Testimonial #25

I am now a third year mature student. during my second year my marriage broke down. I managed most of it on my own, managing to keep university and home separate. BUT it came to the point that I could not complete all the tasks due by the due dates. Whilst my department was helpful (VERY) the student advice service provided practical help regarding the evidence needed - reassurance that my evidence was sufficient (it's a hard thing to prove and document!) and reassurance that it was OK to ask for mitigating evidence to be taken into account. The impartial support was vital. I only needed to use it a couple of times, but it was essential, I was all ready to just go and leave the degree. Dilemmas with students cover a wide range of experience and we do need immediate access, often it is "just" before we give up or do something else, had I had to wait, due to lack of advisors, for an appointment some time in the future... I probably would not now be in my third year.