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Gina and Larissa are your Student Advisers for Psychology and Language Sciences (PALS). Scroll down for more information about events and to learn about your Student Advisers.
What I do
Hi, I’m Gina. I am the Student Adviser for Psychology and Language Sciences (PALS) and I am here for you as a key point of contact during the first year of your undergraduate studies. I am available to discuss any wellbeing, support, and student experience matters.
Who am I?
- About Gina
What was your experience of higher education like?
My experience of university was mixed. While it was some of the best years of my life, it was also much harder than I anticipated. Academically the ways of working were very different from school, which took me a while to get to grips with, but the topics I studied were must more interesting to me, and I really enjoyed seminar discussions.
I struggled with my mental health for the first time, but thanks to the support available at my university, I was able to grow as a person and felt much stronger by the end of the experience. I love living independently, and my housemates were grateful I knew how to cook a few good meals (thanks Mum!).
Who or what made the biggest positive impact on you when you were studying? And how did they support you?
I joined a sports society at university, and this was amazing for both my physical and mental health. I really enjoyed being active, which was not something I would have expected as I have never been a sporty person at all! I was also part of the committee and developed new transferrable skills which I could then later use as examples for job interviews. Most importantly though, I met some of my closest friends through the society and I loved being part of a team.
What working achievements or initiative are you most proud of?
During the Covid-19 lockdown, I set up a letter-writing initiative with a local care home. In a time when there was a lot of uncertainty, and many were feeling isolated and lonely, it felt special to connect with others. I received wonderful feedback from those involved about how much fun they had participating. I am proud that the idea helped a lot of people to feel more connected and build new companionships.
If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
Rest is good for you. It doesn't make you lazy, and you don't need to feel guilty for taking a break. It is important to have restful moments that allow you to recharge and feel better-equipped for the day.
What would it surprise people to know about you?
My Spotify most-played song of the year was from Disney's Encanto. While I would like to partially blame my young niblings for this, I must admit it is a brilliant soundtrack!
What I do
Hi, I’m Larissa. I am the Student Adviser for Psychology and Language Sciences (PALS) and I am here for you as a key point of contact during the second, third or fourth year of your undergraduate studies. I am available to discuss any wellbeing, support, and student experience matters.
Who am I?
- About Larissa
What was your experience of higher education like?
My experience at university was a bit of a roller-coaster. Having lived in London my whole life, I was desperate to get that ‘full university experience’ by moving as far away from home as possible and learning to live independently, so I went to The University of Leeds. However, despite having one of the best years of my life, I also found it very difficult and isolating being so far away from my friends and family, and therefore transferred home for Years 2 and 3 to The University of Greenwich where I continued my studies in London. I was very grateful for the experience of living away for the year however was glad to return home to London for my final years of study!
Who or what made the biggest positive impact on you when you were studying? And how did they support you?
I was lucky that I met some of my closest friends through my student halls and my undergraduate course – we found comfort in each other as we were all navigating this new independent lifestyle! We had some of our greatest times together but also supported each other during our lows.
What working achievements or initiative are you most proud of?
I have worked in some difficult roles supporting some extremely vulnerable groups of people which at times has had a significant impact on my own emotional health. However, I feel proud that within each of these roles I feel I have made a difference when supporting different individuals with issues they were really struggling with before – seeing them live independent and happy lives and reaching their goals based on support you have given them/signposted them to makes it all worth it!
If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
It’s ok to say “no” – it always feels easier (and definitely less awkward!) to say yes than it is to say no – whether this is in fear of upsetting someone, worried that you would be seen as non-compliant or simply down to FOMO – whether this be in a professional capacity or in social situations. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with saying no when necessary, putting in your own boundaries and ultimately prioritising your own self-care.
What would it surprise people to know about you?
I used to swim competitively for my London Borough training up to 8 times a week both morning and evening and competing in different competitions.
Events
Working within the Student Support and Wellbeing team, we will be hosting a range of events and activities during term time to support your Social bonding, Skills for life and Wellbeing at university. Explore the workshops you can join throughout the academic year listed below, then click the event hyperlink to reserve your place.
- Term 1: September 25th - December 15th 2023
Your guide to thrive - Hygge Hour - 20th November at 16:00
Come along to our cross departmental cozy wellbeing session, with lots of fun planned as well as some arts and crafts!
- Term 2: January 8th - March 22nd 2024
BEAT THE JANUARY BLUES - JANUARY GAINS - 24TH JANUARY @ 12-2PM (DROP IN)
Feel prepared for the year ahead with our top tips, support and advice on a range of areas, including careers in life sciences, volunteering, housing, money management, time-management, supporting your mental health, and more! Happening in Room 731, IOE Building, 20 Bedford Way. For catering purposes, please register your interest here.
EXAM SEASON TOOLKIT - Get Assessment Ready Workshop with Self Care Goodies - 13th March 2024
This workshop will cover everything you need to get ready for UCL's assessment period. Including guidance for examinations, tips for overcoming common challenges such as procrastination and perfectionism, information about reasonable adjustments such as extra time, self care during stressful periods and support available at UCL. And if there's anything else you wanted to know about the UCL assessment period there will be a Q&A at the end. This session is for students in the Faculty of Brain Sciences studying Psychology, Psychology and Language Sciences, Linguistics and Audiology and will contain information relevant to these courses as well as general guidance. And you can take some free goodies away with you to help prioritise your wellbeing.
Psychology Students in Room 305, 26 Bedford Way - 13th March 1pm-2pm
Please sign up herePALS, Linguistics & Audiology Students in 118 Chandler House - 13th March 3pm-4pm
Please sign up here- Term 3: April 22nd - June 7th 2024
More information coming soon