Student Support Services at the University and in the Students’ Union

Academic Advisory Service The University’s Academic Advisory Service is: independent from Faculties and Schools completely confidential Based on the First Floor of University Place (near to the Accommodation Office). A Reception desk is at the far end of the atrium. For general enquiries or to make an appointment to see an advisor, call into Reception, ring: For general enquiries (not to make appointments) you can also the Academic Advisory Service at:

Student Services Centre Situated in the Student Services Centre, a ‘one-stop shop’ and first point of contact for: Registration/replacement swipe cards Official documents, eg council tax, transcripts Tuition fee enquiries/payments International Advice Team General financial difficulties/payment problems Examinations Graduation General enquiries Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 4.00pm, closed on public holidays Contact details: walk in enquiries at Burlington Street or the Satellite Centre, Sackville Street telephone:

The International Advice Team Consists of: Mrs Gerry Bell Miss Laura Hardman Ms Ros Harrison Miss Lorena Fernandez Sanchez Based in the University’s Student Services Centre on Burlington Street. Telephone: option 1 for IAT

Students’ Union Advice Centre First floor, Steve Biko Building, Oxford Road Telephone: Provide comprehensive advice and information to all students on a wide range of subjects, eg Housing, Academic, Funding, Complaints, etc Our advice is independent and impartial We are a flexible service and can see students without an appointment We can offer student representation to individual students We have a wide variety of leaflets specifically designed for students at The University of Manchester

Other Student Support Services There are other student support services available that you might wish to use during your time in Manchester. If you experience personal difficulties during your time at Manchester you can contact the University’s Counselling Service. They have trained counsellors who can support you. We also have the Disability Support Office which helps disabled students to access the practical support they need. If you would like to register your disability you need to contact the Disability Support Office on /8518.

Crucial Guide website There is more useful information about student support on our new Crucial Guide Live website: ac.uk/crucial-guide/

Some frequently asked questions …

How do I prove I am a student to... -register with a GP? -sign a tenancy agreement? -enable money to be transferred from my country? -open a bank account?

Answer Contact the University Student Services Centre.

Can I work while I am studying?

Answer Check what is written on your visa sticker/stamp or ID card. Most students are allowed to work: - up to 20 hours each week in term time - full time in vacations - for a short time after your course has finished Masters students cannot work full time in the summer vacation as they are working on their dissertation

Where can I get a term-time bus pass?

Bus passes can be bought from the Ticket Office in the Students’ Union during term-time, or from the GMPTE Office in Piccadilly Gardens at any time in the year. ‘Term-time only’ passes are only valid during term-time. ‘Annual’ passes are valid for 12 months. Answer

I have lost my student ID/swipe card. Where can I get a new one?

Answer Contact the University’s Student Services Centre. There will be a charge of £10.

Will I be allowed to stay and work in the UK after I graduate?

Answer If your student visa is still valid after you have been awarded your degree you are eligible to stay in the UK to work full time for up to four months. Once you have been awarded your degree you can apply for one of the work categories but each category has different eligibility criteria. For more information about the different work schemes read our web pages: guide/academic-life/immigration/working/ Once you have submitted an application for one of the work categories you can continue to work full time while you wait for the outcome of your application.

Where can I find out more about Council Tax and Council Tax Exemption?

Answer Properties in which only students live should be exempt from Council Tax. If you live with a partner or family member who is not a student, you may be liable for Council Tax. Please feel free to seek advice from the Student Union Advice Centre. Most students living in Manchester with Manchester postcodes will need to contact Manchester City Council and inform them that they are a student and where they are living.

I think I’m dyslexic; what should I do?

Answer You need to make an appointment with the Disability Support Office for an assessment which will take about an hour. You can phone them on /8518. An appointment will be set up with an Educational Psychologist and you will need to pay £100 towards the cost of the consultation. The DSO will fund the remainder of the cost (£125).

I am not happy with my course. Who can I speak to?

Answer An advisor from the University’s Academic Advisory Service may be able to help.

Can I travel outside the UK during my studies and can I get help with visas for other countries?

Answer Your UK student visa allows you to travel out and back into the UK while it is valid. When you travel, you should always carry a confirmation letter which the SSC can give you, to show that you are a registered student, in case you are questioned on re-entry. If you wish to visit another country outside the UK, check with the relevant embassy to see if you need a visa. The University’s Student Services Centre has some information about applying for visas to visit other countries but we cannot give detailed advice about their immigration rules.

Where can I go to get advice about a problem with my accommodation?

Answer You can get independent advice about University accommodation from the Students’ Union Advice Centre, including tenant’s rights. We can also give advice about problems in private accommodation, including advice about how to get repairs, and looking over a house contract for you.

I am thinking of taking an interruption of studies. Who can I speak to for guidance?

Answer An advisor from the University’s Academic Advisory Service may be able to help.

I feel depressed and can’t concentrate on my studies; what should I do?

Answer It might help to make an appointment with a counsellor at the Counselling Service. The counsellor can help you to work through your difficulties so you can cope with your studies better. You can phone them on to make an appointment.

Who can I talk to if I have problems paying my tuition fees?

Answer The Students’ Union Advice Centre is confidential and separate from the University. Therefore any information you give to us will not be disclosed to third parties. We can give advice about most aspects of funding, budgeting and finances. Contact the University’s Student Services Centre, as early as possible, so they can help you.

Where can I get representation if I am invited to attend a formal meeting in the University?

Answer If you come to the Students’ Union Advice Centre we can arrange for a representative to attend the meeting with you (e.g. the Academic Affairs Officer or the Welfare Officer). Their role will be to take notes and ensure that the meeting is conducted fairly. They will also try to support you in the meeting if you are unable to answer any questions. Please contact us if you are asked to attend a meeting and are worried about it.

How do I extend my immigration permission (visa) if I need more time in the UK?

Answer –Check when your visa is going to expire –Make a note to get advice about 3 months before then –You must not stay after the end of your visa without making an application to extend it –Use our website to help you prepare your extension application: – cial-guide/academic- life/immigration/ cial-guide/academic- life/immigration/

Contacts International Advice Team Telephone: option 1 Academic Advisory Service Students Union Advice Centre

A few general questions? Thank you! international/orientation