Student Support
Your tutors will help you with your course work but if you need it, the Student Support team can provide support for personal, financial, additional learning and career-related queries. Whether you want help to find practical information or need someone to talk to, we can offer comprehensive and confidential advice.
Lots of useful information, resources, and daily posts can also be found on our classroom: Student Support Classroom or if you'd like to get in touch you can find contact information on the relevant pages below.
To reach us by email: hestudentsupport@ucleeds.ac.uk
The learning support team, based at the University Centre, are here to offer advice, guidance and support. The University Centre welcomes all students with disabilities and learning difficulties and we want all our students to succeed and achieve their full potential. The role of the dedicated support staff is to help students get the most out of their studies and their time at University Centre Leeds.
We offer a variety of services to improve your employability and prepare you for your desired career path after you study. Access practical tips from getting a part-time job to finding graduate positions, from learning how to craft the perfect CV to connecting with industry and from joining our Student Ambassadors programme to finding volunteering opportunities.
Extra support and advice on how to balance your studies, access information about digital wellbeing, staying safe, sexual health, food banks and external support contacts is available.
Support is available for students who may experience difficulties with their mental health while studying at University Centre Leeds. The support offered includes short-term counselling, referral and signposting information.
There is financial support and advice available to you to ensure you feel prepared financially whilst you study. If you are struggling to understand how student finance works, you need to find out what funding you may be eligible for, or you need help to manage your money, Student Support can help.
If you have any worries or concerns and you would like to speak to our Stay Safe Officer or designated members of staff then please speak to any staff member or follow the link and complete the form
Student Stories
UC students share their stories, how they've received support from us and what might be available to you. If you'd like to share your story or be featured, please get in touch with hestudentsupport@ucleeds.ac.uk
University Centre Leeds student undertakes challenge for mental health charity MIND
UC student Mikey took on the 27 27 challenge this March, attempting to run 27 miles in 27 days raising money in solidarity with the 27% of students who report suffering from mental health issues each year. He is raising money for the charity MIND, which offers advice and support for anyone struggling with mental health problems, and campaign to improve services and raise awareness.
Mental Health and the challenge
Given the mental health emergency the Coronavirus pandemic has sparked, Mikey, who is studying his second year of the FD Photography programme, was eager to do something to demonstrate his support for fellow students during this difficult time. We asked Mikey what made him get involved with 27 27 and how he is getting on with the challenge so far: ‘’Mental health is something I continue to suffer with, and I think it's greatly underfunded. Although this is only going to one charity, I think it'll hopefully be helpful for many people who are able to access it.’’ He added ‘’I managed to raise £251.25 so far for the charity, it was easier than I expected to get people on board, likely due to the pandemic showing these problems more in everyone’’. Mikey admitted that 27 miles in 27 days is a daunting challenge and it’s tough to stay motivated after the first week or so, but he was determined to complete the challenge and raise awareness for mental health. Every student taking part in the 27/27 challenge is sending a clear message - it’s time to take our mental health seriously, and we won't give up until everyone with a mental health problem gets support and respect.
Extra-curricular activities
As well as attempting the 27 27 challenge, Mikey is a student representative for the University Centre. Representing the views of students on his course to enhance and develop the student experience. We asked him the kind of support he offers as a student rep ‘’Mostly it's emotional support. I give people the chance to air their views anonymously, and I think that's the best help I'm able to offer.’’ He added his recommendations about getting involved ‘’Don't think about it too much. Try it, if it's not for you, try something else. There is no "giving up", only figuring out what you dislike.
Accessing support whilst you study
University Centre Leeds offers a range of mental health support for its students. Students can refer themselves for an assessment through the online referral form to discuss the support available, they can ask for assistance with this process from a tutor or get in touch directly. There is counselling and mentoring available to students who are struggling as well as information about external support. Mikey, who accesses support, recommends that if you are considering reaching out to the Student Support team ‘’Figure out what you want and ask if it exists. You only get by asking, and the benefits of doing that might help you in more ways than you initially think. I have accessed mental health support, which was helpful for me to get things off of my chest.''
You can support Mikey’s fundraising for 27 27 by donating here. Or if you’d like to learn more about the challenge, check out the MIND website. If you’re a University Centre Leeds student looking for mental health support you can find out more information via the Mental Health page
Accessing Extra Support
Lydia is studying on the Fashion, Theatrical and Media Hair and Makeup degree. She shares her experience of accessing extra support during her studies.
UCL MEinHE Q&A - Lydia - Version 1.0.mp4
Breaking Through Barriers to Pursue Teaching Dream
Level 6 student, Chloe Brown, had always aspired to work with children and young people in education.
After being diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome at the age of five, Chloe was determined not to let the condition become a barrier to her career aspirations.
Eagerness to learn
Chloe began her educational journey seven years ago, studying Caring for Children Diploma Level 1 at Leeds City College. Since then, she has achieved five additional qualifications.
“I’ve always loved working with children; when I was younger I really admired my school teachers and wanted to follow the same career path.
“I’m especially keen to work with children who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as I feel I can share my experience of studying with learning difficulties and offer useful support and advice.”
Overcoming hurdles
DiGeorge syndrome has affected the way Chloe learns, making it harder for her to develop spelling, grammar and punctuation skills.
“My condition means I have a development delay, where performance-wise, I am two years behind my actual age. I’ve had three operations on my cleft palate and worked with a speech therapist for ten years, helping me to speak more clearly.
“I often struggle with anxiety, especially when presenting in front of the class. However, University Centre Leeds was a great option for me as the class sizes are small and we have intimate classroom lessons, rather than intimidating lectures.
“The friendly classroom environment helps me feel more confident, allowing me to participate in group discussions and get to know my classmates better.”
Accessing support
Despite her condition, Chloe has shown great determination to succeed in her qualifications.
“I can get frustrated when trying to word sentences correctly and understand feedback, however my tutors are great at talking through my work with me and are committed to my progress.”
Vicki Marshment, HE Childcare Programme Manager, has been part of Chloe’s academic journey for many years. She added: “Seeing the developmental progress Chloe has made is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. Each year, she has progressed to the next level of study through immense determination to succeed and achieve.
“She is a true inspiration, never allowing her condition to become a barrier within her progression and achievements. I’m honoured to still be part of her learning journey and feel excited to see her achieve her level 6 qualification this year.”
Studying experience
After completing the Supporting Teaching and Learning Foundation Degree at University Centre Leeds, she is now working towards Children and Young People Care and Education BA (Hons) Level 6.
“During my learning, I’ve had the opportunity to work on placements in an education setting. I’ve worked with children from nursery age to year 5 at my old school, Farsley Farfield Primary School.
“I worked as a learning support assistant to help children with SEND needs. I really enjoyed getting to know the children on a personal level and providing them with guidance based on my own learning experiences.
“In the future, I’d love to further my career in education by working in a specialist school to help care for children and young people with SEND learning needs.”