1. Student Support John Kirby Faculty Postgraduate Tutor Graduate School Faculty of Medical Sciences

2. Common problems None at all –Most common of all! –I get lonely waiting to talk to someone….

3. Common problems Safety and security –If you are new to Newcastle ask for advice from people who have been here a while Despite appearance we were all new once! Talk to current students Estate security service (telephone ext 6817) –A roof over your head Accommodation office, colleagues etc

5. Common problems Health issues

8. Common problems Money worries –For advice on grants, fees, council tax etc. first ask in the Graduate School office

10. Common problems Money worries –For advice on grants, fees, council tax etc. first ask in the Graduate School office –Student wellbeing service Access to learning fund, loans etc

12. Common problems Money worries –For advice on grants, fees, council tax etc. first ask in the Graduate School office –Student wellbeing service Loans, hardship funds etc –Student advice service Within the Union building

14. Common problems Illness –If you need to take time off tell the Graduate School – we can ‘stop the clock’ Disability issues –Comprehensive support provided through the student wellbeing service Personal worries –Student’s counselling service

16. Common problems Your supervisor and/or project –Don’t suffer in silence… Who can I talk to? –Your supervisor(s) –Your Institute Postgraduate Co-ordinator –Your progress review team –Me or anyone in the Graduate School office –The Dean, Barry Hirst In whatever order you choose

17. Common problems What shall I do with my life? –During your course, you will be introduced to a number of career options –The University careers service is excellent and can provide a one-to-one service Reviewing your CV Interview experience

19. The bottom line Don’t keep a problem to yourself! –The university has dealt with thousands of students – it is unlikely your problem is unique! –Don’t be afraid to talk to someone You can talk to male and/or female staff We respect confidentiality –If the Graduate School can’t help you directly, it will almost certainly be able to direct you to someone who can