1. Student Support and Development Service
Making Connections
Where to go for advice and support
for study, career and personal issues
www.le.ac.uk/ssds
2. UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · STUDENT SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICE
Making Connections
This leaflet has been written to give an outline of the
various development and support services available to
students at the University of Leicester. Each entry
provides details of who to contact for further help or
information.
Services marked with an asterisk (*) are part of the
Student Support and Development Service (SSDS).
A selection of further local and national sources of
information, advice and guidance can be found on our
website at http://go.le.ac.uk/makingconnections
Learning & Career Development
Student Development*
Student Development Zone, Second Floor,
David Wilson Library
T: 0116 252 2004
W: www.le.ac.uk/studentdevelopment
E: sdzhelpdesk@le.ac.uk
Whether it’s developing the skills you need to succeed on
your course, or in your life beyond university, Student
Development is here to support and facilitate your
academic, professional and personal development.
Visit the Student Development Zone in the David Wilson
Library to access our extensive range of resources: we have
over 50 different study guide titles and 20 career
development guides, so whether it’s writing better essays or
building a CV, instant advice is available to take away. You
can also access these resources from our website along with
a range of online resources such as interactive study skills
tutorials and videos on developing your career prospects.
One-to-one advice is available via study consultations,
research consultations, maths help, and careers
3. consultations. You can see our advisers face-to-face in the
Student Development Zone or use our website to find out
how to access our services remotely.
Every term, we have a busy programme of interactive
workshops covering a diverse range of topics. Our learning
development titles range from avoiding plagiarism to
improving your essay writing, to giving effective
presentations. Career development titles cover all the
essential areas such as CV writing, job searching, application
forms and interview skills.
Student Development provides lots of opportunities for you
to develop your employability skills whilst at university. We
maintain strong links with employers and advertise their
vacancies and work experience opportunities through
JOBSonline (on our website). We have a busy programme of
employer-led events, from skills workshops to careers fairs,
and we organise numerous opportunities for you to make
the most of your time at university. Choose from a wide
range of volunteering opportunities, work placement
schemes and enterprise activities, or take an accredited
programme and gain a Leicester Award.
Research postgraduates are catered for with resources,
events and training specific to their needs: from Starting
Your PhD workshops to university-wide events such as the
annual Festival of Postgraduate Research.
4. To find out more about how Student Development can
enhance your success at university and beyond, visit our
website.
AccessAbility Centre*
AccessAbility Zone, Ground Floor, David Wilson Library
T: 0116 252 5002
W: www.le.ac.uk/accessability
E: accessable@le.ac.uk
The Centre offers a range of services to all University of
Leicester students who have specific learning difficulties such
as dyslexia, disabilities or long-term conditions. Staff offer
one-to-one support, assessment of dyslexia, the co-
ordination of alternative examination arrangements and
assistance with applications for the Disabled Students’
Allowance. The open access Centre acts as a resource base
for students and staff and is a relaxed place for students to
work. Its computers are equipped with specialised software
for screen enlargement and speech output (essay planning
software and basic speech output software are on the
University-wide CFS network). Low-level photocopying and
printing facilities are also available. The Centre welcomes
self-referrals as well as referrals from academic staff.
Education Unit
Student Support Centre, Percy Gee Building
T: 0116 223 1132
W: http://leicesterunion.com/yourunion
E: educationunit@le.ac.uk
The Education Unit is one of the main and crucial services
that the Students’ Union provides for students. The aim of
the Unit is to provide an impartial and confidential academic
advice service to students across the University on such
topics as changing course, how to report mitigating
circumstances, and academic appeals.
5. The Student Support Centre is open weekdays from 10 am -
4 pm. This service is available for all students. You can either
pop in or book an appointment in advance by contacting us
on the details above.
English Language Teaching Unit
Readson House, 96-98 Regent Road
T: 0116 229 7856/7
F: 0116 229 7818
W: www.le.ac.uk/eltu
E: eltu@le.ac.uk
The English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers: full-time
year-round pre-sessional courses in academic English and
study skills to international students to prepare them for
admission to degree programmes; in-sessional language
support to students already on degree courses; and tailor-
made language courses for external clients. It also advises
academic staff on English language entry requirements and
helps international students adapt to life in a different culture.
6. Health & Wellbeing
Student Counselling, Healthy Living
and Mental Wellbeing Service*
161 Welford Road, Freemen’s Common
(behind Freemen’s Common Health Centre)
T: 0116 223 1780 (Counselling)
E: counselling@le.ac.uk
T: 0116 223 1268 (Healthy Living)
E: healthyliving@le.ac.uk
T: 0116 252 2283 (Mental Wellbeing)
E: mentalwellbeing@le.ac.uk
W: www.le.ac.uk/healthandwellbeing
The staff of this Service offer a range of expertise and
support for both the physical and psychological aspects of
health and wellbeing in the context of the student
journey. The Service is available to all students of the
University. The Service can also provide advice and
information to all members of the University community
about supporting students with concerns relating to their
physical or mental health.
Counselling support offers confidential counselling sessions
on a one-to-one or group basis, as appropriate. Students
may seek counselling for a variety of reasons both academic
and personal; some just want to come once to talk over
something that is troubling them, others may wish to see a
counsellor regularly for a period of time, or explore issues
together with others in a group. For an initial appointment
and explanatory leaflet, please ring or email the Service or
visit the website.
Healthy Living support strives to help students enjoy a
balanced lifestyle; the service helps individuals to identify an
approach to life which can improve their wellbeing, and
enhance their studies, and to reach their full potential. The
service is committed to the delivery of health and wellbeing
7. MAKING CONNECTIONS
activities that support students in developing healthy life
skills. As well as supporting academic achievement, these
skills are transferable and should prove beneficial in the
transition from University to the demands of employment
and graduate careers. This service works closely with the
Freemen’s Common Health Centre and also provides
direction to appropriate health care services.
For more information about health and wellbeing, visit the
website.
Mental Wellbeing support offers one-to-one support to
students who are managing mental health issues at university.
The aim of this support is to assist students to lessen the
impact these issues might have on their studies. If required, the
service can coordinate a network of support from those
available both at the University and in the wider community.
Related group activities and educational workshops are offered
at various times throughout the year. Students are welcome to
make contact with the service at any point in their course. Pre-
entry contact is also encouraged from prospective students
who wish to discuss the support they may require on course.
An appointment to meet with an adviser can be made by
telephone, letter, email, or via the website.
Freemen’s Common Health Centre
161 Welford Road, Freemen’s Common
T: 0844 815 1105
W: www.le.ac.uk/healthcentre
The doctors and nurses at the Health Centre provide a
wide range of medical services to students and staff
registered with the practice. The staff are sympathetic to
the health needs and concerns of the University
population; students may make an appointment to see a
doctor or nurse to discuss any health problems. If they
cannot deal with your problem directly, Centre staff may
be able to refer you to an appropriate service.
Confidentiality is of paramount importance to the practice
and will be respected in all circumstances.
8. UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · STUDENT SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICE
Chaplaincy
The Gatehouse, University Road
(bottom of Mayor’s Walk)
T: 0116 285 6493
W: www.le.ac.uk/chaplaincy
E: chaplaincy@le.ac.uk
The Gatehouse offers students a place to come and make
themselves at home. We are open Monday to Friday during
term time. Information is available about local churches and
the world faith communities represented at the University.
There is a chapel to pray in and a library with a good collection
of books. Students can talk to a chaplain from different
traditions (Anglican, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Salvation Army,
Lutheran, Methodist, Society of Friends (Quakers)) and also to
a chaplain for International Students. The Chaplaincy presents
an opportunity for students to explore spirituality in a wide
sense not limited to Christian understanding.
Practical Matters
Student Welfare Service*
First Floor, Percy Gee Building
T: 0116 223 1185
W: www.le.ac.uk/welfare
E: welfare@le.ac.uk
The Student Welfare Service offers wide-ranging guidance,
information and support for students on many issues.
Financial advice is offered for prospective and current
students; Student Finance Advisers will work with students
over hardship and debt issues, negotiating with banks and
other creditors, and assisting students in their application for
hardship funds, charitable funding and state benefits.
A wide range of advice and support is in place for students
from overseas including specialist immigration advice;
9. international students are strongly advised to renew their
visa through the scheme offered by the Service. Introductory
welcome events are organised for international students
throughout the year, particularly at the start of the academic
year. Students are prepared for various transitions through,
for example, pre-arrival information and advice on cultural
readjustment when they leave the UK.
Students with families can obtain information about
childcare and funding for care, and receive advice on family
support and activities within the city. Information is available
about English Language classes for spouses.
The Student Welfare Service works closely with Residential
and Commercial Services to provide high quality support for
students living in University owned and managed
accommodation. A Welfare Officer (Accommodation) can
give advice over private housing contracts, mediate in
disputes, and is qualified to provide general housing advice.
The University works closely with the local Police over
community issues and a Community Warden is employed to
develop community cohesion.
Support in Accommodation
A wide-ranging support / referral system operates within
University owned and managed accommodation. Senior
students (Sub-Wardens and Resident Advisers) live on site
and are trained to provide support, advice and information,
and to signpost to professional services. They can listen to
concerns and will take appropriate action. They are trained in
first aid, fire safety, mediation and crime prevention and are
available on a duty rota to help students from 7pm to 8am
on weekdays and for 24 hour periods over weekends during
term-time, with a limited service during the vacations.
Within accommodation students elect Junior Common
Room Committees which provide social activities. At Oadby
Student Village, an Arts in the Village Programme is
organised through which students are encouraged to
10. develop skills, enjoy music, use practice rooms and take part
in competitions and events.
Departmental Tutors
At the beginning of your course, you will be assigned a
personal tutor. This tutor can advise on academic issues
and, if required, will act as a link with other staff in the
department, student support services and the University
administration. Your tutor is also available to discuss issues
of a more personal nature and to give advice on other
forms of support. In addition to personal tutors, each
department has a Careers Tutor and a tutor who acts as a
point of contact for students with specific learning
difficulties or disabilities.
Students’ Union
Executive Offices, First Floor, Percy Gee Building
T: 0116 223 1124
W: www.leicesterstudent.org
E: hello@leicesterunion.com
“The Students’ Union aims to improve, enhance and
support the lives of students at the University of Leicester”.
Its primary function is to represent its members, the
students, and ensure their rights are upheld.
Elected student officers and full-time permanent staff run
the Students’ Union and, amongst an array of services,
provides The Scholar Bar, a café restaurant, shops,
entertainment, leisure facilities, academic and welfare
advice, help with accommodation, and a focal point for
sports clubs, associations and societies.
Students become members of the Students’ Union
automatically when they enrol at the University, and there is
plenty of opportunity for them to get involved in a number
of current campaigns as well as to influence what goes on
in the Union through the student parliament.
11. MAKING CONNECTIONS
Safety Bus
Activity Resource Centre
Percy Gee Building
T: 0116 223 1123
W: http://leicesterunion.com/yourunion
E: su-safetybus@le.ac.uk
The daily Safety Bus service is provided by the Students’
Union to take students home throughout term time. Two 8-
passenger seat vehicles are used to operate the Safety Bus
service, driven by qualified student drivers. The service starts
at 6pm in the winter and spring term and 7pm in the
summer term and there is a ‘pickup’ every half hour. The aim
of the service is to ensure that students arrive home safely in
the evening, after an event or when the bars and/or library
closes. There is also a morning service, where one safety bus
is used to take students from Oadby Halls of Residence to
the University between 8 and 10am. If you require more
information, please email or see the Student Development
Transport Officer in the ARC between 10am and 4pm.
Nightline Service
T: 0116 223 1230 (8 pm – 8 am term-time)
E: nightlineleicester@hotmail.com
Nightline is a student-run helpline that operates every night
during term-time between 8 pm and 8 am. It aims to
provide confidential emotional support on any topic that
the caller wishes to discuss, a wealth of comprehensive
information (from cinema listings to helpline numbers), as
well as company for anyone who simply wants a chat.
Trained student volunteers, known as Nightliners, run the
service and ensure complete caller anonymity. Nightline can
ring callers back if requested, no call will ever be refused, and
a choice of female or male listener will be available to talk to.
