Academic

Personal adviser

You will be allocated a personal adviser who will introduce you to the academic courses and assessment procedures, in addition to providing regular support and guidance on academic matters.

Study skills

During your time at college you will have to develop study skills such as essay writing, time management, or research techniques. Your personal adviser and tutors will help you identify these skills, and how to build on them. See additional study skills advice from UHI.

Finance

Before you enrol on a course of study through Shetland College UHI, it is important that you know how it is going to be funded and have submitted your application for fees and any personal financial support you may be entitled to.

Discretionary funds

At Shetland College UHI we understand that many students struggle to cope on a very low income and so we are keen to help students who are in real need, before they reach crisis point.  The discretionary fund will accept applications from full time and part time Higher and Further Education Students.  Applications will be assessed according to mode of study and level of income and all applicants will be required to submit supporting evidence prior to any award being made. The discretionary fund is a cash limited fund and is aimed at helping those in most need.

Please visit our Useful Information page to access these forms. 

Don't Be Fooled

People often become money mules unwittingly. They might think they're giving out their bank details for a genuine reason, then end up involved in money mule fraud.

Don't Be Fooled. Follow Don’t Be Fooled for advice here

Guidance

Our Guidance Coordinator offers advice and guidance at different times during your studies at the college. This could be for a number of reasons, including:

• Funding
• Personal support 
• Course information
• Careers guidance

Michele Kerry is the Guidance Co-ordinator at Shetland College UHI. Michele works Monday to Friday from morning until lunchtime in Room A11. 

You can pop in to see Michele or make an appointment with her on: shetland.guidance@uhi.ac.uk or 01595 771002.

Details of other support helplines can be found on the UHI Student Support site.

Careers

Sometimes you might require a little extra help; we offer help in a number of different areas.

Students at Shetland College UHI are able to access a wide range of information and advice to help them develop their careers or enter employment. Help is available to find out about options after study, career and training routes, finding work, and completing CVs and application forms. In addition to support provided as part of your course or by your course tutor, specialist careers services are also available:

Careers Scotland offers support to people of all ages in Scotland. The website includes a database of information, details of how to contact your local service and a CV builder.

The UHI Careers and Employability Centre is available to all students studying on an HNC / HND or degree. The website includes access to a database of information, details of job vacancies, and access to e-guidance and career coaching services. Video information about this service.

For more information about employability - from CVs to Interviews to Career ideas - have a look at the my world of work website.

General advice

General advice on the following can be found on the university website :

• disability matters
• counselling and support
• mentoring

It is very important for everyone to be aware of potential risks, such as identity theft or viruses, while using social media or online services. For useful e-safety tips on how to protect yourself, your computer and your mobile device see the Get Safe Online website.

Student counselling

There are times when we all need someone to talk to.

Gwen Williamson is the Counsellor for Shetland College UHI and NAFC Marine Centre UHI.  Counselling is one form of wellbeing support available to students.  Gwen completed her studies in Counselling at Shetland College in 2006.  She has worked in mental health for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience at local and national level.  She is an accredited Counsellor with the National Counselling Society (NCS) and a member of, and accredited trainer with The Scottish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (COSCA). 

Gwen will be delighted to hear from you if you have any questions, ideas or concerns about counselling or your mental health and wellbeing during your time as a student with us.

To arrange an appointment with Gwen or to find out more, contact gwen.williamson@uhi.ac.uk 

The important thing to remember is that you’re not alone and that staff are here to help

Togetherall

Togetherall (formerly Big White Wall) is a digital mental health support service which is available online, 24/7, and is completely anonymous so you can express yourself freely and openly.

Professionally trained guides monitor the community to ensure the safety and anonymity of all members. In addition to Togetherall's online community, you will have access to a wealth of useful resources and can work through tailored self-help courses covering topics such as anxiety, sleep, weight management, depression and many more.

Get registered and find out more.