Student survival guide: Got a problem? Help is at hand

By BOB PEARCE

Help! That may be the reaction of the first-year student thrown into a new environment. But it is a cry that will be heard and answered.

Student fees have increased, but so have the services and assistance you can get for your money.

In a competitive environment tertiary institutions cannot leave their fee-payers to sink or swim and their support services cover almost every problem likely to be encountered by first-year students.

The Albany campus of Massey University is typical. Before term starts it offers a free induction programme to new and returning students.

And during term time student learning services staff run workshops on:

Time management.

Speed-reading and note taking.

Essay writing.

Memory skills.

English language support.

Exam skills.

It is possible to arrange one-on-one consultations to discuss assignments and other concerns with one of the co-ordinators. Co-ordinators also give support to Maori and Pacific Island students.

Paul Fenton, the team leader, has produced a 120-page Combat Skills Guide, which covers everything from the culture of university life to the cortex of your brain, with coffee breaks on the way.

Health problems? Every tertiary campus is a community and the healthcare available is of good quality and either free or cheap.

The Auckland University of Technology, for example, has medical services available on both its Akoranga and Wellesley St campuses. Male and female doctors provide a full general practice service, including treating accidents and emergencies.

Registered nurses provide confidential health advice and treatment free and an appointment is not necessary.

Unitec provides an added extra, thanks to its osteopathy course. Final-year students and staff give treatment for sports injuries and other stresses and strains.

And there is a discounted service for students' pets at the veterinary education centre clinic on the campus.

Stressed out? Love life in turmoil? Depressed? Scared? No one to turn to? Auckland University counselling is typical of what is provided at tertiary level.

A team of skilled and experienced registered counsellors and clinical psychologists provide a free service for full- and part-time students. Counsellors can be of similar background or culture if requested.

Counselling enables students to address both acute emotional crises and long-standing difficulties that affect studies. They can clarify their goals and develop new skills and strategies to deal with difficulties they face.

Typical problems encountered include:

Stress and anxiety.

Depression.

Acute emotional crises.

Traumatic life events.

Physical and sexual abuse.

Eating difficulties.

Sexuality and sexual orientation.

Cultural identity issues.

Drugs and alcohol.

Family and relationships.

The service guarantees confidentiality and aims to treat students with respect and dignity. Your future wellbeing is its concern.

Students with disabilities will receive specialised help at every campus, though some sites are more user-friendly than others. Co-ordinators and support staff are available whatever your circumstances and ways will be found to ease your path.

Auckland University has a brand-new centre for students with disabilities on its city campus.

For the hearing-impaired, audio loop systems to work with hearing aids are available in the larger lecture rooms.

Trained note-takers can assist at lectures. An alternative print service is available to the visually impaired.

Financial worries may call for counselling or just good budget advice. Waikato University has a student financial adviser, Ainsley Sanderson, who is available to help with budget planning and explore possibilities for financial help. Most other tertiary sites have similar provision.

If you have a problem with how the academic staff are treating you, the institution will have a grievance procedure available from the library.

Julie Beck, lecturer in the department of health studies at Manukau Institute of Technology, has experience both as a student and in the general health system.

"There is sometimes a reluctance among students to use the services available," she says.

"But fees are high these days and if you don't use what's available, it's your loss.

"Not only in the health field but in every other form of support, students should never be without someone to turn to for help."

Maybe the Hitchhiker's Guide to the University of Waikato has some of the best advice:

"Talk to the person sitting next to you in a lecture, tutorial or laboratory. There are heaps of new students who don't know anyone. Invite them for a coffee or a drink. You already have something in common, being in the same class.

"Remember you are not alone. Waikato has many friendly people who can help you out."