Winnie welcomes you to university, and if you were here last year – welcome back!

Hello everyone, well I am back for another academic year and would like to say Hello to those who have not met me before – Woof! I’m Winnie, the Business School Pets as Therapy Dog, dispensing cuddles and woofs of wisdom.

It’s hard to believe that this time last year I was a newbie and whilst it was all very exciting it was a little bewildering too.

So, I am going to give you the benefit of my experience and here are some top tips for you.

Make new friends

This is a fabulous chance to meet people from all over the world, from different cultures and studying different subjects, embrace it!

Eat Healthy

Yes, I know getting a takeaway every night is easy but trust me your wallet, and waistline, will benefit from learning to cook healthy meals. It’s also a great way to impress your new friends.

There are some great websites out there with simple recipes, or perhaps you can cook your housemates your favourite meal?

Personally, I love a chicken dinner but am happy chowing down with a sausage for lunch, usually with a side of carrot and a slice of pear for pud!

Drinking

You may indulge with a beer or two but remember to drink in moderation.

We can all do daft things if we overdo it and you don’t want to turn up for lectures and tutorials with a furry head!

If you are not sure – ask!

There is no such thing as a silly question, apart from the one that isn’t asked.

If you don’t ask the question – you won’t get the answer.

Remember, everyone is here to help.

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy yourselves and if you do have any questions or are unsure what to do come and see me and my Dogsbody (Denise), I am sure we can help!

My office hours will be advertised weekly in the Student Support Office – P24 Ground Floor of Aberconway Building.

Hope to see you soon.

Denise Brereton is Student Support Adviser at Cardiff Business School.

Your student life, supported

We have a range of services dedicated to helping students make the most of their time at University, including: Advice and Money, Careers and Employability, Counselling, Health and Wellbeing, Disability and Dyslexia and International Student Support.

The Student Support Centres are located at 50 Park Place, Cathays Campus and Cardigan House, Heath Park Campus.

For more information about our services, events, opening times and more find us on the Student Intranet.