Dr. Marucia Bardagi
Wellbeing Coordinator
Student life
Student Support & Wellbeing
Research shows that well-being is positively correlated with academic performances, which is why Forward College is committed to supporting student well-being in several ways. Learn more about our well-being support and initiatives.
Studying at Forward College: challenging & rewarding
Our students will be pushed out of their comfort zones on several occasions as they transition from high school to university. They will gain autonomy while living away from family, in a new country, and within a vibrant, multicultural community. They will explore fresh teaching approaches—sometimes in a new language—and experience new ways of collaborating, from team projects to real-world challenges.
We see these moments not as obstacles, but as catalysts for growth. Every challenge you face, and every mistake you learn from, builds resilience, confidence, and a lasting sense of self-efficacy that will serve you far beyond graduation.
Developing meaningful relationships with peers
Our programme is designed to help students build strong, lasting connections through a variety of activities and shared experiences.
- Induction weeks: First-year students begin with a two-week induction, working together in small groups to learn the basics of teamwork, giving and receiving feedback, and managing differences. They will also enjoy fun activities such as a cooking contest, a surfing session, yoga on the beach, and more.
- Small-group teaching: Continuous teamwork and collaborative learning in small groups encourage students to form close bonds.
- Student homes: Living together helps students deepen their friendships, share passions, and discover each other’s talents.
- Clubs and societies: First-year students join a club of their choice, whether cultural, political, sports-based, or based on their own interests.
Personal Development and Support
Forward College students receive personalised guidance and ongoing assistance to help them grow academically and personally throughout their time here.
Personal tutor
Four times a year, students meet their personal tutor who is generally one of the teaching staff. This is the opportunity to check in on their performance but also on their morale, social integration, and development needs.
Personal development programme
Throughout the academic year, students participate in our personal development programme. In Year 1, students learn how to improve their resilience: practical (time management), social (how to manage conflict), and emotional (stress management).
Individual coaching sessions
Twice a year in Year 1 and once a year thereafter, students get feedback from the teaching staff and fellow students on all their intelligences (academic, social, emotional, practical, and technological). This 360° feedback is discussed during two individual coaching sessions. Strengths and development needs are discussed in a non-evaluative way to encourage students to strategise and focus on one aspect of their skillset they’d like to improve.
Counselling
Short-term counselling is available for students at Forward College as they transition and adapt to the academic, personal and emotional challenges of entering and progressing through university.
Students may seek Forward College counselling services for additional support to help them manage the following concerns: exam stress; managing anxiety; addressing study blocks and persistent procrastination; other wellbeing and emotional concerns.
Where students are in need of or considering other forms of support, such as therapeutic care for mental health issues, medium, long-term support or crisis-support, our counsellors will assist them in finding the relevant healthcare services locally in each campus city.
Holistic Support
- Wellbeing Coordinator: is responsible for the coordination and delivery of advice and support to students who may be experiencing a range of difficulties, including mental health difficulties. The Campus Wellbeing Coordinator will hold a (non-therapeutic) supportive role to bolster students’ emotional and psychological wellbeing, to enable successful engagement with academic commitments and the wider demands of student life.
- Academic Accommodations Officer: collaborates with students to drafts and implement a Learning Support Agreement (LSA); liaises with Forward administration to organise accommodations for disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term medical conditions or impairments (e.g. assistive technology) and support students with application process for UoL exam accommodations.
