Student Life

We're here to help you every step of the way and whatever you need help with, you can drop in and talk in confidence to our Student Welfare and Advice team.

Introduction

Student Welfare is located in the Centre of the college. It is open from 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 4:30pm on a Friday.

Welfare advisers operate an appointment system where you can book in to see an adviser of your course. There is also a duty system operating each day where you can drop in and see an adviser for 15 minutes.

Student Welfare and Advice

We have a dedicated team of advisers on hand to guide you through any problems you may be facing that are non-academic.

Please come to see staff in Student Welfare for support with:

• Personal Issues
• Health Issues
• Sexual Health Issues
• Drugs and Alcohol support
• Advocacy
• Relationships
• Counselling
• Benefit advice
• Money Advice
• Any safeguarding issues
• Food Banks -if you do not have enough food at home or are worrying about the amount you have. please see the Student Welfare reception team and enquire about a food parcel.

Welfare Team

The Welfare team consists of a manager, four welfare officers, a counsellor, a receptionist, two administration staff and three Student Liaison workers.

Information for Children in Care and Care Leavers

Click below to view the services and support provided at West Suffolk College for Children in Care and Care Leavers.

Transport information

The Student Welfare team can assist with travel information on buses and trains as well as fares. Please contact us or view our transportation page for more information.

You can apply for Eye bus route, Soham bus route and Haverhill bus route bus passes here.

Bursary

Needing support with travel or PPE or assistance with course fees? Apply for financial assistance via the West Suffolk College website or pop over to see us if you have any questions.

Counselling Team

We have several friendly counsellors who are trained to support you. Students are booked in for 8 sessions and each session last 50 minutes. Referral is via the welfare team. Counselling sessions are free and provide a safe space for you to explore your feelings.

Take Your Place and the neaco project is delivered across East Anglia.

The aim of the project is to help young people from East Anglia with little or no experience of university to explore the world of higher education.

It is a programme of activities delivered to students by a Higher Education Champion (HEC’s) based here at WSC and University Studies.

What we can do for you:

If you live in an area that has been identified by the Government as having low rates of progression the Take Your Place project will provide you with a personalised service at NO personal cost to you or your families which includes;​

• Helping you understand what Higher Education (HE) is and what it means for your future. ​
• Give you access to resources, experiences and guidance that will encourage you to develop passions for your specific subjects (taster sessions).​
• Put on trips to Universities ​
• Raise awareness about the many different pathways to university and promoting the benefits including a higher paid salary than non-university learners. ​
• Meetings to help overcome the barriers you may personally face accessing university.​
• Dispel myths about university and student finance.​
• To provide help and support on your academic pathway to succeed and UCAS application assistance.​
• Provide parental advice if required

Do you like to spread happiness and positivity? Would you like to run fun events for students? Sounds like you would be a great West Suffolk College Wellbeing Champion!

Tell me more 

• Our champions will organise and run wellbeing events linked to the college calendar.
• Build an ethos of kindness throughout the college and within your own vocational area
• Support in further developing the caring and considerate environment amongst staff and students

What is in it for me?

• If successful you will be part of 20 champions who will gain experience at coming up with a brand/logo as well as set goals/aims for this new project
• You will develop new skills such as organizing events and public speaking.

Become a champion

Our wellbeing champions programme is looking for new champions. There are lots of great reasons to join and lots of different roles for everybody. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Trans Talks

Click below to watch the Trans Talks on our YouTube channel.

Past editions

To apply, send us a short written statement or a quick one minute video clip of why you want to be a wellbeing champion and email this to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Show the world you are more than ‘just a student’ and West Suffolk College is more than ‘just a college!’

Work placements are a mandatory part of every course at West Suffolk College. There is a dedicated Work Placement team who can offer you guidance, support and provide details on your specific course requirements.

How does a work placement benefit me?

• Gives you the opportunity to develop your industry knowledge
• Learn critical employability skills needed for real working conditions
• Build relevant industry contacts 
• Develop character strengths 

What are Industry Placements? 

Industry Placements are a longer form of placement in a working environment directly relevant to your course. You will have the opportunity to transfer the skills you learn in the classroom into a real working environment and gain a high-quality experience in your chosen industry. You will be expected to complete 315 hours over your two-year course which could lead to progression, paid employment, or an apprenticeship. 

FAQs

Q: Do I have to do a placement?

A: Yes. Work Placements are now a mandatory part of your course.  If you have any concerns, please speak to your WPO.

Q: How many hours will I have to do and in what type of placement?

A: Hours and placement types will be specific to the course and level you are studying – for more information please speak to your Course Director or WPO.

Q: How do I get to my placement?

A: You are responsible for the travel arrangements to your chosen employer, however if you need support with this please speak to your WPO.

Q: Can I use my part-time job as my placement?

A: Yes, you can but only if it is relevant to your chosen industry and has been confirmed by your Course Director and WPO.

Q: How are placements tracked and logged?

A: We use an online system called Grofar. You will be trained on how to use it by your Work Placement Officer at the start of term.

Q: I have forgotten how to log in and use Grofar, what do I need to do?

A: Grofar - Welcome

Find us on social media:

Instagram: @wscplacements | Twitter: @wscplacements

Get in touch

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If you're interested in any of the vacancies available, please submit an application using the links below. If you have any questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01284 716 235.