Starting a course at UCM is an exciting step towards greater independence. As a parent or carer, you may find that your role changes as your young person takes more responsibility for their studies, attendance and future plans.
While students are encouraged to become independent learners, we know that families still play an important part in supporting their success. This page explains what your young person can expect during their time at UCM, the support available to them, and where you can go for information when you need it.
THEIR FIRST WEEK AT UCM
The first experience of life at UCM for most students is Induction and Freshers Week.
This important first week helps students settle into their new environment and provides opportunities to:
- Meet their lecturers and classmates
- Learn about their course and timetable
- Familiarise themselves with their campus and facilities
- Discover the support services available
- Find out about enrichment activities and student opportunities
- Make new friends and build confidence
Freshers Week also provides opportunities to become involved in student life through initiatives such as the Student Council and Student Ambassador programme. For many students, this is the start of developing new friendships and a sense of belonging within the UCM community.
STUDENT WELLBEING, MENTAL HEALTH AND PASTORAL SUPPORT
We know that life can sometimes be challenging, and that looking after wellbeing is essential for academic success.
We provide a range of support services to help students manage personal, emotional and practical challenges. Students can access support with:
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Personal concerns and worries
- Financial difficulties
- Future planning and decision making
- Building confidence and resilience
Support is available throughout the year, and students are encouraged to seek help whenever they need it. Our aim is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every learner feels able to achieve their potential.
STUDY SKILLS AND LEARNING SUPPORT
Developing effective study habits is an important part of succeeding at college and university level.
Students can access support to help them build confidence and improve their skills in areas such as:
- Essay planning and research techniques
- Revision and exam preparation
- Time management and organisation
- Academic writing and referencing
- English and Maths support
- UCAS personal statements
Support is available through one-to-one appointments, drop-in sessions and specialist learning support teams.
Students with additional learning needs, disabilities or special educational needs can also access personalised support designed to help them succeed in their studies. Our Additional Learning Support team works closely with learners to identify what support will be most effective for them.
ATTENDANCE EXPECTATIONS AND SAFEGUARDING
At UCM, we treat students as young adults and encourage them to take responsibility for their studies.
To give themselves the best chance of success, students are expected to:
- Attend all timetabled lessons
- Arrive on time
- Complete coursework and assessments by the required deadlines
- Participate fully in learning activities
- Behave appropriately and respectfully
- Wear their student ID card when on campus
Good attendance is one of the strongest indicators of success and allows students to benefit fully from their learning experience.
Safeguarding remains a priority throughout a student's time at UCM. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment where students can learn, develop and thrive. If there are concerns about a student's wellbeing or safety, support and guidance are available through our dedicated teams.
STUDENT SERVICES AND KEY CONTACTS
Our Student Services team provides information, advice and guidance on a wide range of topics and is often the first point of contact for students who need support.
Students can access help with:
- Wellbeing and pastoral support
- Financial advice and guidance
- Careers information
- Progression planning
- Additional learning support referrals
STUDENT EXPERIENCE and ENRICHMENT
A UCM education goes beyond the classroom.
Students have opportunities to develop new skills, build confidence and enhance their future prospects through a wide range of activities and experiences, including:
- Student Ambassador opportunities
- Student Council membership
- Learner Voice activities
- Volunteering opportunities
- Enrichment events and activities
These experiences help students develop the transferable skills that employers and universities value, whilst making the most of their time at UCM.
CAREERS GUIDANCE AND EMPLOYABILITY SUPPORT
Preparing students for their next step is embedded throughout their studies.
Our careers and employability support includes:
- Careers information, advice and guidance
- CV workshops
- Interview preparation
- University and UCAS support
- Careers fairs and employer events
- Industry engagement activities
- Employability skills development
- Educational visits
- Guest speakers and industry experts
- Work placements and work-based learning opportunities
Whether your young person plans to progress into employment, an apprenticeship, higher education or further study, our teams are here to support them in making informed decisions about their future.
Keeping up-to-date with student life
There's so much going on at UCM - from activities in The Hive, to daily events organised by Student Services. Your young person can access what's on by visiting the Student Hub.
There is also a Student Handbook that your young person will be given a link to when they start their course.
Celebrating Success
We're always keen to celebrate the successes of our students, from the end of year celebrations we hold each year to the skills tests and in-classroom competitions.
Please keep an eye on our events page (also listed for your young person on the Students Hub) for dates for The UCM Awards (the celebration for our Further Education and Apprenticeship Students), The Annie Gill Celebration (the event for our students in The Annie Gill) and our Graduates' Ceremony (for our University Centre students).
ACADEMIC CALENDARS, POLICIES AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION
There are a number of resources that students and families may find useful throughout the academic year.
These resources are designed to help students stay organised, informed and fully engaged throughout their studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
We've put together some FAQs which might help answer any addition questions you might have.
Working Together to Support Success
We are proud to support students as they develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for their future. By working together with students, parents and carers, we can help every learner make the most of their time at UCM and achieve their goals.
In order for us to be able to contact you or speak with you about your young person’s progress at UCM, we need their formal consent. This is originally requested at the time they make an application and can be updated on their Learner Portal.
Want to add to your own skills?
Why not try one of our Just for Fun or Upskilling Adult Learning courses.
Key Contacts
Reception
(01624) 648200
mail@ucm.ac.im
Student Services
(01624) 648300
Central Applications Team
applications@ucm.ac.im