At ARU, we are committed to building a supportive community where students feel welcomed, heard and valued.
We're dedicated to supporting your wellbeing, providing opportunities to engage with your peers, and connecting you with the tools and services you need to succeed. Chat to us on Ask ARU (current students).
Student Services and the Students’ Union are your first points of contact if you’d like information, advice and guidance while you’re studying with us.
We also offer a confidential service to promote mental health and wellbeing. You can talk to the Counselling and Wellbeing Service about anything that's worrying you, from minor concerns to major issues, from grief to relationship difficulties, panic attacks, exam anxieties, stress, and anything else.
Read on for more information about the additional resources available.
At ARU, we're working to achieve race equality by becoming an actively anti-racist institution through a process of cultural change.
We have a team of student Race Equality Advocates who lead and deliver anti-racist activities at ARU. Their work evolves every year according to the interests of the students in the team, but the focus is on raising awareness of racism and its impact, running educational activities and events, and supporting curriculum diversification at ARU. You can contact the Race Equality Advocates during your studies at [email protected].
Read more about our commitments on our Race Equality page.
Through the ARU Students’ Union, Race Equality Reps are chosen by students to be their voice and represent their interests on the Students' Union Executive Committee.
If you're a care leaver, or care experienced, there's a dedicated team at ARU who'll support you throughout your higher education experience.
You'll find more information on our Support for care leavers page.
Our Outreach Team is here to offer support and guidance, before and after you apply.
They can help if you're just starting to think about higher education, want advice about personal statements and student finance, and more.
Find out more about support before and after you apply or contact the team on [email protected].
When your status changes from an ‘applicant’ to a ‘student,’ our Student Experience team takes over as your point of contact. They're here to support you throughout your studies.
Some of the support we offer includes:
Find out more about support throughout your studies or contact the team on [email protected].
First-generation (or first-in-family) students are those whose parents have not completed a university degree. You are still considered first-generation even if a sibling, foster parent, care worker, or an estranged or biological parent (if adopted) has attended university.
ARU offers a wide range of support to help you thrive at university. Get guidance on student finance, accommodation options, and academic skills through dedicated student advisers, workshops, study support, and subject librarians. Wellbeing services include counselling, peer wellbeing mentors, and chaplaincy support. Careers advice is available for job searches, CVs, and placements. You’ll also find a strong sense of community through our Welcome Buddies scheme, the Students’ Union, and Team ARU activities.
Discover more by visiting our support and facilities page.
Starting university can feel overwhelming, especially if you're the first in your family to attend. But you're not alone. ARU offers plenty of support to help you prepare.
Visit our Preparing for University page for key info on student finance, Welcome Week, accommodation, starting your course, and more. You’ll also find FAQs and helpful links.
We have a designated Student Experience Team at ARU who are here to support and signpost first-generation students. They are committed to making your experience at ARU both enjoyable and valuable.
You can contact them by emailing: [email protected]
Visit Starting University: Information for Parents for guidance on support, preparation, and how to help your student.
Join Amplify Your Network for free advice and insights for those supporting students in Years 10–13.
Please note that we cannot share details about students over 18 without their consent, but support is always available.
ARU recognises the barriers and reduced access to higher education that impacts potential students from the Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boater (GTRSB) communities.
We've made a commitment to support both potential and current GTRSB students to ARU by signing the GTRSB into Higher Education Pledge.
For more information about the work we're undertaking to support you, visit our Gypsies, Travellers, Roma, Showmen and Boaters into Higher Education Pledge page.
Through the ARU Students’ Union, you can join existing LGBTQ+ societies where you can meet other LGBTQ+ students and allies. You can also start up a new society and grow your own community based on your identity or area of interest.
You're also welcome to join ARU’s LGBTQ+ Research Group, where staff and students come together to research LGBTQ+ issues and investigate ways to improve queer people’s lives.
LGBT+ and Trans Campaign Reps, nominated by students, act as a voice for LGBTQ+ student community, and represent their interests on the Students' Union Executive Committee.
Read more about support for LGBTQ+ students and some of the research and events taking place at ARU.
If you become pregnant while studying, there are a number of ways to get advice and support. These include:
We also run the ARU Breastfeeding Support Hub, which offers professional support around breastfeeding and lactation as well as practical, social and emotional support for families. You are welcome to breastfeed in any space on campus.
We know that studying alongside being a parent can feel like you're taking on a lot. But you're not alone, and there's plenty of help and support on offer at ARU. This includes:
You may also be entitled to extra financial support, such as benefits, tax credits or help with childcare costs. Our student finance pages for undergraduates and postgraduates have more information, or you can speak to our Money Advice Service for free, confidential advice.
"A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support.” (Carers Trust)
Whether you join ARU as a carer or unexpectedly become a carer while studying with us, we're here to offer you the support you need.
This includes:
As a carer, you may be entitled to extra financial support, such as benefits, tax credits or a council tax discount. Our Money Advice Service can tell you more.
Our Disability Support service offers information, advice, and specialist support to students with disabilities, including mental health difficulties, ongoing medical conditions, and specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia. They can also help with questions about Disabled Students’ Allowance.
Through the Students’ Union, Disabled Students’ Rep roles are available for those students with a disability to choose peers that will be their voice and represent their interests on the SU’s Executive Committee.