The University of Leicester has always prided itself on providing outstanding support to all our students, which undoubtedly contributes to our consistently excellent rating in the National Student Survey. In October 2009 this was recognised in the Times Higher Education Awards when Leicester won the Outstanding Support for Students category.

This particular award was for a scheme called Access to Employability which provides employability and work placement support for students with disabilities – just one of many elements of Leicester’s outstanding student support provision.

The Student Support and Development Service (SSDS) is the central hub around which our student support is organised, providing not only direct help to our students but also guidance and advice for staff about relevant issues. Support is available for all University of Leicester students: undergraduate or postgraduate, whether based on campus or studying by distance learning.

Dedicated support programmes are available for groups with specific needs such as international students, disabled students or mature students. More general support is available for any student who might need help with educational or personal matters.

The four sections of the SSDS

• AccessAbility: Support for students with specific learning difficulties, disabilities or long term conditions
• Health and Wellbeing: Advice and guidance on health living and access to counselling and metal wellbeing support
• Student Development: Academic and research skills development and career planning
• Student Welfare Service: Support with practical matters including finance and accommodation, plus specific support for international students