Bangor University Wellbeing Booklet 2022

BANGOR THE PLACE FOR ME “As a smaller city, Bangor fosters a close-knit community which has become my home away from home” Sabrina Zulkifli Computer Systems

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Connect with others Find your community Get active, get motivated Learn a new skill Powered by plants Sustainability - it’s a Lifestyle Get involved with Campus Life Supporting our students We care for well-being

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Connect with others.

Starting university can be daunting - moving to a new city and making new friends are all worries that everyone experiences. The most important thing to remember is that everyone is in the same situation and you’re not alone in your feelings. You’ll settle in quickly here at Bangor - the city is small, and friendly and there is a real welcoming feel here.

But, if you are feeling a little anxious about making friends, here are a couple of ways you can connect with staff and students before you arrive.

Connect with other applicants on the Campus Connect App Our Campus Connect app is a space where all applicants are invited to meet others on their course, in their accommodation and who share the same interests. You can chat in groups or send direct messages to others who are also starting their studies at Bangor this September.

You should have already had an email on how to download and create your account, but if not, you can sign up here.

Chat to staff and students online

If you need any advice on your course, reading lists or just want to introduce yourself you can connect with staff and students here.

Find your community.

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.

Bird Watching LGBTQ+

DJ

With over 200 Clubs and Societies on offer, all free to join, come and find your community!

For a full list of Clubs and Societies visit the Students’ Union website.

Gaming Concert Band

Dog Walking

Film

ZooSoc Knit and natter

Volunteer to make a difference Have a passion for saving the planet or want to help others?

There are several volunteering projects you can get involved in whilst at Bangor University.

Help us become a hedgehog friendly campus, take the elderly out and about or help at some dementia-friendly

events - volunteering can help you gain new skills and can help counteract the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety.

Check out the Students’ Union website for all the latest volunteering opportunities.

Peer Guides on hand to help!

Many of our students choose Bangor because of the small and friendly nature of the University and the town.

Peer Guides, who are current students, play a big part in welcoming new students to Bangor and will be on hand to help you settle into university life.

When you arrive you will meet lots of Peer Guides at the various events but in most cases you will also have one allocated to you who will keep in closer contact with you.

Get active, get motivated.

Staying active can help mental as well as physical well-being.

Sport Bangor has lots of options to help you stay active whilst studying here.

Let’s get started with this workout with Ceri and Jay, our Sport Assistants, which you can do at the gym or at home.

Try out the indoor climbing wall, play some squash or join one of the many classes.

Remember, if you’re living in Bangor University halls of residence your gym membership is included.

“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

Let’s talk about managing stress with physical exercise...

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Yoga for the body and mind

Runners often talk about the benefit running has on the mind as well as body. Why not give running a go by joining a club, social group or giving parkrun a go?

There are four parkruns you may wish to visit during your time here at Bangor: • Penrhyn • Conwy • Nant-y-Pandy • Newborough Forest Why not 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.

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 de-stress and is also a brilliant way to meet new people and make like-minded friends!

There are over 200 Students’ Union Clubs and Societies at Bangor and all are free to join.

Here are some ideas how you could put your spare time to good use as a student here.

Join the Circus Or at least master a few circus skills by joining our very own Circus Society - Cirque du Soc. Get creative Create a decorative piece for your room or make a personalised gift for a friend – the Knit and Natter Society, Craft Society, and Art Society can help you on your way to creating your masterpiece!

Learn a new language Broaden your horizons and open doors to other cultures by enrolling in a 10-week language class.

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.

“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

Powered by plants.

Finding new recipes and trying new foods can be really fun and, for most people, it is possible to meet your nutritional needs on a well-planned vegan diet - especially now that there is a large variety of plant-based foods to choose from!

Everyone is unique and I believe that we do our best, whether that’s full veganism, vegetarianism, or occasionally choosing a meatless option.

Veganism shouldn’t be restrictive, and I myself enjoy food freedom within the wide range of foods that don’t involve animal products” Elsie Pearce, President of VegSoc 2021/22

Food that’s good for the planet There are lots of ways you can enjoy food and care for the planet.

BwydDaBangor is an ethically, environmentally sustainable cafe/restaurant on the high street of Bangor.

All our University food outlets are also committed to delivering tasty, great value food using fresh and where possible, local ingredients.

There are also lots of vegan and veggie options available.

You can also shop local at Bangor Market every Friday.

Try out some delicious veggie recipes by our VegSoc Baked bean burgers

Courgette soup

Ingredients 1x tin beans, 1 onion, 4x bread slices, red pepper, garlic, 3 potatoes, chilli, tabasco, parsley, pepper.

Ingredients 2 large courgettes, 1 onion, butter (vegan if wanted), stock (vegetable), 1tbsp yoghurt (soy/oat/almond if wanted), salt and pepper.

Method 1. Fry onion, red pepper and garlic and add chilli and tabasco 2. Cook potatoes and then mash 3. Add beans, parsley and pepper and mash together 4. Break bread into breadcrumbs and add to mixture 5. Cook until mixture is thick enough to form patties before frying each patty in oil Makes approx. 8.

Method 1. Cook onion until translucent/golden 2. Add diced courgettes and salt 3. Cook until juices are released 4. Add stock and cook until soft 5. Add pepper before blending and serve

Pancakes Ingredients Soya milk, 1 cup of flour, pinch of salt Method Mix the ingredients together, for crepes add more soya milk, for American style add less. Fry in a lightly oiled pan until cooked and add some toppings!

Sustainability it’s a Lifestyle.

Sustainability is vitally important to Bangor University, and we aim to promote sustainability in research, business and enterprise activities. We are committed to the well-being of future generations and as a student here there are lots of ways for you to get involved.

Here are a few ways you can help us continue on our sustainable mission.

‘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.

Think before you drink We’re focussed on reducing the number of straws used across campus, that’s why straws have been removed from all counters and will only be available on request.

Break up with paper cups Stop throwing your money away on single use items, bring your own re-usable cup and bottle - water re-fills are free and you’ll get 10p off every hot drink at all University catering outlets.

Stop stirring, start spooning Single use stirrers are unnecessary and you can help us prevent waste by using the metal spoons provided at every University catering outlet.

To read more about the University’s sustainable campaigns visit our website.

Planet Friendly and Inclusive Periods Volunteer at our Botanical Gardens 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 and we’re tremendously grateful for all the support we get.

Bangor’s Students’ Union have implemented an environmentally, financially, and socially sustainable Period Poverty and Dignity Pilot Scheme.

100% plastic free singleuse products with recyclable packaging are available in a range of toilets across campus and have been distributed in recycled plastic dispensers.

Read more about the scheme here.

Find out how you could get involved...

Make sure to keep an eye out for litter picks that happen throughout the year and help us protect our oceans and nature spots.

Get involved with Campus Life.

The Campus Life team is here to provide a programme of diverse and fun events for all students living in Bangor University halls of residence.

Our weekly events schedule is included in your Hall fees, which means you can come together with your friends on most nights of the week, without having to worry about the cost.

The calendar of events is diverse and is created by students, for students. Our team understand the highs and lows of the academic year, so we tailor our calendar to make sure you have the right event at the right time. Free food before a heavy revision session? We’ve got it covered.

Meet and mingle on arrival – sorted! Stress-busting guided mindfulness – we offer that too, alongside weekly yoga sessions in our converted chapel, Acapela.

To make sure you get the best out of the Bangor area, we also run regular Escape and Explore events taking you out of the city to stunning Snowdonia. In the summer we favour trips to our breathtaking local beaches, and there are plenty of free food events like Sunday roasts, picnics and BBQs throughout the year, so you won’t be going hungry!

Well-being with Campus Life

Campus Life encourages students to be active and eat well - we even have our very own Campus Life Cookbook, curated by previous students.

We know that it isn’t always easy to put your well-being first, so we make sure we give you as many opportunities as possible. We have brilliant social spaces and facilities across both of our villages, that allow you to relax and enjoy our events in the perfect settings, or to plan events and gettogethers of your own.

We hold our events at both Ffriddoedd and St Mary’s villages and you are welcome at either village, regardless of where you live.

Bangor University halls of residence is your home away from home. So, make the most of your time with us and be active, be connected, be inspired, be part of Campus Life.

Supporting our students.

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.

From Welcome Week onwards, you’ll be given as much help and support as possible with health and welfare matters as well as your academic work.

Hear it from our students

Here is Hannah’s advice on how to deal with dyslexia at university.

You can also contact our Dyslexia Team for further support and advice.

Bangor student, Daniel, has been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome (ASD).

He shares his own worries about starting university and his tips on how to cope with his new life as a student.

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Top tips for saving on food

Our students have lots of ways to help you save on costs whilst at university. Here are a few top money-saving tips they’ve shared with us; 1. Buy in bulk - pasta and rice last a long time so buy the bigger bag and save in the long run.

2. Share your meals - get everyone in the flat to share the cost and cook a large lasagne or Sunday dinner.

3. Go late night shopping - a lot of supermarkets will reduce some items later in the day.

4. The freezer is your friend meal prep and freeze some meals, they last a lot longer than when keeping them in the fridge.

Worried about money?

We don’t want your university experience to be spoiled by unnecessary financial worries.

Our Money Support Unit are on hand to help you with advice, information and guidance on all aspects of student funding.

If you are thinking of finding work to help with your living costs whilst at university our Employability Team can help you find part-time work.

Remember, if you already work for a large chain, ask for a transfer! There are plenty of well-known food chains, coffee shops and supermarkets here at Bangor.

“I love studying at Bangor because of the amazing sense of community, from my course mates to societies, to people I meet at the pub, everyone is incredibly friendly here!”

Phoebe Iddon, Philosophy, Religion and Music

We care about well-being.

Our Well-being Service is part of the Student Support and Well-being Service based within Student Services.

We have professionally qualified counsellors, mental health professionals and information specialists that

Peer-to-peer support

“Connect@Bangor” is an innovative and impactful student led and volunteer run collaborative project which provides peer-to-peer and group support throughout a range of online and face-toface engagements.

The Connect Team is focused on promoting positive peer relationships, mental health and well-being support for students inside and outside of the university campus.

Make sure to ask the Students’ Union when you arrive about Connect@Bangor.

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.

Managing exam stress

Stress is something that we all experience from time to time.

Many aspects of university life have the potential to cause stress, including adjusting to a new living environment, fulfilling academic requirements, developing friendships and preparing for and sitting exams.

Take a look at our guide on how to manage Exam Stress.

Student Study Hacks “Bangor has become a home away from home in the last year, it’s a wonderful place to study. I feel fully supported by both my peers and lecturers. I’m certain there’s no place quite like it.”

Phoebe Crewe, Music

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

Six strategies for dealing with stress

Let’s talk about settling in at University...

Step One: Be careful about what you eat and drink Step Two: Get enough sleep Step Three: Take regular exercise Step Four: Control your breathing Step Five: Make time for fun Step Six: Improve your study skills Read the full guide on our website.

Join the conversation #Bangor2022 bangoruni /bangoruniversity @bangor_university @ BangorUni