Support for Postgraduate Research Students

PGR Online Resources

USW offers a wide range of services to support your well-being and mental health.

The Graduate School
A group of five students of various ages smile while standing in front of a meeting room in the Postgraduate Centre at the USW Treforest campus

Services

These services are open to all students. However, we understand that the PGR journey is unique and at times, can be challenging. We want you to know that you are not alone, and the University is here to support you. In addition to the specialist support provided by the Well-being Service, we have some information and activities specifically for PGR students.

The Well-being Service is available to help you with your physical and mental health, social welfare, and to support you while you study. They provide access to online resources, workshops and short courses, in addition to mental health support and counselling. Using the Advice Zone online, students can book Wellbeing, Health and Disability advice appointments, in addition to other services, such as Student Money Advice.

We have put together a number of online resources that will help you think about how you maintain your wellbeing. From guides to reducing stress and anxiety, to podcasts about managing feelings of 'imposter syndrome', follow this link to access a range of resources that we think will support students facing PGR-specific challenges to their wellbeing.

Some of our PGR students have shared with us what they do that helps them with their wellbeing. From walking in the mountains to watching Netflix, it is important for students to take time to do things they enjoy outside of their research project. Maintaining a balance between work and life is essential for your well-being. Click here to see what other students do to manage their wellbeing.

In addition to general wellbeing events organised by Wellbeing Services, the Graduate School run activities that are exclusively for PGR students, like the Wellbeing Walk up Pen y Fan, and our ‘Curry and Chat’ catch up. Sometimes the PGR journey can be difficult, and it is common for students to feel isolated and lonely. Making connections with other PGR students can help have a positive impact on your well-being, and it’s a good chance to get away from your desk for a few hours too!

USW are collaborators of the HEFCW funded project, Researcher Cymru. The purpose of the project is to create a ‘toolkit’ of resources for PGR students which will launch next year. From online resources, to networking events, the project aims to support PGR students and help them manage their wellbeing. If you would like to contribute to the project, please get in touch with [email protected]

Researcher Wellbeing Cymru (RWC) is an open access digital platform providing a toolkit of resources to help support Doctoral study. Made with Doctoral researchers for Doctoral researchers, RWC has over 130 bespoke online resources (examples include working with your supervisors, managing your time, and keeping motivated), in addition to student stories, video diaries and a resident blog. USW are proud to have collaborated with universities across Wales to develop this platform.

You can access the platform here: Home - Researcher Wellbeing Cymru

Our student representatives focus on finding ways to improve and enhance PGR environment and experience. They provide a voice for students, and represent their fellow PGRs by attending Faculty and Research Committee meetings where they share feedback and ideas from students. You can find out more about your Reps here. If you have ideas, problems or feedback, please consider contacting your Reps. They can also signpost you to the support services available at the University.

Togetherall is a digital well-being platform where people support each other anonymously to improve mental health and wellbeing. Togetherall is free for all USW students and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Click here to find out more and sign up.

Last year, the Graduate School launched the PGR Health and Wellbeing Plan. The plan aims to enhance our inclusive and supportive community by positively promoting good wellbeing and health (social, physical and mental) as the foundation for academic success and a great student and colleague experience.

You can see our Health and Wellbeing Plan for PGR students here.

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