A guide for first-year students
Posted: September 04 2019
Kishan, Law
Congratulations on getting into Brunel! Starting university can be daunting but you’ve all completed the first step!
As a first-year student, it can be very challenging getting used to new environments and new people. But don’t you worry, Brunel is there for you every step of the way! Here are 10 of the services and opportunities that Brunel has that can really support you through your journey!
Brunel’s Indoor Athletics Centre is the home of indoor track and field events and is a world-class athletics training facility. Leading athletes such as Usain Bolt and the likes of the Jamaican track team have trained here! You can join any sport that is on offer, from archery to target shooting! Our Sports Park also hosts these international athletes and has a wide range of floodlit pitches and tennis courts. Not only that, our Sports Centre has 2 large multiuse halls as well as a climbing wall and bouldering room! Taking part in a sport is a great way to make new friends and will allow you to take some time to socialise and relieve some of the pressures from your degree!
Brunel has a brilliant range of societies that you can join. There are over 100 societies at Brunel, you can join whatever interests you. You can join academic societies, religious and cultural societies or anything else! I joined the Law Society in my first year and that gave me so many opportunities to further my career but also joined the Sci-Fi Society to ensure I had some balance and to meet like-minded people. If you want to further your passion for engineering, you can join the Brunel Robotic Engineering Society (BRES) or if you want to share your passion for musical theatre, you can join the Musical Theatre Society and develop confidence with each performance! If not of these interest you, fret not, as you can start your own!
Moving into accommodation sure is scary and no doubt you’ll be anxious about the people you’ll be living with. The Residences Ambassadors and student volunteers are also on hand to provide help and support during induction. I was terrified of moving into my flat in the first week but I had so much support that by the end of the week, all of those fears disappeared!
We care about all of our students and provide hands-on support to everyone. The Student Centre can help you with orientation if you are an international student as well as deal with administrative support queries like enrolment and extenuating circumstances. Our wellbeing and counselling services can help you if you are feeling overwhelmed, there is also the Disability and Dyslexia Service that can provide expert support to students with physical or learning disabilities.
Our 24/7 Library facilities (during term time) has an extensive collection of books and journals – everything you need to use in your coursework and exams! There are quiet floors too; you’ll always find a space to study! The ASK team can also provide academic support, and help with referencing or essay writing skills.
The staff are friendly and incredibly helpful; they've helped me to tailor all of my CVs, cover letters, and applications and pushed me to apply for more internships and placements. I would recommend meeting your careers adviser as soon as you can to get your face known from the get-go.
You can work part-time on campus, in a range of roles! The Job Shop will regulate your contracts and advertise part-time work that is flexible around your degree.
The Union represent all Brunel students and oversee the Venue and Loco’s as well as our student media including Le Nurb and Radio Brunel. You can always speak to your course reps/officers/Vice Presidents and the ARC who can offer support when you have an issue.
We have a GP on campus for registered patients, as well as a pharmacy service for any prescriptions. It’s so convenient to have this service on campus, especially if you’re sick!
Brunel Volunteers advertise a wide range of volunteering opportunities including the Brunel Buddies scheme and hold a variety of events, such as the Neon Night Run and Good Deeds Day. If you’re feeling nervous about starting university, sign up for a buddy! There are also off-campus opportunities so you can develop your skills as it will go on your transcript and the hours will go towards the Volunteering Award!
Good luck with your studies!