Undergraduate support

Practical advice and administrative support

We understand that university can pose practical problems for our students, and we have measures in place to help you resolve any issues that could arise during your period of study.

What should I do if…

I am a new student?

You must meet with your Personal Tutor and he/she will enrol you on your courses, confirm your attendance and check your timetable to ensure you have no clashes.

I am a returning student?

The process for confirming your attendance in second year or above is similar but in addition to the steps outlined above, your personal tutor will check that you are taking the correct courses for the current year. Your Personal Tutor will also check that you have achieved all compulsory credits for the past year. If credits are missing, you will be referred to the Student Support Team.

I need information on matriculation?

Please contact Academic Registry if you have any questions about the matriculation process:

The Academic Registry

I don't know which outside subject(s) to choose?

Many students do not anticipate taking outside subjects and find it difficult to decide what to study. Your personal tutor will be able to provide academic advice. Most degree programmes offer a free choice in the first year but you should read the degree programme table (DPT) carefully as some programmes will restrict the schedules from which a student can choose.

Please also be aware that some DPTs require you to continue your outside subject into your second year.

As a rule however, there are certain courses which are more difficult to take as outside subjects due to course quotas and limited spaces. These include English Literature, Spanish 1A, Politics and Psychology. Information on how to obtain a place on these courses should be available on MyEd but if you are in any doubt, please visit the relevant Teaching Office for advice. We do not recommend language students take a third language as their outside subject.

Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study

I was not here for Freshers’ Week?

1st year students must contact Academic Registry as soon as possible to confirm matriculation. You must also contact either your Personal Tutor or the Student Support Team, who will be able to confirm your attendance and ensure you are registered on the correct courses.

Academic Registry

I need a letter confirming that I am a student?

The Student Support Team can provide confirmation of status letters for many organisations/circumstances including banks and letting agents. Please complete a letter request form and bring to the Student Support Office in Room 5.05 David Hume Tower or e-mail it to us. Please allow 48 hours for processing.

Letter request form

I need an academic reference?

Please contact your Personal tutor who will be able to provide you with an academic reference upon request.

I need information on my year abroad?

Please visit your subject area teaching office; they will be able to give you advice and information on your year abroad.

I have financial problems?

You MUST contact the Finance Department at the earliest opportunity if you are having difficuly paying your fees in order to find a solution. Further support is available from the EUSA advice Place. The Advice Place will also be able to offer guidance on applying for hardship funds.

I have a problem with my accommodation?

Whether you are experienced at living independently or are taking the plunge for the first time, the University Accommodation service are on hand to offer advice and residential support. There is a wealth of information available on their website at:

University accommodation

I need careers advice?

The Careers Service offer confidential and impartial advice to undergraduates on a variety of topics including career planning and advice and guidance on application and interview techniques.

Careers Service

I have computer problems?

You can find the Information Services helpdesk on the ground floor, Main Library, George Square - they have variable hours, usually 5pm - 8pm, Monday to Friday and 10am - 1pm Saturday.

You can contact the helpline on 0131 651 5151 from 9am - 8am (available 23 hours) every day or e-mail is.helpline@ed.ac.uk

Web help desk

I need childcare?

Please see the following Website for details of the University's nursery facilities and available support.

Childcare

I am an international student?

The International Office offers a central point for all non-UK students to go to for assistance, advice and support. The team runs an immigration clinic each morning (Monday to Friday) which provides advice on visa extensions, working in the UK during and after study and other matters. They are also the main contact for the UK Border Agency (Home Office) and the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

The International student centre is managed by international student volunteers and provides a resource for international students in the central University area.

If your question has not been answered, please check our other sections:

Contact details

Contact the Student Support Team who will be happy to help:

Room 5.05, David Hume Tower

Tel: 0131 650 3647/ 0131 650 3673

Email:

LLC Student Support

This article was published on Apr 15, 2013