Student Support

Overview

At MetFilm School, we know the film school environment can be fast-paced, exciting, and rewarding, but it also comes with a range of new challenges.

From managing rent and bills for the first time to making new friends and balancing a healthy social life alongside a demanding film or acting course, there is a lot to take on – and at times, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why wellbeing sits at the heart of life here.

We believe wellbeing is more than just the absence of difficulty. It is something you build through good information, strong relationships, a supportive environment, and the skills to manage life’s ups and downs.

From your first enquiry through to graduation, our experienced Student Support Team works alongside you – giving you the resources, knowledge, and confidence to look after yourself throughout your studies and beyond.

We do this through a stepped approach, ensuring the right support is there at the right time: from resources available to everyone, to one-to-one advice and specialist referrals when needed.

Supporting your journey

We work hard to make sure you have the support you need to succeed throughout your studies.

Our aim is to provide a safe, confidential, and welcoming space where you can explore your own personal development. You can either book a one-to-one session or simply drop by for some advice from a Student Support Advisor.

Whether you need ongoing support for a diagnosed learning difficulty or mental health condition or just need someone to talk to when things get tough, we are here for you. We will help you build the confidence and resilience to handle life’s challenges, offer practical guidance on looking after your wellbeing, assist you in accessing services like your GP, and signpost you to specialist local support. For students who need further help, we can also refer you to our nominated counselling service, either in-house or through the local therapy providers we work with.

So be bold. Take the first step towards your creative, personal, and academic goals, knowing there is help here whenever you need it.

How we support you

When you join us, accessing wellbeing and learning support is simple. Everything is brought together in one place – wellbeing support, learning support, disability, and neurodiversity support, and a library of self-help resources tailored to you.

As a student, you’ll be able to:

• Book a one-to-one appointment with a Student Support Advisor
• Submit enquiries and requests for support
• Access personalised articles, videos and resources to build your coping strategies
• Keep track of agreed actions and next steps

24/7 support and a digital wellbeing platform

Support doesn’t stop when the campus closes. Our Student Support Line, delivered by SpectrumLife, offers confidential, in-the-moment help from accredited professionals, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in over 35 languages.

Every student also gets access to SpectrumLife’s digital wellbeing platform, packed with self-help resources, courses and tools to use in your own time. You can join live mental health events and digital gym classes, and unlock discounts on major brands. The Support Line is available by phone, text and WhatsApp.

One-to-one support from a Student Support Advisors

Our Student Support Advisors are experienced in, and passionate about, student wellbeing. Each offers tailored advice personalised to your circumstances and background. Once you’re with us, you can book an appointment at a time that suits you and talk things through with someone who’s there to help.

Learning support

Our dedicated Learning Support team helps students with a range of disabilities, neurodiverse conditions, and physical or mental health conditions – whether diagnosed or suspected. Support is based on your individual needs and how your disability, learning difference, or health condition affects your studies.

We encourage you to tell us about your needs as early as possible in the application process, so we can put the right support in place before you arrive. Together, we can create an individual Learning Support Plan tailored specifically to you, ensuring your lecturers know the best ways to support you both academically and pastorally. We can also agree on reasonable adjustments, such as extra time for assignments.

You may be entitled to additional support and funding through the Disabled Students’ Allowance (UK students only). You can find more information at HM Government.

Our Learning Support team can help you with:

• Putting reasonable adjustments in place for learning and assessments (e.g. extra time for written work)
• Creating individual support plans to aid your learning
• Applying for the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), if you’re eligible
• Accessing diagnostic assessments for specific learning difficulties (SpLDs), such as dyslexia or dyspraxia
• Advice on accessing assessments for other neurodiverse conditions, such as ADHD or autism

Once you’re with us, you can book a one-to-one with a Learning Support Advisor at a time that suits you.

Counselling and therapy support

Sometimes life presents challenges that feel too big to manage on your own. Whatever it is, if you’re struggling or feel you’re not coping, it’s okay to ask for help. You might just need a space to talk, or something more structured to help you find the coping strategies that work for you.

The Student Support Team can refer you to a nominated counselling service, whether in house or through local external providers we work with. Just get in touch and we’ll help you find the right support.

International students

If you’re joining us from outside the UK, we’re here to help you get the most out of your studies and student life.

Our International Team can answer any questions before you arrive, and once you’ve joined MetFilm School, the Student Support Team offers support and guidance about life in the UK. Our campus Events and Community team also run activities to help you meet people and make new friends.

Please find out more by visiting our page for International students: MetFilm School International students.

BIMM Student Support Line and Wellbeing Platform

The BIMM Student Support Line is our 24/7 confidential listening and support service.

It offers in-the-moment emotional and mental health support for all registered BIMM University students and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, so it is fully available when Student Wellbeing is closed or you can’t wait for an appointment with an adviser.

The service is run on behalf of the university by our external partners, Spectrum Life, and can be easily accessed via telephone, text and live chat. When you make contact with the service, qualified counsellors will immediately work with you in getting initial support and help and, where appropriate, can signpost to the campus Student Support team to continue supporting you.

You will also be able to access a wide range of resources, including a digital gym, with live classes, fitness plans, recipes, self-guided meditations, wellbeing podcasts and seminars and eLearning content.

Access Student Support through BIMM Connect

BIMM Connect is the main portal through which you access Student Support at BIMM University.

This includes wellbeing support, learning support, disability and neurodiversity support, and access to self-help resources tailored to your needs. By bringing your support into one place, BIMM Connect makes it easier to find what you need, track your progress, and access the right support at the right time.

Through BIMM Connect you can: 

• Book a 1-to-1 appointment with a Student Support or Learning Support Advisor
• Submit enquiries and requests for support
• Access personalised articles, videos, and resources to build your knowledge and coping strategies
• Track your engagement and follow up on agreed actions

Contact us

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, or you’re not sure where to start, please contact our Student Support team via email at: studentservices@bimm.ac.uk

University Mental Health Charter Programme

We’re proud to be part of the University Mental Health Charter programme, joining over 100 UK universities in prioritising student mental health and wellbeing. Launched by Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity, the charter provides a framework to help universities create environments that promote positive mental health and reduce stigma.

By taking part, we’re continually improving our mental health support. We’ve partnered with the Charlie Waller Trust to provide evidence-based training and resources, so we can offer effective support throughout your studies – reflecting our commitment to understanding student needs and developing sustainable ways to support your wellbeing at MetFilm School.

Student Wellbeing Strategy

Our Student Wellbeing Strategy sets out our direction, priorities and goals as we continue to develop a supportive and inclusive culture. It ensures every student feels able to thrive, whatever challenges they may face during their studies.

You can read our Student Wellbeing Strategy to find out more.

Information for care leavers and care-experienced students

Are you a care leaver or care-experienced? We offer tailored support throughout your time at MetFilm School – from advice on finance and funding to wellbeing, academic support and practical guidance. Find out what’s available and how to access it on our Information for care leavers and care-experienced students page.

Any questions?

For any questions relating to student support or if you’d like more information on how to apply to a course at MetFilm School please contact our Enquiries Team on 01273 840346 or email studentservices@bimm.ac.uk.