Counselling and Guidance
Being at university as a young adult usually means going through several changes, some of which can be demanding on you both physically and mentally. You are in the life phase of adolescence, which can be defined by change, struggle, dilemma, discomfort, fatigue, and disorientation, but also courage, quest for independence, new responsibilities, increased capability, growth and reinvention.
Letting students figure some of this out for themselves and with each other, ought to be a purposeful part of any college’s strategy. But for those who continue to struggle, guidance and counselling support is easily accessible, and there are also clear routes to more specialized forms of treatment from psychologists and therapists.
Make a good start
Arriving in a new city and starting a new course of study is exciting, but might also feel daunting and unfamiliar. This is perfectly normal and should be expected – after all, the whole idea is to step outside your comfort zone and extend your capacity for work and life.
Wherever you are from, take some time to settle in, participate in activities, meet new people and be sure to look out for each other.
Share your experiences
We all need to feel heard, understood and respected. Whether we are feeling on top of the world or in a much darker place, being seen and acknowledged by others can help us make sense of our position.
Private and personal reflections on what we are experiencing can often convert into new and useful insights when we talk about them with others, and can also lead to a sense of validation. Equally, our own perceptions can be challenged by talking, by which we learn new ways of looking at things and develop extra coping strategies.
Talking, reflecting and sharing have a very important place at University College Utrecht, and there are ample opportunities to find listeners and discussion partners, both here on campus and within a few minutes bike ride.
The following resources are available to support you in this.
The Connect Centre for Counselling and Guidance
The Connect Centre is a counselling resource - a central point of contact for all students to discuss any aspect of their college experience, particularly in the non-academic domain. The Centre welcomes any kind of conversation and can cover a variety of topics including mental/physical health, making effective decisions, troubling family circumstances, time/attention management, questions of identity, inter-personal struggles, different learning needs, new campus initiatives, forward planning, or simply putting things into perspective and making it through the next semester. The counsellors at the Connect Centre can also signpost you towards more specialist resources (e.g. psychologists, therapists) if required.
Personal Tutors
Tutors at University College Utrecht are your main contact for academic guidance, curriculum planning and study progress. Importantly, they each have a pastoral role, which means they are also there as a contact point for your personal concerns, too.
Any issues may be raised with your personal tutor, and you may expect initial guidance from them. Depending on the topic, you may be referred onwards to others for further support.
Special Cases Committee
Where student cases require additional input from extra perspectives or reach a level of urgency where senior intervention is required, the Connect Centre's Senior Counsellor can call a gathering of the Special Cases Committee (SSC). This is especially important for ensuring the right people are updated in serious cases, and also that their collective experience and expertise are called upon in a timely and coordinated way. This committee is:
- Senior Counselor
- Dean
- Head tutor
- Housemaster
- Managing Director
- The tutor of the student concerned, and/or the Director of Education, are seconded onto the Committee as necessary.
This committee is also mobilised when the Student Death or serious Accident Protocol must be activated.
Students Supporting Students
University College Utrecht has a student-led Wellbeing Team and Peer Support Team, who works closely with the Student Life Office and other members of UCU staff. The University College Student Association (UCSA) is also a close partner in all wellbeing initiatives.
The Wellbeing Team organizes an annual wellbeing program on campus, featuring a wide range of information and events that can help you lead a balanced, healthy lifestyle. They are also there as the first point of contact for information on welfare. They do not offer counseling but can signpost you towards resources that will help.
The Peer Support Team enables peers to meet together and talk, and offers supportive listening to those who need it. Open group discussions are held regularly, as well as one-to-one meetings. Referral to more specialised forms of support is offered where appropriate.
Email: wellbeing.ps.ucu@gmail.com
There are numerous committees, groups and teams coordinated by our own University College Student Association (UCSA) which contribute very well to your health and resilience. With careful choices and conscious management of your time/energy, you will find activities that support your physical exercise, your sense of calm, your spiritual connection, your capacity to help others in need, and much more.
UU Skills Lab
Utrecht University’s Skills Lab offers you an overview of workshops, courses and (individual) guidance regarding writing, studying and other academic skills, as well as in personal matters.
Caring Universities (E-health service)
Caring Universities is an initiative aimed at improving students’ mental health. The Mind-Health Check gives insight into some of the problems students frequently face, and offers relevant e-health interventions free of charge.
The following universities are part of Caring Universities: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Leiden University, Utrecht University and Maastricht University.