Supporting you and your studies
We provide a range of support services to help not only with your academic needs, but also your personal needs.
Academic support
For our undergraduate students your first point of contact for teaching, academic advice and guidance will be within the School in which you study. You will be supported by a combination of academic and dedicated student experience and administrative staff who will be able to provide you with or direct you to appropriate support for challenges that may occur during your studies, whether this is directly related to your learning and teaching skills or rising from life situations. You will also have access to a variety of peer-to-peer learning networks as well as student societies.
All our postgraduates benefit from our inspiring research culture. The academics involved in your teaching and learning are leaders in their fields and although the emphasis at postgraduate level is very much on independent study, support from our teaching staff is always on hand. You will be supported by a combination of academic and professional student experience and administration staff, who will provide you with academic and wellbeing guidance and support.
In addition all international students will be supported with events and information to settle in and with activities designed to support your experiences as a student.
Libraries and IT
You will have access to 10 libraries, including the third largest academic library in Europe, millions of printed and online volumes and access to 700,000 electronic journals and databases.
We have one of the largest campus computing networks in Britain with more than 3,000 computers in a variety of open-access, School and specialised computer labs. You’ll benefit from 30 open-access computer labs with 24-hour access across key locations. Free laptop loans are available from our libraries and there is almost 100% WiFi coverage in our buildings. We also support various methods of remotely accessing university services, computers and file stores from outwith the campus, allowing you to work off-site and still stay secure.
Health, welfare and wellbeing
We care about the health and wellbeing of our students and offer a number of services to ensure you are fully supported.
Our Health and Wellbeing Centre - a dedicated hub for students. It houses the Student Counselling Service and Disability Services , and the University Health Centre .
The Advice Place is a free advice and information centre, which offers independent and confidential advice on any aspect of university life.
If you choose to stay in University accommodation, our Residence Life team are also there to support you 24/7.
Religious and spiritual support and guidance
The Chaplaincy is a safe and welcoming service for people of all faiths and none. Our Chaplain and team of honorary chaplains (encompassing all faiths and none) offer support and guidance to all students. They also run a number of events and courses throughout the year for Mindfulness Wellbeing and Yoga - as well as The Listening Service - for any who would appreciate “a good listening to”.
Childcare
We offer excellent childcare services , making it easier to juggle parenthood and study. We also offer advice on other nurseries, and the Edinburgh University Students’ Association provides support and advice for parents too.
Support for international students
The University’s international office – Edinburgh Global - provides support and assistance to all non-UK applicants and students on a variety of topics, such as visas and working in the UK, and offers appointments and drop-in sessions each week. They also arrange welcome and orientation activities and social events throughout the year.
Our English Language Teaching Centre offers courses to improve your academic English in preparation for your studies and free academic English tuition during your studies.
We have five Regional Centres in Latin America, Southeast Asia, South Asia, North America and East Asia, which support engagement with students, academics and alumni.
Accommodation
Accommodation for postgraduate students is self-catered and can be found across a range of halls and flats. Flats vary in size, from four to six single study-bedrooms, and are located within easy reach of the University's buildings and the city centre.
The University guarantees an offer of accommodation to all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the EU. For taught postgraduates from within the EU, including the UK, we make every effort to offer University accommodation, but such offers cannot be guaranteed.
If you are a new, single postgraduate research (PhD) student from the UK, EU or outside of the EU, the University guarantees you an offer of accommodation.
Please note that there are certain deadlines to meet in order to guarantee your accommodation offer.
Visit our accommodation website to find out more.
