Essential support and resources
Published on 18 September 12
'ask me'
The University of Manchester is spread over a very large campus and it can be quite daunting finding your way around. The special Welcome map should help.
Hopefully, with the 'ask me' campaign running across campus, it hasn’t been too much trouble finding your way around - look out for members of staff and students wearing the 'ask me' attire, who will be happy to help.
The 'ask me' desk is situated on the ground floor of University Place, which will be open from 8.30am to 5pm on weekdays until 1 October, after which time it will be open 9am until 5pm weekdays during term time. Some schools are also operating their own 'ask me' desks, so look out for them on your travels.
You can also find help online by using the 'ask me' Help and Support tab in My Manchester, or using the search box in the top right hand corner of the screen.
Online tools
The new iManchester app (available for iPhone and Android) has many features, which includes a campus map to help you find buildings and services on campus as well as their opening times.
There is also a special interactive web site called Welcome To Manchester, giving you the key information you need to settle in, including Must Do lists and Need To Know details - but with a definite emphasis on interactivity, participation and fun. So you can use it to find other students studying your course and staying in your hall.
Speaking of halls, for those of you in University accommidation, Browzer keeps you up to date with the latest news, offers, events and information relevant to you halls life.
Support and advice
Moving into a new city with new people, starting a new course can be daunting. If you're worried about things, or aren't feeling as happy as you thought you might, there is plenty of help and support available.
- Check out the Wellbeing pages on the Welcome To Manchester site.
- There's also a good guide to Academic Life on the Welcome site.
Many courses at the University now run peer mentoring schemes, where you are supported by second and third year students, so listen out during your Welcome Week induction activities for chances to meet them.
The Students' Union Advice Service is a confidential service where students can get information and advice on personal and academic issues. It is run by professional Advisors who are independent of the University, and is located on the ground floor of the Students’ Union building.
And if you need to speak to someone out of hours, the Nightline number can be found on the back of your student card.
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Top tip 1: Campus travel When travelling from one end of campus to another, or perhaps to and from Piccadilly train station, there is a 147 bus, which is free to students of the University of Manchester upon presentation of a student ID card and this service is now running from 7.15 am until 9pm on weekdays. Click here for an up to date timetable and map of the route. |
Top tip 2: The University Language Centre
Whether you're in need of a little extra help with your English skills or you're interested in learning a new language, the University Language Centre may be able to provide just what you’re looking for! They offer support to international students with academic writing, details of this can be found here http://www.langcent.manchester.ac.uk/ |
Getting involved and meeting people
The Students’ Union supports a wide range of societies for Manchester students to get involved with. If you didn’t have time to search through them all before the end of the Union's Welcome Fair, don't worry; you can still browse through the different societies and sign up to them through the Students’ Union website.
Many programmes and Schools also organise special events at the beginning of term, so keep a close eye on your email and also look on the noticeboards in the buildings you use.
Commuting into University?
Although many students opt to live on campus, there is still a large community of students who live at home and commute into Manchester. There is a Facebook group, Living at Home – University of Manchester, which has been created for students who are studying at Manchester but commuting from their home. This page can be used to meet other students in similar circumstances and you may even be able to find students living in the same area who will also be catching the same bus or train. If you're a little unsure of your travel arrangements, check here for guidance on public transport in the Manchester area.
If there is anything else you are concerned about throughout the year, make sure you ask your academic advisor, tutor, peer mentor, or a member of staff in your school. You can also consult the Crucial Guide Live in My Manchester.