Support

Here to help you thrive – in your studies, your wellbeing, and your future.

Childcare students

At our College, we are committed to supporting you at every stage of your student journey. Whether you are settling in, managing coursework, planning your next steps, or facing personal challenges, our dedicated Student Support teams are here to help.

If you need academic support, financial guidance, wellbeing advice, or simply someone to talk to, please get in touch – you don’t have to manage things alone.

Our friendly and professional staff provide confidential, non-judgemental support to all students, regardless of background, circumstances, or mode of study. Any support offered is tailored to your individual needs, including where and how you study.

We encourage students to access support as early as possible – this can often prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.

Our Student Support Officers can support you with a wide range of issues, including:

  • Course information and advice
  • Emotional and personal wellbeing
  • Mental health
  • Money and financial concerns
  • Housing and accommodation
  • Travel and transport
  • UCAS and SAAS applications
  • Accessing careers and employability advice

Looking after your health and wellbeing is essential for successful learning. We can support you with:

  • Mental health and emotional wellbeing
  • Signposting to external services to support your wellbeing
  • Managing stress and maintaining balance
  • Healthy living advice

There may be times when you need extra support due to stress, academic pressure, isolation, changes in circumstances, or bereavement. Our Student Support Officers can provide guidance and help you access appropriate services within the college and the wider community.

If you would like to talk to someone about support:

You may also find helpful information on the NHS Borders mental health and wellbeing webpages – https://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/creating-hope/find-a-service/

Need urgent help?

You can always reach out to the Student Support Team if you’re struggling. While we cannot provide counselling or crisis support ourselves, we can help connect you with specialist services, including mental health and wellbeing support, social work, and emergency services. You are not alone, and help is available.
https://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/creating-hope/get-help-now/

We are committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for everyone.

  • Our Safeguarding Policy protects our students and staff
  • Staff working with students hold appropriate disclosures
  • Advice is available on staying safe on campus and within the community

If you feel unsafe or are worried about someone else, please speak to a member of staff. All concerns are taken seriously.

Support for Priority Groups

Do you provide unpaid caring responsibilities for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems? At Borders College, we're committed to supporting students who have unpaid caring responsibilities.

Many students combine their college studies with caring. The College is aware that student carers can face additional challenges balancing their caring responsibilities with the demands of their course. There are lots of things to think about when deciding to come to College. Our Care Aware service can help you to plan a visit, make an application and help you to sort out your funding. They'll also provide access to support services, including learning support, and help you get the best out of your time at College.

As a Corporate Parent, we're committed to supporting students who have been or are in care. We work closely with you and the people who support you to offer impartial advice and guidance to enable you to attend a College course and achieve your goals.

Through our Care Aware service you will have a named contact who can:

  • Help explore study options and career pathways
  • Support you with applications, funding, and transitions
  • Provide ongoing advice throughout your course

But don't forget to tell us you're care experienced on your application so we can make contact with you.

Scottish Funding Council (SFC) defines an estranged person as someone who no longer has the support of their family due to a breakdown in their relationship, which has led to ceased contact. Estrangement can be complex and may have happened over time or be completely unexpected.

Our Student Support team can offer advice and guidance from pre-entry right through to the end of your course which could include financial support.

Through our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, we provide support, guidance, and access to services for serving personnel, veterans, and their families.

If you would like to talk to someone:

In line with Scottish Government legislation, free sanitary products are available to students and staff across all campuses.

We work in partnership with an award-winning social enterprise to provide:

  • A range of free products
  • Reusable and sustainable options
  • Discreet access in toilets and student support areas

Further information is available on the Student Portal.

Borders College welcomes students who rely on professionally trained and accredited assistance dogs.

Assistance dogs include:

  • Guide Dogs for individuals with visual impairments
  • Hearing Dogs for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
  • Service Dogs trained to support a range of disabilities

Assistance dogs must be appropriately trained, accredited, and identifiable. Dogs for comfort, emotional support, or protection alone cannot be accommodated.

Please inform the College in advance if you will be bringing an assistance dog to campus.

Whatever your situation, whatever you are facing, you are not alone.

Our Student Support teams are here to help you feel confident, supported, and able to achieve your goals.

Your College, Your Future