Studying for a postgraduate programme can be incredibly challenging. You may be living in a new city (or even a new country), meeting new people, and discovering new theories, ideas and concepts.

At the GSA Advice Service, we recognise that this is only the start of the challenges which you might face as a postgraduate student. You might find that you aren’t getting on with the people on your programme, you might feel homesick or lonely, or you might have illnesses which affect your studies.

The GSA Advice Service is here to help you meet these (and other) challenges in your University experience, and to help you to make sure you do the best you can in your studies.

What can we help you with?

The GSA Advisers are able to specifically advise you on the following issues:

• The Exceptional Circumstances process and procedures
• Submitting an academic appeal at the Formal and Review stage
• Problems with your supervisor
• Academic misconduct
• Student discipline
• Submitting a complaint to the University

Our Advisers are also really experienced in the support available to you both from the University and in the wider community. We can help you to access support for:

• Mental health issues and difficulties
• Disability-related issues
• Homesickness, stress, and worry
• Issues related to students with children or dependents
• Bullying and harassment
• Racism and race-related violence
• Sexual Health Services
• Sexism, misogyny and misandry
• Sexual violence
• Issues related to student sex workers

If you aren’t sure who can help you or where to turn to, please come and see us in the Advice Service – if we can’t help you, we can work with you to find out an appropriate source of support.

How do I access Support from the GSA?

You can find advice and guidance in regards to a University process or procedure on our webpages using the shortcuts down the left hand side of the advice pages.

If you’d like to speak with an Adviser at the GSA, please book an appointment by emailing advice@yorkgsa.org along with your “Confidential Advice Record” (CAR)

GSA Advice Service appointments can be held virtually, in person or by phone. We can also provide advice and guidance via email.

As part of improving the advice service we are also now offering a ‘no need to book, just turn up’ drop in session every Wednesday between 11am and 3pm at the GSA Office in Vanbrugh College (first floor above the canteen). These appointments will be on a first come first served basis.

Who are our Advisers?

Chris is the Advice Manager at the GSA. He works with students who are facing difficulties to find the best way forward. He has several years experience in supporting undergraduate and postgraduate students on a wide range of issues.

Chris

Laura is the Advice and Welfare Coordinator and works with Chris to support and advise students. She is a postgraduate alumni from the University of York and has a genuine passion to help our students.

Laura