We're here to help
Your health and wellbeing is so important. Our specialist Student Wellbeing Teams understand what it's like to study and live away from home. They are here to help you with any wellbeing issues or worries that you might have.
You might have concerns about your studies or worries about friendships? Perhaps you're anxious about living away from home or financial planning? Do you have a disability or mental health problem that you want to share with us? No matter what your question or concern is, there is always someone who can help.
At any stage of your journey with OnCampus, from application through to starting university, you can connect with your Student Wellbeing Team. Even before you arrive at your centre, support is available for you and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to talk about any of the concerns that you might have. Arrange a meeting with a member of the Student Wellbeing Team at your centre, you're not alone and we're here to support you.
We want you to have a happy, successful time here at OnCampus and we have great support available for you.
We can all experience problems from time to time and may benefit from support. At every OnCampus centre there is an experienced Wellbeing Team who can offer you a range of assistance and information. Whether you are looking for support for yourself or a friend, always speak with a member of your centre team if you are finding things difficult.
You don't have to wait until you arrive at your centre to contact your centre team. If you're feeling anxious or want to talk about mental health support, it's a good idea to contact the team when you've been offered a place on the course. They will help ensure you have the information and advice you need so that you feel confident when you arrive.
Where to get more support and information:
Other services that might be of help include:
We provide advice and support for students with disabilities, including ongoing health conditions and learning difficulties. It is very important that when you apply to OnCampus you let us know if you have a disability. The information you share will help us check that we're able to provide the support you need — if we don't have this information, it may be that we will be unable to organise the assistance you require. Please remember to send any supporting evidence you have, as this will also help us to understand your needs.
We know some students feel anxious speaking about a disability but the sooner you tell us, the sooner we can discuss this with you. Your application will be carefully considered and we will make every effort to meet your needs. You will find more information about the support available to you in our Student Disability and Inclusion Code of Practice. We also provide guidance for students on how to evidence your disability for support.
As a multi-faith society, students of all religions can expect to feel welcome, along with plenty of opportunities to practise their faith.
Our partner universities have multi-faith chaplaincy services, designed to provide spiritual support to all their students. There are prayer rooms that anyone can use and this is true of most public places, such as hotels, hospitals and airports. Your centre team will help you find out more about this during your induction.
OnCampus welcomes all students. We are proud of our diverse community and are committed to creating an environment where everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, gender identity, disability, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status, age, or nationality.
We believe that all students and staff should be supported to achieve their best in a fully inclusive environment. We value all members of our community and treat every single person with dignity and respect.
We want to ensure that every student can enjoy their OnCampus experience without barriers. We also recognise that students from different backgrounds may struggle with their identity, and where they may have been exposed to discrimination and prejudice. We are committed to ensuring that all students feel represented and able to reach out to us.
We can support you if you feel discriminated against, bullied or harassed. We encourage you to report any incidents, whether you've experienced or witnessed them and you will be supported. The Wellbeing Team in your centre can offer you a space to talk about any incident of this nature and provide you with guidance and support.
We are unable to provide you with any personal care. We cannot provide help with washing, cooking or dressing. If you need this support, staff in your centre will be able to provide you with agencies in the local area that can provide this type of service; the cost will need to be factored into your own expenses.
If you have any questions about your support needs, please reach out to your centre. They'll be pleased to help and will make sure your enquiry reaches the right team member.
Supporting each other
One of the most valuable resources that students have during their time at OnCampus is each other. We encourage you to share your experiences and cultures — you'll be amazed by what you learn. A good way to do this is by making the most of opportunities to build up your support networks through involvement in clubs and societies or activities provided by OnCampus and your university. Shared experiences help you to make lasting connections and friendships whilst having fun at the same time. We know it's not easy living away from home, being in a new city and studying — there's a lot to juggle!
Support from a Friend
Friends are often the first person we approach when we are having a difficult time. It's good to have someone you can be open and honest with. Do keep in mind that sometimes there are worries we have that a friend might not be able to handle or help with. When this happens, remember that excellent academic and wellbeing support is available in your centre and we encourage you to reach out for this.
Supporting a Friend
If you are supporting a friend through a difficult time, this can impact on your own health and wellbeing. Self-care is important. If at any time you're finding things hard, you need support and you're not sure what to do, reach out to your centre team.
Student Minds has provided a guide to help you to look out for your friends (mates) and yourself.
Your OnCampus Centre team
Each OnCampus centre has an excellent team of staff who will make sure you receive the best care and teaching. These people will be very important during your OnCampus journey. In fact, they're so important that you'll get to meet some of them before you even arrive in the centre!
Centre Director: The person in charge of your study centre, very much like the headteacher in a school.
Head of Student Services: The person who leads the non-teaching team. They organise the wellbeing services, attendance, and compliance teams in your centre.
Head of Teaching and Learning: The person responsible for teaching in your centre. They lead the academic staff.
Programme Leader: The person in charge of your subject and subject teachers, for example a Head of Business, Engineering, English etc.
Student Support Officer: A member of non-academic staff who can provide advice and guidance in a particular area e.g. attendance or welfare.
Student Leaders
Student Leaders are students who volunteer to represent the views of their coursemates with the aim of improving the overall study experience through staff and student communication. They are also known as Student Representatives.
Becoming a Student Leader provides a fantastic opportunity for OnCampus to work together in identifying what is working well, and where changes might be needed. We also encourage students to become Content Creators and work with our Marketing team. All Student Leaders are fully trained and supported by OnCampus staff. You will develop transferrable skills such as communication, organisation and team working which are great for your CV. Information about how to sign up will be provided during your student induction.
Staying Safe
Everybody has the right to be safe, no matter who they are or their circumstances. OnCampus is committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment exists for all students, staff and visitors.
Safeguarding is a process of making sure vulnerable children, young people and adults are protected from being abused, neglected or exploited. Anyone under the age of 18 in the UK and Europe is considered a child. We have a number of under-18 students at OnCampus. There are rules which apply to protect children from harm and the consequences of breaking these rules are very serious and will involve the police.
More information can be found in our Safeguarding and Prevent Policy.
We partner with the organisation College Guardians to provide additional support for students who are under-18. Each student has personal support from a Guardian until they reach 18. The Guardians are accredited to gold standard by AEGIS, the Association for Education and Guardianship of International Students. Guardians are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Harassment and sexual misconduct are not tolerated within the OnCampus community.
Sexual misconduct is any kind of unwanted sexual activity, which does not always include physical contact.
Always remember that no means no. Never pressure anyone into anything without their consent — this has very serious consequences and the police will be involved. If at any time you are worried about your own safety or the safety of another student, please speak with a member of staff in your centre and they will make sure you receive the right support.
More information can be found in the CEG Student Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedure. Students who have experienced sexual misconduct can report this to OnCampus using the report form.
Our OnCampus cities are vibrant places where you will enjoy great entertainment, culture and dining experiences. However, it is important that we all take steps to stay safe at all times. This is true whatever country you are living in.
We recommend the following basic precautions to look after yourself and your belongings:
Always lock your doors and windows if you are going out, whether you are in private accommodation or halls of residence. Never leave your room unlocked, even for a short time.
Do not keep cash in your room, or carry large amounts of money with you — keep it in your bank account. If you need to exchange money you should only use reputable providers and banks.
Do not leave valuables on display, particularly if you're walking in the street or in a park by yourself, including mobile phones and iPads.
Do not leave valuables unattended in public, even at university or in common areas such as computer suites or the library.
You may find it useful to carry some sort of identification with you when you go out. However, you do not need to carry important documents, for example your passport (and BRP for UK students). Instead, keep them safe. It is a good idea to keep photocopies of your passport (and BRP) and other documents separately, in case of loss.
Let friends know where you are going and when you'll be back.
Walk home via well-lit/busier areas — no short-cuts through places like a park.
Stay with friends on a night out — help one another, and do not go home on your own (walking or taxi). Make sure you plan ahead.
Criminals are also targeting international students over the phone, claiming to be organisations such an embassy, the police, or a bank. Be aware of phone fraud scammers and money mules.
The police are friendly and helpful. As a visitor, you are entitled to the same service as anyone else. If you are the victim of a crime, report it to the police as soon as possible.
The OnCampus Student Charter
Read our Student Charter, developed by students and staff, to find out more about what you can expect from us and what we expect from our students. You can also access a document highlighting the key messages of the Student Charter.