Looking after your wellbeing is an important part of student life. There are lots of great services and opportunities to help you make the most of your time at Manchester Met. Whether you want to meet new people, get active, or you need some advice, we’ve got you covered.
WELLBEING
Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy outlines how we strive to make Manchester Met a place where you can thrive and succeed.
To access more support on Wellbeing, click the link (you will not be able access this content until you have your Manchester Met ID and Password): Wellbeing – Moodle.
UNIVERISTY WIDE RESOURCES AND SUPPORT
Here is a list of all the information you can find on supporting your journey at Manchester Met:
- Coaching for Academic English
- Course Reps
- Getting Ready to Learn
- Inclusion and Diversity Service
- Inclusion Ambassadors
- Jobs4Students
- Mental Health Ambassadors
- MMU Sport
- My Career Hub
- Pastoral Support
- Peer to Peer Support
- Personal Tutoring
- Placements Team
- Rise
- Societies
- Student Hub
- Student Parking
- Student Union
- Study Skills
- Sugden Sport
- Support and Advice from our Strive Community
- Sustainability
- The Union
- University Community Engagement
- Wellbeing
- Zone Out
COACHING FOR ACADEMIC ENGLISH
For those of you whom English is not your first language, Coaching for Academic English provides free English classes for international students in every faculty during the autumn and spring terms, with all classes taught by qualified and experienced tutors. We focus on the skills needed for good quality academic writing, listening, reading, and speaking.
For further details about free English language classes, visit the Coaching for Academic English website.
COURSE REPS
Course Reps are student volunteers who act as the voice for all students on their course. They’re your go-to spokesperson to raise issues with University staff, report any problems to our Academic Representation team, and attend important meetings.
If you’re a Rep, you’ll get to log your volunteering hours and make real change.
GETTING READY TO LEARN
This is an amazing course to prepare you for STRIVE – it is particularly valuable to students who are new to studying in higher education.
Additionally, if you are an international student this course is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED because the higher education system in the UK is very different to what you may have experienced in your home country.
Access a range of excellent workshops and courses on how to protect your immigration status, set up a UK bank account, register with a doctor, make the most of studying in Manchester and much more!
Access the “Getting ready to learn” course here
These provide an excellent foundation on which to engage with the academic coaching excellence (ACE) workshops on STRIVE
HEALTH & WELL- BEING SUPPORT
We invite you to a roundtable well-being session mediated by friends of STRIVE at the Chaplaincy.
The session is for multi-faith and STRIVERS of no faith to come down, have some food and drink and discuss how they are feeling.
The session is to discuss how we look after our health and well-being
We will be holding an informal coffee morning at the Chaplaincy on 10th December 2024.
Details of the Chaplaincy can be found here.
INCLUSION AMBASSADORS
The INCLUSION Ambassador Scheme is a student-led collaboration between The Union and the University which aims to improve student experience and close the awarding gap.
We develop and deliver campaigns and events for students related to greater inclusion for all students including students from marginalised communities, as well as linking with university staff and The Union to feedback students’ views to influence positive change on campus.
INCLUSION AND DISABILITY SERVICE
The Inclusion and Disability Service provides information, advice and guidance to staff, students and applicants who require additional support.
The students we support are detailed below:
- Disabled students
- Estranged students
- Students carers
- Care leavers
- Pregnant students
- Under 18 students
We know that for these groups of students university life can bring particular needs and concerns including social isolation, pressures on time and financial concerns, all of which can have a detrimental impact on their wellbeing and ability to study.
We’re passionate about ensuring all students having the right to fair and equal opportunities.
Jobs4Students
Jobs4Students offers a wide range of paid temporary roles for Manchester Met students on campus such as creative positions to assisting on cutting-edge research projects, sports roles, event ambassadors, peer mentors, residential advisors, IT support and many more.
These part-time positions enable students to gain vital work experience that will help boost their employability and graduate outcomes while working within departments across the University.
MENTAL HEALTH AMBASSADORS
Mental Health Foundation
We’ve secured a working partnership with the Mental Health Foundation to deliver a series of workshops for undergraduate students. Find out more about our core aims, what you can expect and what we ask of you in return.
Kooth
Kooth provides online mental wellbeing support for people aged 25 and under living in Greater Manchester and beyond. It offers helpful articles, discussion boards, and users can chat with the Kooth team.
Qwell
Qwell offers online mental wellbeing support for people aged 26 and over. It provides community forums, personal development tools, and the opportunity to chat to Qwell’s professional support team.
SHOUT
SHOUT provides text-based crisis support. Text SHOUT to 85258
Shout – UK’s 24/7 Crisis Text Service for Mental Health Support
Shout 85258 is the UK’s first 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis. Get free, confidential mental health support anytime, anywhere. Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258.
This is from the Counselling Webpages: https://www.mmu.ac.uk/student-life/wellbeing/in-crisis
MMU SPORT
We cater to all sporting tastes and abilities for staff and students at Manchester Met. We boast state-of-the-art facilities, support elite athletes, top-class teams and offer a wide range of sport and fitness opportunities. We have something for everyone, whether you’re a complete beginner, an elite performer or pursuing a career in the industry.
MyCareerHub
MyCareerHub enables students to access Careers & Employability services online. Manchester Met students and graduates can search the hundreds of job and placement opportunities advertised by employers, and can also book on to a wide selection of careers events. They will also have access to My Five Year Plan (My 5YP).
In addition to this, students and graduates can connect instantly with advice and resources via Get Career Advice or use our online service to Ask A Question and receive careers advice via email. Students who need further support can also make an appointment with a member of Careers staff.
PASTORAL SUPPORT
The Short Courses are a welcoming, friendly and inclusive environment where you will be supported to build your confidence and achieve your goals.
You will be supported throughout this unit by several members of staff to ensure you get the guidance you need. Staff can support with assessments or queries about accessing the digital resources, for example. We can also signpost you to wider University systems, such as Disability Support, the Careers Service and Study Skills:
PEER TO PEER SUPPORT
Our peer to peer support scheme is an internationally recognised academic support service for students.
Hear from Arthur on why he became a peer guide and how he can help you.
PERSONAL TUTORING
Personal tutoring aims to produce optimal performance and improvement in your work, study or personal life. It focuses on specific skills and goals, although it may also have an impact on an individual’s personal attributes such as social interaction or confidence.
Personal tutoring at Manchester Metropolitan University is explained here
It is important for you to engage with your personal tutor who will provide you with support and advice during your studies.
Personal tutoring is an important part of the success story that you are going to write for yourself during your time on STRIVE and as a student of Manchester Metropolitan University. It is important that you establish a good relationship with your personal tutor – so if you don’t know who they are, seek them out!
PLACEMENTS TEAM
The Placements team work with academics and careers staff to provide work experience and placement opportunities, prioritising students, and subject areas that need to improve the employability of their graduates the most.
RISE
Rise is Manchester Metropolitan’s flagship initiative to enable students to engage in co-curricular experiential learning in order to enhance their futures.
By completing Rise activities, students earn Rise points, building a portfolio from their co-curricular engagement. Once a student reaches 150 points they are automatically eligible for transcript recognition, meaning their work will be recognised alongside their degree. Additionally, after reaching 300 points, some courses allow students to submit a Rise assessment, a flexibly-designed piece of marked work that can allow students to gain academic credits and even improve their overall grade.
The benefits of Rise aren’t just about academic recognition. Rise provides a space for students to explore opportunities that they otherwise might be unable to, with no pressure to stick to activities that are in their area of study. In fact, many Rise projects are specifically designed for students looking to try something new, including those who might not have the traditional backgrounds for certain opportunities.
SOCIETIES
Meeting people and trying new things is a big part of the university experience. To make it easier, we have hundreds of clubs and societies on campus, organised by our students. You’ll find everything from culture and faith groups to hobbies and interests, as well as a range of sports clubs. Our open days are a great opportunity to get a feel for the activities you can try – visit the Students’ Union to find out more.
STUDENT HUB
The Digital Student Hub is the first place that students should be directed to. We have hundreds of FAQs to answer most questions, which can accessed 24/7.
If students cannot find the answer they are looking for, they can submit their own enquiry via the Digital Hub, and an Adviser will respond as soon as possible.
Students can also speak to a Student Adviser on the phone, on 0161 247 1000. We’re available Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm. The Student Hub located in the Business School building is open Monday to Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm.
STUDENT PARKING
Just a reminder that students who are Blue Badge holders still need to apply for a university car park permit, even when using designated disabled parking spaces. This permit is free of charge, but you still need it, to ensure that you do not incur any penalty charge notice from the SiP Car Park Management ANPR cameras that operate on campus.
For further details on parking eligibility please see the travel web page.
STUDENTS’ UNION ADVICE CENTRE
The Students’ Union Advice Centre is here to support you, not to judge you. Our team provides expert advice on everything from academic and financial, to housing issues.
Book an advice appointment
Open 09:30-16:00 Mon-Fri. (*from 12:00 on Tue).
STUDY SKILLS SUPPORT
We understand that university life can be busy and that your circumstances are unique. Our specialist tutors offer support with academic writing, numeracy, specific learning difficulties, study skills and assistive technologies. You can access support through one-to-one appointments, live webinars or online resources.
SUGDEN SPORTS CENTRE
Sugden Sports Centre provides gym, fitness classes, sports hall, pitches and a packed programme of activities for Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Manchester and the local community. Conveniently located in the city centre, there is a great choice of inclusive membership options on offer and pitches, courts and multi activity rooms are also available to hire for clubs, sports and events. Thanks to university funding, the centre will be undergoing redevelopment and refurbishment during 2018, to get everyone more active, more often in Manchester.
SUPPORT AND ADVICE FROM OUR STRIVE COMMUNITY
STRIVE is a community of STRIVERS who we support to achieve their goals and aspirations. We position STRIVERS as an amazing community of talent, who we want to nurture and support through your learning journey, regardless of which programme of study you are on.
Dr Iwi Ugiagbe-Green has some leadership responsibility for differential outcomes of students at our University. Differential outcomes relates to the unrealised potential of different groups of students in our university. If you are a racially minoritised student (a so called “BAME”) student you are less likely to achieve a ‘good degree’ (2:1 or 1:1) or gain graduate level employment.
STRIVE is the programme developed by Iwi to support you, so that you realise your potential and achieve the success that you work hard for and deserve!
Our STRIVE Ambassadors also shared with us what they would do again if they had the chance to do their first year again.
These were the Top 5 tips:
- Do not spend all your time studying, but do study
- Make the most of the amazing opportunities available
- Join a society – find your people!
- Establish a good relationship with your personal tutor – seek out help and guidance from them, they are there to help
- Look after your well-being
SUSTAINABILITY
We are proud to be the UK’s number one sustainable university – placing first in the People and Planet University League 2021/22 which assesses UK universities on their environmental and ethical performance.
Nearly 90% of our students tell us that sustainability issues are important to them. We are committed to being zero carbon before 2038, are a multi award-winning university for our Carbon Literacy programme for our students and staff and are proud to be a Responsible Futures accredited university.
Yet we know that there is much more to do. By far our biggest opportunity for making a difference is through you, our students. From the day you join us to the day you graduate; you’ll find that sustainability is a big part of life at Manchester Met. There are many opportunities for you to play a part in making a difference toward a more sustainable future.
Manchester Met University– Quick Facts about Sustainability
For more resources on Sustainability, click the link (you will not be able access this content until you have your Manchester Met ID and Password): Sustainability-Moodle
Wangari Maathai is an inspiration. Sadly now deceased, she was an inspirational activist and Noble peace Prize Winner from Kenya who saw the links between planting trees, empowering women and supporting local communities. Here is the highlights of her inspirational story.
In 2023 colleagues from the university, planted two small areas which we have named the Wangari Maathai woodland, in honour of her work. Last November November, Dr Helena Kettlebrough and Dr Sam Njinyah planted trees again with Strivers to continue this legacy.
THE UNION
The Union at the centre of social life on campus, with study spaces, a shop, bar and cafe. But it’s more than just a building – it’s a centre for help and support.
At The Union, you can get advice on anything from money problems to mental health and housing. Our Student Officers are elected by you and represent you at University meetings, making sure your voice is heard.
STUDENT OFFICERS
Lelia Enoki
President
Forum Yadav
Education Officer
Gracie Otley
Wellbeing Officer
Vanessa Mongo
Societies & Development Officer
Savannah Dodsworth
Sport Officer
UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Being a student here means that you are now part of the Manchester Met community. A community that learns, a community that is supportive and a community that allows you to share experiences.
Manchester Met celebrates its diversity, as well as being part of our community there is also an opportunity to become part of different communities within and beyond your studies.
We care about making sure you get the best out of student life and engage with all of the opportunities that are available to you. Our Student Experience Officers share their top tips to help you achieve this: Top Tips for Engaging with Student Life.
To access further resources on Community, click the link (you will not be able access this content until you have your Manchester Met ID and Password): Community – Moodle.
ZONE OUT
Relax and unwind with our Zone Out events that run regularly throughout the academic year. We’ll have fun activities for you and your friends to get involved in and freebies for you to take away.
Our next event will be taking place in October for World Mental Health Day. We have a whole host of activities on offer, to help you to zone out and relax.
Register your interest to receive information about the next event.