QMULibGuides: Don't panic: guide to being a QMU student: Staff

Here’s the thing: choosing to go to a smaller university has its pros and cons. A pro for going to QMU is that lecturers will most likely know you by name rather than a number like the larger unis. This also means that most time lecturers are happy to answer your questions when appropriate. A few of our lecturers used to say: “if you don’t understand something, I’ll explain again. If after that you still don’t understand I will help you understand.” We are not saying that all lecturers are going to have the same energy, but you must speak up instead of suffering in silence. Lecturers want you to succeed and from experience they are happy to help.

Other than questions related to modules, there are always people around the uni that will listen to anything else you need to talk about. One of them is your PAT, we are sure you’ve heard it before but there is a reason why all QMU students have a PAT. It’s nice to have someone to talk to, someone who is allocated to listen to you. There will be times in your uni journey that you might need an extension, a nice word of encouragement or help with uni bureaucracy, this is where your PAT can help. PATs are typically someone from in your course’s department, although they may not be one of your lecturers. Try your best to keep in touch with your PAT as you never know when you’ll need their advice!

There are also great resources and people found at student services. QMU offer various services which can be useful including effective learning service (ELS), careers and employability, peer assisted learning (PALS), wellbeing and disability services, cost of living crisis support and many support systems for those who need it. Make good use of student services as it is there to help you with anything you need. I always say there is no harm in asking for help, there can be without.

Speaking of needing help or advice on your mental wellbeing while at uni, QMU has a great counselling service. As a student at QMU you’re welcome to have sessions with a counsellor who can work through some of the issues you’re experiencing while studying. The counsellors are the only people who will listen to you and instead of saying “you are bit much”, they will ask follow-up questions and ask about your feelings towards a situation. That’s a good enough reason to give it a try if you are struggling. Also, a word of advice that I wish I knew sooner: you can cry in counselling. You don’t have to; we all feel our feelings differently but if you have tears let them free. Try talking, have a good cry, work on your situation and you’ll be okay.