Supporting BME students
Specific answers to the questions below will differ from one teacher training provider to another, so you are advised to seek out more detailed information by following the links from the Partner Teacher Training Providers page.
Also, remember to talk through your individual needs with your intended place of study. We are here to help you.
- Will I be able to practise my faith?
- What accommodation is offered?
- What type of food is provided?
- What support and guidance is on offer?
- What opportunities are available in terms of on-campus activities?
- What sports facilities are there?
GTP providers are expecting that you will live in the wider community, so responses to the questions above will not always apply.
Will I be able to practise my faith?
Multi-faith centres are usually a part of campus facilities, giving you the chance to
- pray in an appropriate space
- meet up with other like-minded students in communal areas
We also provide information and support in finding the places of worship in the local area.
Faith groups are a welcome part of student life. If you find that there is no student group currently running that reflects your faith, you can always start one yourself with our support.
What accommodation is offered?
You usually find that accommodation is offered both on and off campus
You will find that:
- a safe and comfortable environment is ensured
- there may be the opportunity to live in single sex flats or houses or with specific groups of students.
- a meal plan is often available
- you can come and go as you please
- there is sometimes the chance to have family guests
What type of food is provided?
Food is usually available through meal plans or on a buy-as-you-want basis.
Institutions do their best to provide a wide range of food options to suit the requirements of all the students on campus in terms of the type of meal on offer and timings (e.g. halal food, food at specific times to fit in with Ramadan)
If you find that the food is not suited to your needs, you can always take up a self-catering option. If you are bringing a pre-prepared meal onto campus, there is usually an appropriate area provided where you can eat in comfort.
What support and guidance is on offer?
As part of our remit we are committed to offering a range of support and guidance specifically designed to meet your needs.
The institutions also offer general student services open to all, providing individual and confidential advice.
What opportunities are available in terms of on-campus activities?
In line with our commitment to support students from a black or minority ethnic background we offer multicultural groups which have the remit of promoting diversity and multiculturalism across campus as well as externally.
The Students’ Unions on campus offer a range of activities open to all. There are also a lot of sporting events and competitions taking place.
What sports facilities are there?
Usually there is provision for single sex sporting activities, whether this be in terms of team sports or in terms of offering times when particular sports can only be undertaken by a particular sex e.g. women-only swimming. You will need to check this out in more detail.
Changing areas generally offer facilities which respect privacy and safety.
There is not usually a requirement to wear specific clothing when practising a sport, expect for sporting footwear, so if you wish to wear e.g. a turban, a veil this is absolutely fine.
