Support and advice
Body
While university life is full of exciting opportunities, it can also be an overwhelming time. There is a wide range of health and wellbeing services provided by the University and throughout Edinburgh to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
If you require out-of-hours support (University office hours are 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday) please find details here.
- Student Advisers (PGT students only)
All new and returning taught programme students joining the school have a Student Adviser who can advise on a wide variety of matters throughout your studies. Find out more about the Student Advice & Support team here.
- Support for PhD students
In addition to their academic duties, your supervisors are your first line of support and advice for any academic or personal issues which may arise whilst you are studying. We encourage you to inform your supervisor immediately of any problems which are interfering with your studies. Additionally your Postgraduate Advisor is available to support you if needed. Further information and contact details can be found here.
- The Advice Place
The Advice Place has trained academic and welfare advisers who can assist students with anything from problems with their landlord to support with academic appeals.
- University Health Centre
For all matters relating to physical and mental health, there is an on-campus, health centre operated by independent General Practitioners on behalf of the National Health Service (NHS). Students should consider registering with this, or another local general practice for the duration of their studies.
- Student Counselling
The University offers free and confidential counselling services to help students work through any difficulties, understanding themselves better and finding ways of managing their situation.
- Disability and Learning Support Service
The University offers support for students with disabilities, specific needs or a specific learning difficulties. Students with disabilities should contact the Disability and Learning Support Service as soon as possible after they arrive to discuss their requirements. Please note that learning difficulties and disabilities cannot be used as a reason to change course deadlines and regulations without a Learning Profile provided by the Disability and Learning Support Service.
- Chaplaincy Centre
The University's Chaplaincy Centre provides a meeting place for groups and individuals of all faiths and none. The Chaplain, and our team of multi-faith honorary chaplains, offer support and guidance to all students and a Listening Service for pastoral support.
- English Language Support
The English Language Education department of the University of Edinburgh offers a range of support and resources for students wanting to improve their English language skills before they arrive, throughout the year or during the dissertation writing period.
- Student Immigration Service
The University's Student Immigration Service provides expert advice and guidance on all matters related to visas and Confirmation of Studies (CAS).
- Authorised Interruption of Study
A taught student experiencing difficulties in their personal circumstances which make them unable to study may apply for an interruption of study. PhD students must follow this process. During an interruption, a student pauses their study at the University, usually for a year or a semester in the case of taught students, and restarts at the same point following the period of interruption. Interruptions of study may not be applied retrospectively.
Interruption of study applications are approved by Schools and Colleges. A student who wants to apply for an interruption of study, should complete an application with the help and support of their Student Adviser or PhD Supervisor.