1. Making Connections
Where to go for advice and support
for study, career and personal issues
http://go.le.ac.uk/makingconnections
2. UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER
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.
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
Careers Service
Second Floor, David Wilson Library
T: 0116 252 2004
W: www.le.ac.uk/careers
E: careershelp@le.ac.uk
Whether it’s developing the skills you need to succeed on
your course, or in your life beyond university, the Careers
Service is here to support and facilitate your academic,
personal and career development.
Our services are grouped into three broad themes, helping
you to:
• succeed in your studies;
• gain experience;
• develop your career.
You’ll need to address these themes simultaneously, rather
than one at a time, which is what we aim to help you to do.
Having made it to university you’ll want to make sure that
you succeed in your studies. Making the transition from
school or college to university life requires you to adapt in a
number of ways; not least to the increased responsibility you
will have for your own learning. Succeeding in your studies
is about recognising how studying at university is different
3. from your previous study experience and adapting
accordingly. But it’s not just about adapting to the
differences it’s about thriving in a new study environment.
Take a look at our study guides, come to an interactive
workshop or even book an appointment for one-to-one
guidance if you need it.
Being successful at university isn’t just about getting a good
degree (as important as that is). It’s also about making the
most of the work experience opportunities available to you
to test out what you enjoy doing, develop your skills and so
be in a position to demonstrate to prospective employers
that you have the skills they want. This could be via an
internship or placement, getting involved with student
enterprise or by contributing to the local community
through volunteering or social enterprise activity. We can
provide access to all of these opportunities, many of which
are accredited through the Leicester Award for Employability.
Critical to making the most of your university achievements is
being able to identify suitable career options and, having
done so, clearly articulate your skills and experience to
potential employers. Through online advice, interactive
workshops and one-to-one guidance we can help you with
your career planning, job hunting and applications. We
provide multiple opportunities for you to meet employers who
4. want to recruit bright and well-rounded graduates; helping
you to find out what they are looking for and helping you to
think about what you’d like to do in the future.
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
Education Unit (ED), Percy Gee Building
T: 0116 223 1132
W: http://leicesterunion.com/yourunion/ed_the_educat
ion_unit
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 topics
such as changing course, how to report mitigating
circumstances, and academic appeals.
5. The ED Office is open weekdays from 10am - 4pm. This
service is available for all students. You can either pop in,
telephone or email us for help or book an appointment 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; a wide range
of Cambridge ESOL classes; 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 that can improve their wellbeing, enhance
their studies, and reach their full potential. The service is
committed to the delivery of health and wellbeing activities
7. MAKING CONNECTIONS
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
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 neutral space just off campus
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
Financial advice is offered for both current and prospective
students. Assistance is provided for students who experience
difficulties in registering with the University. Student Finance
Advisers can provide guidance in relation to budgeting and
advise over hardship and debt issues; where appropriate
they can advocate with banks and other creditors. Guidance
can be provided over charitable funding and state benefit
applications. University hardship funds and short-term loans
are administered through the Student Welfare Service.
Care leavers are offered specialist individual support.
9. A wide range of advice and support is available for students
from overseas including specialist immigration (visa) advice.
International students are strongly advised to seek help from
the Student Welfare Service in renewing their visa - more
details can be found on our website. Incorrect entry clearance
issues can be addressed. Introductory events are organised for
EU and international students when they join the University,
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.
Students with families can obtain information about
childcare and family support within the city, and advice over
funding for care.
Advice is provided for students who experience difficulties in
connection with accommodation – both University
residences and private-rented housing. A Welfare Officer is
qualified to provide general housing advice, guidance over
housing contracts, address landlord-tenant issues, mediate in
disputes, etc.
The University works closely with the local Police, Leicester
City Council and Community representatives to develop
community cohesion and address student-related issues that
occur in the locality.
Support in Accommodation
A wide-ranging support / referral system operates within
University owned and managed accommodation. Resident
Advisers live on site and are trained to provide support, advice
and information, and to signpost to professional services. RA's
can listen to concerns and will take appropriate action. They
are available on a duty rota to help students from 7pm to
8am during University term time with limited service during
vacations. Residential Support Managers co-ordinate this
service through Residential and Commercial Services.
Within accommodation students elect Junior Common
Room Committees which provide social activities. At Oadby
10. Student Village, an Arts in the Village Programme, is
organised through which students are encouraged to
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, the 1923 café restaurant, shops,
entertainment, leisure facilities, academic and welfare
advice, help with accommodation, and a focal point for
sports clubs, associations and societies.
All students are members of the Students’ Union, 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. 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 (8pm – 8am term-time)
E: nightlineleicester@hotmail.com
Nightline is a student-run helpline that operates every
night during term-time between 8pm and 8am. 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.