Student Experience and Support
Information about student experience and support provision in the School
From September 2023 all taught students will be assigned a Student Adviser. Student Advisers are your first point of contact and will refer you on to other University services where appropriate.
You can read more about the student support provision for you below. If at any time you are concerned about your progress or wish to discuss personal issues affecting your studies, please contact your Student Adviser or the Student Support Team inf-sst@inf.ed.ac.uk without delay.
People who support you through your journey as a student
Student Advisers are your primary contact within the school. Each Student Adviser provides support for a designated group of students. Your Adviser will refer you on to other University services where appropriate.
Wellbeing Advisers are trained professionals who support students with their wellbeing and mental health. You can request wellbeing support either through your Student Adviser or directly with the wellbeing service. The recommended channel for support requests will usually be through a Student Adviser, who may be able to support you.
Cohort Leads are academic members of staff who support your academic development during your time at the University. Your Cohort Lead is responsible for leading and coordinating activities to engage you with your programme of study and build a strong cohort community with other students and academic staff. All Cohort Leads within the School of Informatics are led by a Senior Cohort Lead.
Course Organisers are academic members of staff who are broadly responsible for:
- Course delivery and management
- Assessment-related activities
- Advising and supporting students on course-related matters
- Monitoring and reviewing courses
Tutors and Demonstrators are responsible for:
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Delivery of tutorials
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Demonstrating in computing workshop sessions
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Engaging with students to facilitate learning and development
Teaching Organisation Staff are professional services staff who support Course Organisers with course administrative tasks such as:
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Assessment and examination administration
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Timetabling
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Coordination of Boards of Examiners and publication of final marks, progression and awards
Mental Health & Wellbeing Support at University of Edinburgh
While university life is full of exciting opportunities, it can sometimes be an overwhelming time. Here you can find information to support your physical and mental health and wellbeing.
We have a range of support services to guide you through your university journey, and help to support your wellbeing. These include:
- Student Advisers/Student support teams/Graduate School staff in Schools and Deaneries
- Wellbeing Advisers for you to contact yourself or through your Student Adviser and wellbeing activities in Schools and Deaneries
- Our Chaplaincy, for all faiths or none, offer The Listening Service 24/7 365 days a year for confidential caring conversations as well as Mindfulness, Yoga, Tai-Chi, PhD bookclub, Writing and Doodling workshops
- Drop-in groups such as Skills for Life and Learning run by Student Counselling, IAD study skills, Disability support groups and Comfort Cafes
- Keeping active through our Feel Good Walks, Just Play Sport Sessions, and through the various offering of our Sport & Exercise team, including the Pleasance gym, St Leonards Land swimming pool, sports teams, clubs and the Sports Union
- Residence Life provide wellness support for those in University accommodation
- Student Counselling Service offer short-term counselling
- Disability & Learning Support Service for learning adjustments, mentoring and other specialist support
- The Advice Place for independent support and The Student’s Association for student societies, peer support, Nightline and Let’s Talk campaign & events
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO COME FORWARD AND ASK FOR HELP AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. IF YOU ARE NOT SURE WHAT TO DO, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR STUDENT ADVISER OR YOUR SUPERVISOR AS THE FIRST STEP.