Going to university is an exciting and enriching life experience, but it often comes with its fair share of challenges and adjustments.
That’s particularly the case if you decide to move away from home for your studies.
A significant life transition, moving somewhere new can be nerve-wracking. You’ll benefit from increased independence and the opportunity to explore a new city, but you’ll also have additional responsibilities and be without the familiarity of home.
The support offered by universities is pivotal in helping students adjust to this period of their lives, which is why Liverpool Hope University strives to make every student feel at home.
A dedicated support service
At Liverpool Hope, creating an environment where students feel welcomed, comfortable, and connected is not just a goal; it’s a commitment.
The Student Life team are central to this approach, offering a range of guidance from financial advice to support with your health and wellbeing.
Liverpool Hope prioritises a personal approach, where students have familiar and friendly faces they can approach with any concerns and the university’s student engagement officers are a key part of this service.
“Feeling at home is one of the most important parts of going to university,” says Charlotte Peacock, a recent religious studies and philosophy and ethics graduate.
“As student engagement officers, we are a visible first point of contact who support students and signpost them to necessary services and, as recent graduates we guide students through any problems or queries they may have.
”We are also responsible for providing engagement activities throughout the academic year, running a range of social events which help students make friends and meet new people.”
‘Feeling at home is essential’
A campus-based institution, Liverpool Hope has three sites across Liverpool. The main Hope Park campus is in the leafy suburb of Childwall, whilst the Creative Campus is based in the city centre.
Both have on-campus halls of residence, which means new students who may be living away from home for the first time benefit from being minutes away from lectures and amenities in a safe environment with 24-hour security.
Liverpool Hope’s third site is Aigburth Park, a campus dedicated to halls of residence, with the university providing a free shuttle bus which connects all three campuses.
Complementing the support of the student engagement officers are wellbeing assistants. These are current students or recent graduates who live in halls of residence and assist students with practical advice on shopping and transport, signposting to appropriate well-being services and arranging social activities that foster a sense of community.
“Creating an environment where students feel at home is essential for their well-being, academic success, and personal development,” explains fellow student engagement officer, Mbachi Mphande.
“It not only contributes to their positive university experience but also has long-term benefits for the institution and its broader community. Our goal is to ensure students truly feel like they are at a ‘home away from home’ and we do this through a range of social, wellbeing and inclusivity-focused initiatives.
“Collectively these activities create a welcoming environment, making Liverpool Hope a place where students can feel at home, build lasting connections, and thrive academically and personally.”
Find out more about what Liverpool Hope University has to offer at its upcoming open days on October 28, November 29 and December 13 (Virtual). Book your place now.
