help in various areas across USW campuses quickly in a personal emergency, or if someone needs first aid or general help. Students and staff can check in when they are working alone or in high-risk areas and they can set a timer that will automatically alert the team if they become unresponsive. SafeZone also sends you notifications in the event of an emergency, so you know what to do to stay safe.
Report + Support
The online platform, Report + Support, enables staff and students to easily report instances of identity-based bullying, harassment, or discrimination, with the knowledge that it will be taken seriously, inspire change and help others. Reports can be made anonymously if preferred. A wealth of information to support users is also available on a wide range of subjects.
Other support
Academic
From a Learner Development Service, Library Service and Careers to Peer-to-Peer mentoring, the University offers lots of options for students to easily access support to complement and assist their academic studies.
Accommodation
Accommodation Services are based on Treforest campus, however they are able to offer limited support and advice on accommodation issues across all campuses and on all accommodation types including private sector and third party private providers.
Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy at USW is an open and inclusive service, offering confidential and non-judgmental support to students irrespective of faith, culture, gender or sexual orientation.
Student Money Advice Team
The Student Money Advice Team provides support and advice to help students manage money, plus information about funding, bursaries and scholarships. This includes accessing emergency support funds for eligible students.
Students’ Union
The Students’ Union can help students to enrich all aspects of student life. Services include support and guidance on academic and welfare related matters, extracurricular activities including clubs, teams and societies, as well as student representation.
Support for international students
The Immigration and International Student Advice team (IISA) is on hand to offer specialised immigration advice for international students. The IISA team can be contacted in a variety of ways, including face-to-face, via telephone or email.
Support for specific student groups
The University also offers support for specific student groups such as care leavers, estranged students, and LGBTQ+ students.