As part of Welcome Week 2018, we speak to a variety of staff about their involvement.

Name – Esther Meininger

Job title – Head of Student Support

Department – Wellbeing Support Services

1. Can you tell us a bit about your role?

My role is to head up one of the services within Wellbeing Support (Student Support), which provides generalist support to students. We’re often a first port of call for students, providing advice/guidance often about more practical issues to those who are looking for initial advice to help with wellbeing issues, or for students who aren’t sure which support service they might benefit from.

2. And what’s your involvement in Warwick Welcome Week 2018?

Wellbeing has been involved in the Welcome Week planning right from the get-go! My role (and the role of colleagues in Wellbeing) is to do whatever we can to ensure students know support is available at Warwick; know about the resources provided to help them manage all the amazing opportunities (and the inevitable challenges) of what lies ahead in their study experience.
We know wellbeing isn’t every student’s priority on day one, but we just want them to register the fact that we’re here, if / when they should need us. During the week I’ll either be on our Wellbeing stand in various locations around the campus or be back at the office, available to respond to individual student needs, should they arise.

3. This year sees an entirely new approach and programme for Welcome Week. What benefits will this bring to new students?

I think the main benefit is a little space and time. Whoever you are, coming to Warwick is a big step. Welcome Week gives students a little time to adjust to their surroundings, get their bearings, start to get to know people, and get familiar with their department. By giving students opportunities to engage with wellbeing activities throughout the week, and prioritise their wellbeing from day 1, we believe it can help them maximise their time here.
It’s a really positive way to start the journey of integration …..

4. What are you most looking forward to about Welcome Week?

I love people-watching. I love to see two students who don’t know each other, maybe from different corners of the world, just strike up a conversation. Or watch as one student suggests to another that they go shopping together, or grab a coffee. My heart jumps when I see people interacting like that…. that’s what it’s all about. I’m looking forward to seeing lots of that happening.