Support Services for Students
Most students quickly learn to cope with the everyday problems of independent living, although from time to time, there may be a need to seek minor medical assistance, counselling support or practical advice.
Whether or not you use the support services, it's always reassuring to know they are there should you need them. The pastoral care of students is primarily the responsibility of schools and a personal tutor is appointed for each student but there may be times when you need other expert support.
Advisory Service
Providing confidential advice and help to students on a wide range of personal, financial, academic and general welfare issues, the Advisory Service is also responsible for the administration of Access Funds and the Day Care Centre.
Counselling Service
The service offers confidential counselling to students who may be feeling distressed or anxious and wish to discuss matters of a personal or emotional nature. Counselling is provided on an individual or group basis and is supported by self-help material. The Counselling Service works to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy ethical framework.
Disability and Dyslexia Service
Advice and support is provided to prospective and current disabled students. Staff are available to offer a broad range of support. Learner support for students with specific learning disabilities is also provided alongside a general support worker programme.
Financial Support
The University provides a range of financial support to hep students who face unexpected financial difficulties whilst at university. These include the Financial contingency Fund which students from the United Kingdom can apply to for additional help with their studies.
Health Centre
The centre supplements the service provided by your General Practitioner. It is open from 9.00am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday with a restricted service available during recesses. The centre does not provide a GP service, so it is essential that you register with a local GP to provide access to a 24-hour medical service. A list of local GPs is available in the Student Diary, the Health Centre, the Students' Union and in Halls of Residence. Several clinics are run, including a family planning clinic which is held every Wednesday from 5.00pm to 7.00pm by appointment during term time. The Cardiff School of Optometry and Vision Sciences operates an eye clinic which is open to students who wish to have their eyesight examined.
Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust provide an occupational health service for staff and students
Day Care Centre
Providing creche facilities for children aged 10 weeks to 5 years, the centre is open from 8.30am to 5.15pm, Monday to Friday for most of the year. Early application is advisable.
University Chaplaincy
Both university campuses are served by chaplaincy centres.
The Cathays Park Chaplaincy is made up of Anglican, Methodist and Roman Catholic chaplains who work alongside other denominations and faith communities in Cardiff. The Chaplaincy offers a welcome to staff and students from all faiths or none and offers advice, support and care as well as supporting student groups. There is a regular programme of worship, lectures and social events.
As well as the Chaplaincy service representing the main Christian traditions, the Heath Park campus the Chaplaincy team includes two Muslim Imams and Honorary Chaplains representing the Jewish tradition. A multi-faith prayer room is available for students.
To find out more about these services visit the Student Support Centre web site