University of Sanctuary status and sanctuary initiative
As part of our commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all, we’re pleased to announce that the University is preparing an application to become a University of Sanctuary.
The University of Sanctuary initiative celebrates institutions committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, safety, and support for asylum seekers and refugees.
Our application demonstrates our commitment through various community activities, teaching, research, policies and strategies and has been a collaborative effort, with input from key staff across the institution, including both academic and professional support teams.
The final submission will be made to the University of Sanctuary by end of January 2025, and if successful, we will undertake a site visit from University of Sanctuary representatives in spring 2025, with a decision thereafter.
This application marks a significant step in the University’s journey to becoming a University of Sanctuary and reflects staff commitment to supporting asylum seekers and refugees within the institution and the broader community.
Ways to get involved
Refugee Week: Each year staff and students across the University celebrate Refugee Week and World Refugee Day; we will look to host a number of events again in 2025 – previous events have included reflections in the Peace Garden, fundraising football matches, film nights and hosting theatre performances.
Refugee Week is a UK-wide festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Founded in 1998 and held every year around World Refugee Day on the 20 June, Refugee Week is also a growing global movement.
We are asking our university community to hold an event in support of the movement and to support the University’s work in becoming a University of Sanctuary.
Simple Acts are everyday actions we can all do to stand with refugees and make new connections in our communities. Small steps to create big change!
Please let us know (studentexperience@chester.ac.uk) what activities you have organised, and ways in which you have been involved (however small!), by sending in details and photos that we can share and celebrate on our webpage!
Student Action for Refugees (STAR Group)
The STAR group has recently been set up through Chester Students’ Union, and is key to the University’s work in becoming a University of Sanctuary.
STAR is the national network of students whose aim is to build a more understanding and just society where refugees are welcomed and can thrive in the UK. Student groups based in universities are supported by a central team of experts, who work together at a number of levels to bring about lasting change.
Group members:
Volunteer locally working directly with refugees, building understanding and connections
Campaign nationally for policy change and equal access to higher education for refugees
Learn about refugee protection and the asylum journey in the UK with experts and peers
If you are interested please click here for more information and details of how to get involved.
The Academic Skills Team can help you to develop a range of skills, including strengthening your writing, and your analysis of statistical data. As well as a wealth of online resources designed in collaboration with students, we provide 1-2-1 appointments (both face-to-face and online), an email feedback service, and a range of skills-focused sessions and events.
Video and screencast tutorials have been produced for online learning covering a range of resources, available on our Library Skills Video pages
We offer specialist 1-2-1 support to help you find appropriate resources for your studies. You can book a 1-2-1 appointment with an Academic Liaison Librarian here
If you can’t find the resources that you need for your studies through Library Search, we can help you to obtain material using our On Demand service. You can request journal articles, book chapters and books here.
Print Services
Print Services are situated on Exton Park, on the ground floor of Seaborne Library.
The staff can offer advice on any print job, provide quotes and give information about turnaround times.
Ordering is easy, you can either call us (ext. 3460) with your request or send an e-mail to print@chester.ac.uk . We accept work in either hard copy, or as a PDF file or sent by e-mail.
If you want to check your work before the final run or make last minute alterations, we are happy to offer a proofing service free of charge.
How long does a job take?
We know your work is important to you and we will endeavour to meet your delivery requirements or offer a solution that will satisfy your needs. The standard turnaround time is 5-10 working days. However, please let us know when placing the order if you need a very quick turnaround time and we will do everything possible to achieve this.
Student Services
Wellbeing and Mental Health
The Wellbeing and Mental Health team are here for you throughout your studies. They can provide help and support on any issue which may be impacting on your studies. One-to-one appointments can take place over telephone, MS Teams, or in person at some sites.
To find out more, or ask about booking an appointment, please email our Student Services Helpdesk at studentservices@chester.ac.uk or call 01244 511550. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Friday 9am to 4pm.
In addition to our one-to-one support, we also host a number of Student Peer Support Networks. Our networks are safe spaces for students who may have a shared background or be going through similar experiences to connect, support, and share tips and information with each other.
We currently have the following networks:
Student Parent Support Network
Student Menopause Network
Student LGBTQ+ Network
Men’s Network
Care Experienced Peer Support Group
Estranged Students Peer Support Group
Carer Peer Support Group
Refugee Peer Support Group
We also offer group-based sessions, on a range of supportive topics, throughout the academic year. Click here to view upcoming sessions and to find out more about our student networks.
Student Assistance Programme
Our Student Assistance Programme (SAP) offers additional support alongside our university services. It provides you with immediate advice and practical guidance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Sometimes, simply talking through your issues with someone, in the moment, can be a great relief. Call the 24/7 helpline for free: 0800 028 3766 to talk through any problem. Support includes counselling, exploring mental health concerns and also the option to obtain guidance on personal, financial and legal matters.
If English isn’t your first language, SAP also provides a language line which connects you to an interpreter so you can chat in your preferred language.
Wisdom app
Anxious about talking on the phone? You can access support via Live Chat on the Wisdom app.
Free for all students, the Wisdom app provides a Live Chat feature so you can receive virtual support when a Counsellor is online and available.
On the app you’ll also find lots of useful wellbeing and mental health features, including:
Wellbeing trackers
Mini health checks
Four-week structured health plans
Access to lots of useful videos and podcasts, including yoga workouts, recipe ideas and guided meditation.
Download it from your app store (App Store, Play Store) and enter the code MHA 146072 to get started.
All of this support is available free of charge to all students at the University.
Sport and Active Lifestyle
Free fitness and Active Campus sessions
We know university life can be stressful, particularly in the final year – that’s why we run free weekly fitness classes and Active Campus sessions. Open to all, these sessions are a great way to get fit and ease the stress of university life.
Our Active Wellbeing Programme is a self-referral programme to support students in using movement and activity as a way to enhance their wellbeing during university life. For those experiencing anxiety, loneliness, isolation, stress, or low confidence, this free 6-week programme offers a tailored approach to incorporating physical activity into daily routines.
Being active doesn’t have to mean going to the gym – it’s about finding what works for you. Whether it’s walking, gardening, swimming, cycling, playing a sport, or trying something completely new, the programme will help you find activities you enjoy that suit your fitness level, mobility, and lifestyle. With support every step of the way, we’ll make it easy and accessible for you to get started at your own pace.
Applying for a full time Master’s course for 25-26* at the University of Chester?
Friendly and can chat to anyone?
Then our Sport and Active Campus PG Scholarships may be for you!
We’re looking for several outstanding individuals to support us in growing our social and recreational Active Campus programme. The role will include supporting turn up and play sessions, leagues, events and our marketing across Sport and Active Lifestyle.
This is a great opportunity for personal development, experience and networking with sport staff. No coaching qualifications are necessary.
We are also looking for students to support our Active Wellbeing Programme, supporting Inclusion and Wellbeing events throughout the year as well as working closely with the Sport Inclusion and Wellbeing Co-ordinator.
More information to follow over the coming weeks. To register your expression of interest in either roles and please email activecampus@chester.ac.uk including your full name, Master’s course and student ID (if applicable).
*Open to Master’s level, home students applying for a full-time programme for 2025-26.
Careers and Employability
Get a Graduate Job Scheme
Are you searching for your first graduate job? Our ‘Get a Graduate Job‘ scheme brings graduate-level roles directly to you from employers we are working with. We have some fantastic roles to shout about every week, curated from our network of employers. Sign up to our mailing list to have them delivered straight into your inbox or explore CareerHub. If one catches your eye, we are here to help you to apply!
Graduate Internships
Graduate Internships are your exclusive opportunity to:
Earn £13.51/hour while gaining real-world graduate-level experience
Work alongside industry experts and develop skills to enhance your CV
Network with professionals and build connections for your future
Make a lasting impression – some internships lead to a permanent role
Only eligible to UK-based final year students and 2024/25 graduates.
The GradGO! Careers Fair is designed to connect you with employers offering local and regional graduate jobs:
Employer recruitment stands
Career advice opportunities
Explore supportive Careers and Employability initiatives
Industry Insight visits
Discover what it’s like to work in dynamic, local businesses with our exclusive Industry Insights Visits!
Taking place during April’s Digital Skills Week, these half-day visits will give final-year students and recent graduates the chance to explore leading companies, experience a variety of business functions, and get a feel for their inspiring workspaces. After spending time with employers, you will join a two-hour interactive workshop, helping you to reflect on your experience and prepare for your next steps.
Our Graduate Success Workshops are designed to support recent graduates in successfully transitioning from university into employment. These workshops are designed to give you practical support and guidance to help navigate the challenges of finding, applying for, and securing your first graduate role and also have the opportunity to connect with Careers and Employability and learn about the ongoing support available to you after graduation.
An active bystander (or upstander) means being aware of when someone’s behaviour is inappropriate and choosing to intervene and offer assistance.
Barriers to being an active bystander
There are several reasons why people don’t act to help when they witness crimes or incidents involving violence, intimidation, harassment or hostility:
They fail to notice the crime or incident – they may be distracted or see things on such a regular basis that they become immune to the incidents happening around them
They fail to recognise the seriousness of the event
They fail to take any personal responsibility – assuming that someone else has already called for help or is helping so they don’t need to do anything
They lack the knowledge or competence to offer appropriate help and worry about being judged on their actions
They are concerned that if they intervene, they could put themselves in danger
They fear legal consequences
They lack empathy – it’s not happening to them or anyone they care about. This may also be due to unconscious bias – which can make people less likely to help when those in need are perceived as different from them
They question whether they have the authority to get involved
How can we be active bystanders?
Don’t expect others to be the first to act
If you are with others when you witness a crime, your first instinct, and that of the others around you, might be to not intervene. Once someone helps, then others will join in because a new social norm emerges. Be that person who takes the first step.
Take responsibility to do something
If you’re in a position to help, tell yourself this is now your responsibility. Don’t be influenced by other people who aren’t doing anything. Try not to worry about the consequences of helping.
Encourage others to get involved
Be an influencer. If you need assistance, ask particular people near you to do specific things. Look them straight in the eyes or single out someone by a distinguishing feature – e.g. blue jumper, glasses, pink face mask – and ask for their help. By directly asking someone, there is a good chance they will feel a shared responsibility and take some action.
Empathise with the victim
People are more likely to help if they identify with a victim. Try imagining the victim is someone you love and ask yourself what you would like others to do to support them in those circumstances.
A small act of kindness can make a big difference
Asking “Are you okay?” when it’s safe to do so, lets the victim know that you acknowledge what happened to them was unacceptable. This can be reassuring for the victim.
Call for support
If it is not safe to intervene, call the University’s Security team on 01244 511541 or in an emergency call the police on 999.
Free support from Royal Literary Fund Fellow Caroline Corcoran
As part of an educational initiative to allow writers to share their expertise, the University has a Royal Literary Fund (RLF) Fellow – and our Fellow for the next two years is author Caroline Corcoran.
Caroline is an internationally published Sunday Times bestselling author whose work has been translated into multiple foreign languages and sold around the world. Caroline can support students at all levels of study with all aspects of their writing, such as structuring an argument, making writing clearer, more precise, and improving style and flow.
The service is:
• free • confidential • one-to-one
What the RLF Fellow offers:
50-minute one-to-one tutorials.
A friendly, independent, and confidential service.
Advice based on your writing and tailored to your needs.
What the RLF Fellow does not offer:
Reading the totality of a lengthy piece of work – much can be gained from a professional writer looking at an extract of your work in its finer details.
Teaching English as a Second Language, or provide specialist support for specific learning abilities.
Garden-focussed activities in the Wellbeing Garden (behind Community Hub & Chaplaincy), outdoor or indoor, depending on the weather! No prior experience required. Get creative, get outdoors, drop in anytime between 11am and 3pm. Lunch provided.
Garden-focussed activities in the Wellbeing Garden (behind Community Hub & Chaplaincy), outdoor or indoor, depending on the weather! No prior experience required. Get creative, get outdoors, drop in anytime between 11am and 3pm. Lunch provided.
