Wellbeing and support

It’s reassuring to know that when you come to the University of Leeds, there’s a network of specialist services centered on you and your wellbeing.

The Faculty of Biological Sciences has a dedicated Student Support and Engagement team to support student wellbeing, whether you are an undergraduate, postgraduate, mature, or international student, we are here to support your transition into university life, helping you to succeed at Leeds. 

If you require any additional support with learning and exams, we encourage you to let us know as soon as possible via our disability process. For any other support and welling questions, please feel free to contact our Wellbeing Team.

All undergraduate and postgraduate students are assigned an Academic Personal Tutor when they arrive in the Faculty of Biological Sciences.

Your Academic Personal Tutor is an important contact and will play a crucial role throughout your time at University and beyond. They will help you to maximize your success and enable you to feel part of the vibrant academic community in your School. 

Working in partnership and through regular contact, you will develop a professional and supportive relationship with your Academic Personal Tutor. They will:

• Assist you in reviewing your academic progress, helping you to develop independent learning skills

• Encourage you to reflect on your learning, both within and beyond the formal curriculum, and to consider how it contributes to your future development and career

• Support your personal and professional development by providing initial advice and signposting to career guidance, co-curricular opportunities, and other services

• Listen. Adjusting to University life can be challenging. There may be times when you would like support in relation to circumstances impacting your studies. If you are feeling stressed or anxious you can turn to your Academic Personal Tutor, they will be able to make referrals to other services in the School, Faculty, and wider University as appropriate.

All students will meet with their Academic Personal Tutor 3 times per year in line with Leeds for Life expectations. These meetings will focus on your personal development, career aspirations, academic progression, and your overall health and wellbeing. 

They are often well connected and can give you advice, guidance and encouragement, helping you to address quickly any challenges you experience, enabling you to succeed and make the most of your time at Leeds.

Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to work together to succeed in your first-year studies. To help you settle in as a first-year undergraduate student you will be assigned a pair of PAL Leaders – current undergraduate students who can help you to transition into university life

Sessions are led by PAL leaders, who are student volunteers in a higher year. PAL leaders work in pairs to plan and facilitate weekly study support sessions for groups of first year students in the same School. This involves running activities that help with team building, communication, and collaboration that will develop your confidence as a student.

Here’s some more information on how the scheme works and the benefits of your leader

• Meet new people – When you first join us here at Leeds, your PAL Leader will reach out to you in a group of new students. You will have the opportunity to meet and swap contact details with your group, and keep in touch as you start your journey with us.

• Find your way around – You may not have been able to visit our campus or our city before you arrive. Your PAL Leader can help by directing you to key areas on campus and can even arrange a tour for your group.

• Receive support – Starting uni can be really daunting, and there is a lot of new information to take on. Your PAL Leader can answer any questions you may have, and help you to access any support you may need.

• Share Ideas and Tips – As the semester gets underway, you will have the opportunity to meet with your group to discuss academic skills. Your PAL Leader will share helpful tips and advice as you adjust to academic life.

• Belong to a faculty-wide community – This scheme aims to make sure all new students feel part of the Faculty of Biological Sciences community. The social and academic focus of the scheme will welcome you into a friendly and supportive faculty and set you up for a great first year!

You will hear from your PAL Leader via email at the start of term. If you have any questions, get in touch with the Wellbeing Team at fbswellbeing@leeds.ac.uk.