BANGOR UNIVERSITY
A guide to your wellbeing
YOU’VE RECEIVED AN OFFER FROM BANGOR UNIVERSITY…
Should you choose to come to Bangor University this guide will provide you with all the information you will need to get to know Bangor, the University and what wellbeing initiatives we have to offer you as a student.
CREATE YOUR COMMUNITY AT BANGOR UNIVERSITY
It’s normal to feel a little daunted about making friends and moving to a new city.
Remember...
Everyone feels the same. You won’t be alone.
JOIN OUR STUDENT COMMUNITY
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Our Campus Connect app is a space where all applicants can:
» Chat to students
» Ask questions
» Watch videos
» Make new friends
» Connect with course mates
» Discover who their flat mates will be
» Prepare for the student experience register for the app
Your time at University should be rewarding and enjoyable. We place a high priority on caring for and supporting our students throughout their time here.
Support
Specific Learning Difficulties
The SpLD Team provide advice and support for Bangor University students with specific learning differences (SpLDs) such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
Personal Tutors
Every student at Bangor University has a personal tutor. Having a personal tutor means there is always an academic member of staff you can turn to with any problems.
Private Housing
If you come to Bangor and choose to live in private accommodation, and have any problems with your house, landlord or contract etc, then the Student Housing Office will be happy to help. They run various campaigns throughout the year to ensure a high quality of student housing in Bangor.
Disability Services
We offer a service for all disabled students. We consider each person’s requirements on an individual basis. Our support includes guidance, adjustments, and management strategies (other services available).
Money Advice
The Money Support Unit is part of the Student Support Team, and the experienced members of staff can provide advice, information, and guidance on all aspects of student funding.
Study Skills
The University’s Teaching and Learning Support Team offers one to one appointments, workshops and learning resources to help develop the skills needed to succeed at university. The centre offers help with academic writing, maths and statistics, presentations, reading and research.
We care about WELLBEING
Our Wellbeing Service is part of the Student Support and Wellbeing Service based within Student Services.
We have professionally qualified counsellors, mental health professionals and information specialists that
Counselling
Anyone, at any time, can have thoughts and emotions that may feel overwhelming. The Counselling Service is here to help you explore how you think, behave, and feel about an issue and help you find appropriate ways to make changes in your life.
are experienced in helping students to deal with all kinds of practical and emotional issues such as study-related matters, trauma, relationships, emotional regulation, mental health disability related issues, accessibility, harassment, inclusion and much more.
Mental Health Advisors
Our Mental Health Practitioners advise on mental health matters and offer guidance regarding the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions.
Six strategies for dealing with stress
1. Consider what you eat and drink
2. Get enough sleep
3. Take regular exercise
4. Control your breathing
5. Make time for fun
6. Improve your study skills
Student Study Hacks
Revision and exams can be a stressful time, try out some of these study hacks to help make the process more manageable.
» Structure your time
» Block all distractions
» Get some useful study apps
» Write out your notes / use cards
» Colour coordinate your notes
» Take regular brakes
Student-led mental health and wellbeing strategy
Together, Bangor University and Undeb Bangor are committed to a holistic approach to student mental health and wellbeing.
A strategy for improving student mental health and wellbeing was created through a collaborative, student-led approach.
Cost of Living and Money Support
£2 MEALS
Hot meals for £2, Monday-Friday at Café Teras and Bar Uno throughout the academic term and summer holidays.
ACCESS TO 24/7 LEARNING WARM
SPACES like Pontio’s social learning spaces. This way, you will always have a place to go to warm up and recharge.
FREE MEMBERSHIP
Joining a Club or Society is free so you can join as many as you can fit into your week.
ACCESS TO HARDSHIP FUND
Our Hardship Fund is here to support students to cover essential costs that could not be planned for.
1-2-1 BUDGETING SESSIONS
These 1-2-1 meetings cover topics such as setting financial goals, creating a budget, and tracking expenses.
FREE PERIOD PRODUCTS
Access to free period products across campuses for all Bangor University students who menstruate in an effort to ensure period dignity and to eliminate period poverty.
Frozen Prices
Bangor University is committed to helping students save money, and freezing prices on these essential items is one way we are doing that.
» PONTIO CINEMA
» LAUNDRY
» GYM MEMBERSHIP
» DRINKS IN ACADEMI
MONEY SUPPORT UNIT
If you’re worried about money, then the Money Support Unit advisers can:
» Help you assess your financial situation.
» Support you in creating a spending budget that will meet your essential needs.
» Make sure you are accessing your full Student Finance and Bangor bursary entitlements.
» Look at ways that you can save on costs.
BELONG
Clubs and societies at Bangor are there to help you find a community of like-minded people. Spending time with others who have the same interest, passions and lifestyle can provide an additional support network outside your academic studies.
Undeb Bangor, Bangor University’s Students’ Union have over 30 Volunteering Projects.
Volunteering can help you gain new skills and can help counteract the effects of stress and anxiety.
Wellbeing Environmental Elderly
Events Community Children
12 STUDENT NETWORKS
Student Networks have been established to help you find a community of other students who share the same passions as you. They also give students an opportunity to get involved in campaigns, events, and training.
Student Networks
UNDEB BANGOR’S
WELLBEING ACTIVITIES STUDY AID
CONNECT @ BANGOR
An exciting and helpful student-led project where students support each other in groups and one-on-one, both online and in person.
Free tea, coffee, and snacks for students. A great opportunity to take a break from studying and share feedback.
HEALTHY LIVING WEEK
A week full of healthy and active activities to promote healthy living and wellbeing.
CANINE CALMING ROOM
These friendly four-legged buddies help students relax and feel less stressed!
WELCOME WEEK
Here’s a few things we arrange for students during Welcome Week ...
Serendipity
Your Welcome Week Fair gives new students an opportunity to sign up for Clubs, Societies and Volunteering Projects.
Academic schools organise welcome programmes that include ice breakers, trips, tours, fun, and games.
Meet your Students’ Union at registration
Undeb Bangor are present at the registration event to give new students information about student life and the week ahead.
Peer Guides are current students, who play a big part in welcoming new students to Bangor. Most new students will have an allocated Peer Guide.
Campus Life arrange a host of activities for university halls residents including a welcome BBQ.
Chill and Chat is a chance to meet new people in a slightly calmer and quieter environment than the typical pub or club.
Learn a new skill
Taking up a new hobby or learning a new skill can be fun and rewarding. Doing something you enjoy may also help you to destress and is also a brilliant way to make new friends!
There are over 100 Students’ Union Clubs and Societies at Bangor and all are free to join.
Learn a new language
Broaden your horizons and open doors to other cultures by enrolling in a 10-week language class, free for Bangor University students.
Get snapping
With amazing scenery and lots going on in Bangor, photography
is the perfect relaxing hobby to while away a spare hour or two.
Volunteering opportunities with our Students’ Union’s Volunteering Projects. With over 30 projects across 6 different areas, you’ll be sure to find something you’ll love doing.
Students can become a Network Leader with the Students’ Union’s Student Networks. Learn new leadership skills while campaigning and organising events for a community of students who share the same passions as you.
“One of the reasons I love Bangor is the surrounding landscape and the opportunities it offers, both while studying and when needing a break from the books.”
Amy Stout, Zoology with Animal Behaviour
Get active, get motivated
Staying active can help mental as well as physical wellbeing.
Sport Bangor has lots of options to help you stay active whilst studying here.
Try out the indoor climbing wall, play some squash or join one of the many classes.
Remember...
Gym membership is included in your Bangor University halls of residence fees.
Get running?
Runners often talk about the benefits running has on the mind as well as the body. Why not give running a go by joining a club, social group or giving parkrun a go?
There are four park runs you may wish to visit during your time here at Bangor:
• Penrhyn
• Conwy
• Nant-y-Pandy
• Newborough Forest
“Bangor is nestled between the stunning mountain ranges of Snowdonia and the tranquil beaches of Anglesey, making it perfect for exploring. The Paddleboarding Society allows you to immerse yourself in these surroundings, whilst also enjoying the activities they have to offer.”
James Szewczyk, Zoology with Herpetology
Sign up to get your barcode and try out your local parkrun before coming to Bangor.
www.parkrun.org.uk
5 top tips to get motivated
1. Build in small rewards
Break down your goal to smaller, more manageable tasks and reward yourself along the way.
2. Make a playlist Pop, rock or hip-hop? Try creating a playlist that lifts your mood.
3. Give yourself a pep-talk
High five yourself and name 5 things you are good at!
4. Get some fresh air
Go for a walk, have a picnic, or sit on that park bench for 10 minutes.
5. Buddy up
Try finding a class or someone else working towards the same goals as you.
TAKE A STROLL
For a more relaxed approach to your daily exercise, Bangor offers plenty of beautiful spots for a leisurely stroll.
Here are some local spots popular with our students.
ROMAN CAMP
Despite its name, the Roman Camp has nothing to do with the Romans, but there was a 12th century Norman hill fort here once. It offers stunning views of the city, the pier, and the two bridges connecting Bangor and Anglesey. There are many paths leading up to the site, one path is located at top of Love Lane.
STONE CIRCLE
Locally known as the ‘Stone Circle,’ this beautiful green space lies between the main university buildings and the Menai Straits. Students often come here to relax and have picnics. The Stone Circle is actually the Gorsedd Circle from the 1931 National Eisteddfod. Located just off Siliwen Road.
MENAI BRIDGE
You can walk to Menai Bridge in about 45 minutes from the centre of Bangor. Menai Bridge refers to both the bridge and the village on the other side. The village offers beautiful walks and breathtaking views from the bridge. To get there, follow Holyhead Road from Bangor.
GARTH PIER
A firm favourite among our students. Garth pier has a tearoom at the end of the 460m structure.
Stunning views of the straits, Beaumaris, Llandudno and Snowdonia are visible from the pier. Located on Garth Road.
LON LAS OGWEN
Also referred to as Lon Cegin, this path runs along the River Cegin and is part of the ‘Lonydd Glas’ network. Starting at Porth Penrhyn, it extends all the way to the village of Tregarth. Porth Penrhyn is located on the left as you leave Bangor via Beach Road, just before reaching Llandegai Road.
Sustainabilityit’s a Lifestyle
Sustainability is important to Bangor University, and we aim to promote sustainability in research, business, and enterprise activities.
‘On-the-go’ recycling bins
Bangor University has installed ‘on-the-go’ recycling bins so that we can all do our bit for the environment when we are out and about.
End of Term Halls Reuse Drive
The End of Term Halls Reuse drive provides students with the opportunity to donate unwanted reusable items to a local charity. Items including crockery, pots and pans, clothes, shoes, kitchen utensils, can all be donated.
Repair Cafe
Volunteers hosts this event which focuses on repairing everyday objects such as clothes, bikes and small electrical devices to eliminate waste.
Think before you drink
We’re focussed on reducing waste.
» Straws will only be available on request.
» Bring your own re-usable cup and bottle and you’ll get 10p off every hot drink at the University and water re-fills are free.
» Metal spoons provided at every University catering outlet instead of disposable stirrers.
Volunteer at our Botanic Garden
Volunteering at Treborth is a great way to learn more about plants and the natural environment. In fact, much of the garden is maintained by volunteer support.
Find out how you could get involved...
This is an ambitious target, but we believe we can make it. We’ll need to look at different ways of working and we’ll need the support of every single member of the University community to achieve it.
Our 3 key target areas...
» ENERGY
» TRAVEL
» WASTE
Litter picks happen throughout the year and help us protect our oceans and nature spots. campaign was launched in 2022 with the aim to cut 25% of the University’s production of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions.
Campus Life
A programme of diverse and fun events for students living in University Halls of Residence.
Campus Life membership is included in Bangor University Halls of residence fees!
Student centred events
» Tailored to the academic year
» Free food before heavy revision sessions
» Meet and mingle on arrival
» Stress-busting guided mindfulness
Explore Bangor and beyond
» Regular ‘Escape and Explore’ trips
» Visits to Eryri (Snowdonia) and local beaches
» Free food events: Sunday roasts, picnics, BBQs
BE ACTIVE BE CONNECTED
BE INSPIRED
BE PART OF CAMPUS LIFE
Wellbeing focus
» Encourages active living and healthy eating
» Social spaces and facilities that allow students to relax
» Weekly yoga sessions at Acapela
