Monday 22-03-2021 - 11:29

As we have reached the end of another probably difficult and tiring term, we’d like to thank all of the students that have supported, represented, or connected others throughout the last few weeks. Even if your biggest achievement this term is to make it to the end, that’s enough to be proud of.

Over the Easter holidays, we hope you have a restful break. At Durham SU, we will also be taking some time out. We have decided to place the majority of our staff and Officers on furlough for a two-week period from 26 March to 12 April. We hope that with the holidays underway this closure will cause minimum disruption to students, while allowing us to mitigate some of the financial effects of Covid-19.

This means that unfortunately you will be unable to reach us during that time. This not only applies to contacting us via email, but also via all our social media accounts, including the Officers’ accounts. We will make sure to respond as soon as we can after our return. 

There will be some exceptions, however, as some of your Officers will be representing Durham students by attending NUS Conference and the SU Advice Service will be available, though at reduced capacity

We appreciate that though the SU will be closed, you might still need a little help. Here are some ways you can get support over the holidays. 

How to get to support if… 

You’re struggling with your mental health or wellbeing 

Whether it’s because of the pandemic or other factors, we know many of you might be having a difficult time right now. It’s completely normal to find yourself feeling worn out, sad, anxious, or any number of things. If these feelings become disruptive to your day-to-day life, however, then you might benefit from reaching out to one of the many different organisations who can help you. 

Find out how to get support for your mental health and wellbeing here.

You need extra consideration in your studies

If you’re struggling with your studies, don’t forget you can access mitigations through the Academic Safety Net. This might include getting extensions on your summatives, deferring an exam, or filling out an SAC form if you have extra circumstances that need taking into consideration.

Find out about the Academic Safety Net here.

You’re looking for study space in Durham

If you're staying in Durham over the break, check out the library’s Easter vacation opening hours to find out where you can go to get away from your own four walls.

Visit the library website here

You’re looking for impartial advice and support 

You can access resources created specifically for Durham students, covering areas like housing and Covid-19 here.

If you need extra support beyond our online resources, our advisers are still on hand, although at a reduced capacity over the closure period. Click the link above and then “get in touch” to contact an adviser.

You want to keep up-to-date with any Durham University Covid-19 news

Make sure to keep an eye on your email inbox over the break, so that you can be up-to-date with how Covid-19 is effecting your University experience, including returning safely after the holidays.

Find more Durham University Covid-19 updates here.