Whether you’re new to SHU or returning for your second, third or fourth year, there may be a time when you feel you’d like to speak to someone in confidence, to get a bit of advice. For this reason, we offer a Student Advice drop-in to all students, every day at both campuses.

2

Some things students come to talk to us about are:

  • Enquiries about changing course
  • Information about leaving University
  • A problem on the course
  • Issues with accommodation / housemates
  • Feeling homesick
  • Personal problems affecting study
  • Information about funding implications of decisions
  • Help accessing support from other services

How can I access the drop-in?

Easy! Just turn up at the Student Services Centre, level 5 Owen or the Student Services Reception at Collegiate Learning Centre and ask to
speak to an Adviser in drop-in. Check shuspace for times of drop-in.

What will happen in the drop-in?

The Adviser will come to Reception to collect you and show you to the drop-in room, a short distance from Reception. Then, the Adviser will explain what the appointment is, how long it will last and will reassure you about our confidentiality policy. After that, it’s up to you to talk about whatever it is you’d like advice or guidance about.

Will you really be able to help me?!

We may not be able to solve all your problems there and then but we will certainly help you to think through your options. We can provide information on different types of support in the University, on policies and processes and we can help you get in touch with people who you need to contact e.g. lecturers or the Students Union.

Will you try to tell me what to do?

Student Advisers are impartial which means we will never tell you what course of action to take. We can help you to see the different options available to you and the pros and cons of each and we can advise you how to find out more to help you make a decision. Whatever you’re worried about, we will take it seriously and try to see things from your point of view.

What if I need more advice later – can I come to more than one drop-in?

Yes! Sometimes it is a good idea to go away and think about the advice you’ve been given, gather more information and then return to talk things through again. That’s fine. We’ll keep a confidential note of the things that were discussed, to remind us if you decide to return to drop-in again.