Student support and experience

The University of Edinburgh wants to be able to offer the level of support students need to enable them to grow, develop and succeed during their time here.

Feedback from students and staff showed that while the current student support model was effective in some areas, there remained scope for improvement in our overall provision of support for students.

We have created our new model by integrating ideas from hundreds of students and staff. The new model will provide consistent and enhanced support, with staff who are specially trained to support you.

All students from academic year 2023/24

• You will have an assigned Student Adviser who is a trained expert in guiding and supporting you across your university experience – Student Advisers are your first point of contact. They will work with Academic Teams, Cohort Leads and central services to ensure you receive the best possible support and relevant information. ​​​​​​
• Academic staff and teaching teams will play an active role in your induction, studies and academic progress, and you will be able to access additional academic support as part of enhanced student support teams in your School.
• Cohort Leads will work with groups of students to foster a sense of community and provide the connection between you and your programme, through group based events and activities.
• Working alongside your Student Adviser, Wellbeing Advisers will provide you with support, as well as the University’s wellbeing services such as Student Counselling and the Student Disability Service.
• Student Advisers will provide preventative support for all, with specialist support where required
• You will be able to get support for any issues you’re experiencing that may be impacting your health, wellbeing, studies or personal life.
• Your Student Adviser will work with you if you need further information or access to other university services.

Peer Learning and Support Schemes (PALS) are run by students for students. 

PALS student leaders provide student attendees with not only a great place to meet new people, but also plan and run academic study sessions to support their peers on topics such as:

• course content
• assessments such as essays and exams
• study skills and autonomous learning
• and much more

PALS student leaders facilitate discussions and run structured activities and build a supportive academic community across years groups. 

You can find out more about PALS groups within the School of GeoSciences on the EUSA website.

Find a student group

​​​​​Community Building and Societies

Community BEES

Community Building for Ecological and Environmental Science students, as well as other university students with similar interests such as sustainability, the environment, and conservation.

Community BEES

Geographical Society

One of the university’s oldest and largest societies – from academic talk and careers events to socials and charity nights, there’s something for everyone!

Geographical Society

Geoscience Society

GeosSoc hosts a variety of events throughout the year for Earth Science students including scavenger hunts, pub crawls, games nights and academic events.

Geoscience Society ​​