Support and guidance
Study skills support
You may feel ready to take the challenge of studying in higher education but also feel wary about writing essays, using the library and that kind of thing.
Our Study Skills modules help you with note-taking, essay writing, referencing, library skills, IT skills and the other things that will help you study effectively. This module is available as a stand alone general interest module or at level one of programmes that lead to an award.
We also provide a study skills support website which you can access without having to register for a particular module at:
Personal tutors
Every student registered on a course leading to an award is allocated a personal tutor. The personal tutor will be a member of academic staff whom students may contact for advice, support and guidance at any time.
You will be invited twice a year to a Personal Development Planning session with your personal tutor. These sessions are specifically designed to support your learning and progression through the various stages of your studies.
Personal Development Planning provides a structured framework of support and guidance. This structured framework can be supplemented by informal contact with your personal tutor as and when required.
Disability and Dyslexia Support Service
This service provides support and advice to students with a wide range of disabilities including sensory impairments, impaired mobility, as well as unseen disabilities such as dyslexia and mental health difficulties. The service aims to enable all disable students to fully participate in and contribute to university life.
We can arrange dyslexia screening tests and full diagnostic assessments with an Educational Psychologist.
We can also:
- Help students with applications to Local Authorities for the Disabled Students' Allowances.
- Liaise with academic staff and central services about the support needs of disabled students.
- Organise support workers (e.g. note takers, interpreters).
- Provide advice on how to obtain assistive technology and equipment.
The Disability and Dyslexia Support Service is happy to deal with enquiries from prospective students concerning their support needs. The Service can be contacted on 0114 222 1303 or email disability.info@sheffield.ac.uk.
English Language Teaching Centre
The English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC) offers support for students whose first language is not English. Amongst other things, it offers free English classes in Academic Reading, Academic Listening and Academic Writing.
English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC) website
Careers Service
The University of Sheffield Careers Service offers help with career planning through a range of services including one-to-one advice, events and activities and information resources, both face-to-face and online.
The Service also provides easy access to an extensive range of employers, incorporating an online vacancy service.
Counselling Service
The University Counselling Service provides a free confidential service for all students. Individual counselling can be arranged by appointment, drop-in services are available and group sessions (such as Exam Stress Workshops) are held regularly.
Student Services Information Desk
The Student Services Information Desk, in the Union of Students building, is the gateway to all the academic and support services available to you as a Sheffield student. This could be to get a copy of the exam timetable, or to find out more about the financial help available to students.
The website contains an A–Z index of the support services available to our students and a selection of frequently asked questions at:
Resources and support
If you register for a course you are entitled to a University of Sheffield membership card (UCard) which gives access to a number of services and facilities including full access to the library and computing facilities. The UCard also gives student membership of the University Sports Centre and Students' Union.