Dundee & Angus College: Stepping into Student Life with the Freaky Friday Challenge

On Friday, 13th September 2024, 13 of our staff members stepped into the shoes of our students for a full day. The idea? To get a real taste of what it’s like to navigate life as a student at D&A. From juggling finances and transport to managing meals and wellbeing, this challenge was all about experiencing firsthand the daily challenges and routines that make up the student journey at D&A.

Amy Monks, Students’ Association Team Leader, said: “Freaky Friday was our way to give our staff an insight into the student experience. Working alongside our elected officers to develop this challenge we have received positive feedback on how valuable this exercise was in providing everyone with an understanding of the daily realities our students face.”

Freaky Friday was a one-of-a-kind experience for our staff, offering insights they never expected into the student experience. Here’s what made Freaky Friday an unforgettable event for everyone involved.

A Day in the Life: Experiencing the Student Journey

The aim of Freaky Friday was simple but powerful, to give our staff a real understanding of what it’s like to be a student at Dundee & Angus College. From managing tight budgets to navigating the complexities of travel and meal planning, our staff jumped straight in and embraced the student experience head-on by adopting the personas of learners for a full day.

Michelle Hamilton, Quality Manager, said “Taking part in Freaky Friday offered a unique perspective on the student experience and has been invaluable for our ongoing commitment to quality and support. It’s one thing to hear about the challenges students face and another to live them. This experience has not only enhanced our empathy but also provided practical insights into how we can further improve our support systems.”

Staff faced a range of everyday challenges that our students encounter, including:

• Managing finances to stretch their budget for essentials like food and transport
• Navigating travel logistics to and from campus
• Making food and diet choices as well as experiencing the value of our food support initiatives
• Focusing on wellbeing and understanding how important it is to balance studies with personal care

The event was a chance for staff to experience the highs and lows of student life, highlighting both the obstacles faced and the crucial support systems in place to help our students thrive.

A Spotlight on Our Student Support Services

One of the most eye-opening aspects of Freaky Friday was how it highlighted the wide range of support available to students throughout their time at D&A. Staff quickly came to appreciate the importance of services such as:

• Free breakfast options and free soup and rolls at lunchtime, ensuring no student goes hungry.
• Too Good To Go food options, helping students access affordable food items while aiding our sustainability goals.
• Food larders and Thrive Shops, where students can access essentials like clothes, household items, shoes, and toiletries for free.

These initiatives, along with the dedicated support from our Student Services, Help Point Team, and the Students' Association, showcased the wide and varied help available to ensure every learner at Dundee & Angus College has the resources they need to succeed.

Enhancing Empathy, Elevating Support

The experience provided staff with a deeper understanding of the student journey by highlighting just how vital our services are in helping students navigate their time at D&A. Whether it’s academic challenges, financial concerns, or personal wellbeing, our support systems empower students and give them the tools they need to succeed.

Beyond raising awareness, the Freaky Friday Challenge highlighted the importance of all staff knowing what support is available to our students. By giving staff the opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of the student experience, we can ensure that every learner who walks through our doors feels supported, valued, and equipped to thrive.

D&A Decade, Freaky Friday Finale

Freaky Friday was the perfect way to wrap up our D&A Decade celebrations. It brought a fun and meaningful close to all the challenges we have taken on this year and celebrated what truly makes Dundee & Angus College special, our students and staff. This final event really captured what we are all about, keeping our students at the very heart of everything that we do and walking alongside our students every step of the way.

Steve Taylor, Vice Principal, said: “Freaky Friday was the perfect finale of our D&A Decade celebrations. It has been a powerful reminder of our core mission to create more successful students through effective partnerships that change lives and create thriving communities. The experience has reinforced for me, and the others taking part, how challenging being a student can be in 2024, but also how the college community supports our students and helps them to overcome challenges and achieve success in their course and whatever they go on to do in the future.”

The insights gained from Freaky Friday gave us a fresh look at the student experience by reminding us how important empathy and connection are in creating a strong support network. Our staff now have an even deeper understanding of the everyday challenges our students face and are more determined than ever to keep finding new ways to support them.

As we come to the end of our D&A Decade celebrations, we couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved together over the last ten years. With this final challenge, we are heading into the future with even more dedication to providing the best possible experience for every student who walks through our doors.