School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science - Wobble Week

Hey there, no need to worry if you're in your first term at University and having a bit of a 'wobble.' Whether you're new to Essex or coming back to your studies, the School of Mathematics, Statistics, and Actuarial Science has lined up some cool events just for our students. They're here to help boost your wellbeing, make those wobbles feel totally normal, and help you make awesome connections with your fellow students!

"Seems like everyone else is adjusting to University smoothly."

"I'm really homesick, and I'm thinking about dropping out of my course."

"I'm not entirely certain if University is the right fit for me."

We often hear these thoughts from students at the beginning of the term, and it's entirely common and okay! Whether it's a minor concern or a major one, we want you to know that experiencing a 'wobble' is a shared experience that can happen to anyone, for various reasons and at different moments. This week is designed to offer you support and to fill you in on aspects of University life that you might have missed during Welcome Week.

Scroll down to see our full schedule of events. All events are completely free and open to all students studying in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science.

What is a wobble, anyway?

Date: Monday 30 October

Time: 12pm (midday) - 1pm

Location: STEM 4.2A

This is a time to come together for a short chat about any concerns or worries you might have. You’ll be able to speak to previous and current students who went through and are going through the same things. We will guide you through the activities lined up for our Wobble Week.

Let’s get crafty

Date: Monday 30 October

Time: Drop in between 2pm - 4pm

Location: STEM 5.1

Craft it out! This is a safe space where you can engage in various crafts and activities (all materials provided), meet new people, try your hand at a fun new craft, and have conversations about any concerns you might have.

Movie night and free popcorn

Date: Monday 30 October

Time: 6pm - 8pm

Location: LTB 2

Free Popcorn! Now that we have your attention, did you know that there are some great movies out there? Come along to watch a comedy movie (Mr Bean's Holiday) and enjoy some popcorn.

Let’s talk about YOU!

Date: Tuesday 31 October

Time: 10am - 11am

Location: STEM 3.1

Find out about the array of services which the University offers to you... for free! Skills for Success, the library, student wellbeing, students’ union, careers and societies, to name a few. This session aims to unpack these and help you to develop as a student.

Study club

Date: Tuesday 31 October

Time: 2pm - 3pm

Location: STEM 3.1

Want some tips on how to make effective notes? Have you got tests coming up and are curious about how to revise for maths? This session is packed full of hints and tips to help you to navigate your degree. There will also be our School’s library assistant to show you how to use their resources whilst studying on and off campus.

Living on campus? Want to meet other students in the School that also live in campus accommodation?

Date: Tuesday 31 October

Time: 3pm - 4pm

Location: STEM 3.1

Did you know that there are over 130 students in the School that live in University accommodation? Come along to meet other first years, returning and PGT students at this relaxed and informal social. There will also be Residents' Assistants from the Residence Life team to meet and greet should you have any questions about your on-campus living experience.

Wivenhoe walk

Date: Wednesday 1 November

Time: 1pm

Location: Meet in STEM 5.1

Staff and students in the School will be taking a relaxed stroll to Wivenhoe along the Wivenhoe trail. Ending in a popular local town, you can then explore the quayside and eating/drinking spots in this area.

How to communicate with lecturers

Date: Thursday 2 November

Time: 11am - 12pm

Location: STEM 5.1

Not sure of the proper way to write an email that will get the response that you need? Want to get the most out of lecturers’ office hours? Need to know how to contact Professional Services? Come along to STEM 5.1 for an interactive activity on how to communicate with lecturers.

Keep in touch

Date: Thursday 2 November

Time: 12pm (midday) - 1pm

Location: STEM 5.1

Want to practise your communication skills with lecturers? Come to our weekly keep in touch meeting to give feedback, ask a question or just have a chat over free hot drinks and biscuits. No topic is too big or too small, we want to hear from you.

Games night with Maths Society, WiSTEM and Actuarial Science Society

Date: Thursday 2 November

Time: 4pm - 8pm

Location: STEM 3.1

Want to play board games with other students? Want to challenge a lecturer to a card game? Come to STEM 3.1 at 4pm to play loads of different board games.

Treasure hunt

Date: Friday 3 November

Time: Available between 9:30am - 4:30pm

Location: STEM 5.1 (reception desk)

Join our treasure hunt! There is chocolate as a prize. Follow the QR codes around campus to visit important places for your studies and to learn a little bit about these places. Take a selfie at the final stop and come back to STEM 5.1 to receive your prize.

Conversation café on culture shock and imposter phenomenon

Date: Friday 3 November

Time: 2pm - 3pm

Location: STEM 3.1

Are you the experiencing imposter phenomenon? Don't worry, so do a lot of students. If you're finding University very different to what you had imagined, come and chat to us over free hot drinks and biscuits and tell us about how you're finding your University experience so far. No topic is too big or too small, we want to hear about how we can support you.