Starting university and living independently for the first time is a major milestone, but it can also be a high-pressure environment. In 2025, the academic landscape has shifted; many courses now embrace a hybrid model, combining in-person lectures with significant remote study. This flexibility is great, but it places a higher demand on you to manage your time and resources effectively from your own space.
Whether you are living in university accommodation, a shared house, or staying at home, the digital-first nature of modern degrees means you are likely completing the bulk of your coursework independently.
At Randstad Student Support, we want to ensure you have seamless access to the university support that you are entitled to, no matter where you are sitting. We work closely with universities and specialist support workers to ensure your sessions are as effective online as they are in person.
To help you thrive in this digital environment, we’ve put together five top tips for accessing and benefiting from your support remotely.
Five tips for accessing your university support remotely:
- Prioritise Proactive Communication
- Choose the Right Digital Platform for You
- Sync Your Schedules Early
- Designate a 'Focus Zone'
- Utilise Digital Goal-Tracking
1. Prioritise Proactive Communication
In a hybrid learning environment, staying 'visible' is key. It has never been more important to maintain a clear line of communication with your tutors, support workers, and the Randstad team. Our support workers are experts in delivering high-quality remote sessions tailored to your needs.
If you haven’t yet established a remote routine with your support worker, don’t hesitate to reach out. If your current worker’s schedule doesn't align with your remote needs, let us know at studentsupport@randstad.co.uk and we will work to match you with a support worker who fits your 2025/2026 schedule.
2. Choose the Right Digital Platform for You
The beauty of remote support is the flexibility. You aren't limited by travel time or campus locations. Modern support can be delivered via a variety of platforms, choose the one that makes you feel most comfortable and productive:
- Microsoft Teams or Zoom: Best for screen-sharing and collaborative document editing.
- Google Meet: Integrated easily with your student calendar.
- WhatsApp Video or FaceTime: For a more mobile, informal check-in.
- Telephone Calls: If you prefer a 'screen break' while you talk.
Remote support via Teams has been a game-changer. Being able to screen-share my essay while my support provider talks me through referencing styles makes the session so much more interactive. It’s boosted my confidence significantly.
3. Sync Your Schedules Early
To maximise your productivity, try to book your support sessions at the start of each term or month. With many students balancing part-time work, internships, and varied lecture times, your calendar can fill up fast.
Scheduling early reduces 'admin-anxiety' and ensures you have a consistent anchor in your week to keep your academic progress on track.
4. Designate a 'Focus Zone'
While the idea of studying from your bed sounds cosy, it can lead to 'digital burnout' and blurred boundaries between rest and work. To maintain your mental wellbeing, try to set up a dedicated workstation.
If space is tight in a shared house or studio, even a specific 'study chair' or a desk lamp that you only turn on during work hours can help 'prime' your brain for focus. Separating your relaxation space from your study space is essential for maintaining a healthy sleep pattern and reducing stress.
5. Utilise Digital Goal-Tracking
Remote support works best when it is goal-oriented. Use your sessions to set specific, measurable targets for the week. This could be anything from mastering a new academic research tool to finishing a draft of a difficult chapter.
Reflecting on what you’ve achieved between sessions is a fantastic boost for your mental health. It allows you to provide your support worker with clear feedback so they can tailor their advice to your specific roadblocks.
The Benefits of Modern Remote Support:
- Flexibility: Fit your support around your life, not the other way around.
- National Expertise: Access the very best specialist support workers from across the country, regardless of your local campus.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Digital tools like screen-sharing and real-time document editing often make sessions more 'hands-on' than in-person meetings.
- Reduced Stress: Eliminate the commute and the pressure of finding a quiet booking room on a busy campus.
If you are looking to set up your support or want to discuss how to optimise your current remote sessions, please email us at studentsupport@randstad.co.uk.
