Help and Advice

After Welcome Week

For most people university is their first experience of living away from home, and it can be quite daunting. Don't worry, all kinds of help is at hand, co-ordinated by Student Services, including Peer Connections the university's buddying and mentoring scheme.

Our Advice Team are based on Level 4 in the Union. They're a great first point of contact for all students, because they'll be able to answer your questions and refer you to appropriate services within the University, or to an external organisation. You can also phone (01382) 388590 or email advice@dundee.ac.uk. This is to highlight that we deal with all students including internationals (who we will sign post if it is something we cannot help with).

For International Students, we have an International Advice Service.

Late Arrivals

If you are travelling from overseas, delays with your visa or travel plans may prevent you from arriving in time to attend welcome week. Our International Advice Team are available to welcome you with a cup of tea and a biscuit, provide you with an information pack and answer any questions you have - find out more about arriving late.

Advice and support for common problems

 Help settling in

You can team up with a current student through the Peer Connections programme which includes welcoming, buddying and mentoring using experienced student volunteers called Peer Connectors to support students.

Homesickness

Homesickness is very common amongst new students, and affects some more severely than others. We've got some self-help information about homesickness on our Student Services website, but you can also talk to a member of our counselling team, the chaplaincy centre, or a Peer Connector if you'd like more advice.

Culture Shock

If you've moved to Dundee from overseas, the extent of the change and the effects it has on you may take you by surprise. This is very normal - it takes a while to get used to the language, the different foods, the weather and new ways of doing things.

The UKCISA website offers some guidance on culture shock, and you are also very welcome to chat to a member of the international advice team.

Making Friends

If you're worried about making friends, there are some articles on The Site, which give some useful tips and advice from current and former university students.

Our own students have also given some top tips which include ways to meet new people during your time here.

 Academic difficulties or changes to your plans

Every student is assigned an Advisor of Studies. This will help to ease you through all academic matters during your University career, and in times of difficulty, you should first of all make contact with your Advisor.

The University's Academic Achievement Teaching Unit also offers a number of courses and opportunities to improve upon academic skills.

The most important thing is to go and seek advice early on, rather than letting any problem grow.

 General and mental health issues

University Health Service

The University Health Service is situated at 1 Cross Row (view on campus map). It provides a part time facility based on the main campus, offering a range of health services and advice, including help with mental health issues.

The aim is to augment the services of your own doctor, rather than to act as an alternative, so you still need to make sure you have registered with a doctor in Dundee.

We also offer online information about a variety of health-related topics, including anxiety, depression, alcohol, eating disorders, sexual health, thoughts of suicide, travel health and medicals (for sports clubs and travel abroad).

Absence from classes due to sickness

Please see our self-certificate webpage to find out how to complete a University self-certificate form.

NHS 24

This is a telephone service that provides free comprehensive up-to-date health information and self-care advice for people in Scotland. Further information is available from NHS 24.

Contact NHS 24 by phoning: 08454 24 24 24. Calls are charged at the local rate.

 Personal problems

Student support assistants

If you're living in university accommodation, we have a team of student support assistants who are there to help with all sorts of problems, including those that are not directly related to University accommodation, such as self harm, depression, stress or bullying.

Student support groups

Moody Minds is a student-led group, aiming to combat anxiety and depression on campus. They provide a forum for discussion and host events which are designed to make you smile. Learn more about them on the Moody Minds facebook page.

University counselling service

If you're unhappy and confused, feel as though you're going round in circles and can't seem to resolve a personal difficulty, you might find that talking to one of our counsellors will help.

Our counselling sessions are friendly, supportive and confidential. Examples of some of the things we can help with include:

• loss
• bullying
• stress
• panic attacks
• eating disorders
• depression

Find out more about our counselling service.

 Financial difficulties

Whether you're having a serious financial difficulty, or simply want some guidance on matters such as student loans, childcare funds, or managing your credit cards, please contact the student funding unit.

 Finding a job

If you're looking for part-time work, visit the Jobshop at the Careers Service, which contains vacancies that will allow you to balance your work, study and social life.

Our Careers Service can also offer advice to help you with your career choice, study options, vacation employment, applications, interviews, work experience and more.

Former students recommend that you start using the facilities that Careers have to offer right from the start - take a look at My PDP (personal development planning) to get a head start.

 Accommodation issues

University Accommodation

If you're living in university accommodation, our student support team will be able to help you with any problems you might have, whether these are accommodation related or not. This team is led by Dr lliyan Stefanov, our Student Support Worker, and includes resident Student Support Assistants who live in each residence. They are trained to deal with any issues that affect your welfare.

We can also offer some tips for living in residences to help ensure things run smoothly.

If your problem is of a practical/maintenance nature - you've lost a key, the toilet won't flush, or the fridge isn't working, for example, contact Sanctuary Management Services.

Private accommodation

Your Student Association, DUSA, provide a link to Dundee studentpad with vacancies, and lots of useful advice about renting property in Dundee, and dealing with leases, landlords and your rights and responsibilities. If you still have problems that can't be resolved, contact Advice team, who are based on Level 4 in the Union.

Overnight accommodation

If you, or your family, need overnight accommodation, please check our list of local hotels, B&Bs etc.

 Immigration/visa questions

For all questions relating to immigration and visa requirements, please contact our International Advice Service. You can email them at internationalsupport@dundee.ac.uk

 Computer and IT issues

Information & Communication Services (ICS) support central IT systems.

If you have a computer or IT issue check our Home page and pages for new students to see if you can find the answer to your question or query.

If you need further support, contact our Service Desk by using our online Enquiry Form, in person in the Main Library (First Floor) or call us on (01382 3)88000.