Student support
We recognise that studying in a foreign country can be challenging and that international students have particular needs. There are therefore various departments within the University designed to help and support you at every stage of your studies.
Full details of the support services available to you are given in our Overseas Students Pre-Arrival Guide and during our Overseas Students Orientation programme on arrival. However, to give you an idea of what help we offer, please find below an overview of our main support services.
International Student Support Team
Our dedicated International Student Support Team is made up of experienced welfare advisers. They can give you help and advice on a variety of subjects, including immigration, work permits, and financial and personal matters. They also organise a social programme for international students, which includes trips to other parts of the UK and Europe.
Careers Service
Our Careers Service gives you information and impartial advice, to help you choose your career and get the job you want. Our experienced careers advisers run events throughout the year that are specifically aimed at overseas students.
Community Liaison Office
We have a dedicated, full-time member of staff who works to strengthen our positive links with the local community, ensuring that students live and study in harmony with their neighbours. See our community liaison site for more information.
Disability Support and Equal Opportunities
The University is committed to the policy that disabled students should be able to study successfully and fully enjoy life at the University. Each School has a Disabled Students Co-ordinator to provide support and help make any special arrangements that disabled students need, while our Disability Officer caters for the needs of disabled students across the University.
English Language support
For students who could benefit from English language teaching, we provide a range of classes that are mostly integrated into degree programmes, meaning that they are relevant to particular subjects. As well as improving your spoken English, you can learn to write more accurately, and deal with presentations and seminars. We also provide a Pre-sessional English programme, for students who have a place on a degree programme but require additional help to reach the required English language level for entry.
Learning and Information Services
At the University we can provide you with outstanding learning resources, including Learning Resource Centres which are open 24/7, with over 1,500 computer workstations. Our learning environment StudyNet gives you access to course materials online, and you can also benefit from our extensive libraries, wireless networks and expert help.
Medical Centre
Our Medical Centre, located in the heart of the College Lane campus, enables you to see a doctor or nurse quickly if you need to, and benefit from their experience in caring for students.
Religious Provision
Our new, multi-faith and multi-cultural Key Centre is a focus for spiritual life in the University, providing a space for prayer, reflection and worship. We are currently building a new half million pound extension to the Key Centre. This will enhance our multi-faith provision, improving our Muslim prayer facilities and allowing for other activity such as Arabic classes which are in keeping with Islam. The new extension will be completed in September 2009.
Student Support and Counselling
Whatever concerns you have, our independent, professional and confidential counselling service is available to you free of charge.
Advice and Support Centre
Our Students' Union Advice and Support Centre provides a free and confidential service which is available to all students. The Centre can give you information on a variety of subjects including academic issues, accommodation, welfare, health, money and legal matters.
