# 2.1 The needs of students

Tutors reported that students needed to be treated as individuals and needed tutors to be flexible, approachable and available.

> ‘We need to be approachable and I think we need to be available and have understanding and compassion.’

Tutors explained what students needed from them in relation to communication, which is the focus of the next activity.

## Activity 2

List what you think students told us they need their tutors to be. To start you off here are three examples: encouraging, personable, patient.

Can you suggest five more?

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### Discussion

Other responses from students said that they wanted their tutors to be accommodating, understanding, reassuring, supportive, approachable, flexible, practically helpful, intuitive, receptive, non-judgemental, sensitive, empathetic, realistic, to listen and to believe/value what is being said.

OpenLearn - Supporting university students with a mental health condition
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