Student support
Throughout their time at IIS, students are provided with support for their academic, personal and professional development and to help them get the best out of their experience.
IIS Student Services
The Student Services team is responsible for overseeing non-academic matters spanning the entire student journey, from recruitment through to programme completion. The areas covered by Student Services include admissions, immigration, accommodation, student welfare, travel, and graduation. Student Services also organises arrival, orientation activities, field trips, and runs a programme of exciting social and wellbeing events throughout the year.
The dedicated Student Services team operate an open-door policy and are on-hand to offer advice, guidance, and support to help students get the most out of their student life in London.
Students with disabilities will be supported to achieve equality of opportunity to engage with their studies. We can provide advice and guidance for all students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to discuss their needs with Student Services and the Preparatory Programmes and Academic Skills Team prior to arrival to ensure they are recognised and accounted for; all discussions are in complete confidence. If you identify as having additional needs, please email inclusivelearning@iis.ac.uk to arrange a discussion about the support available to you.
As UCL students based at the IOE, current STEP students on a 2-year programme, validated with UCL and SOAS, also have access to a number of different resources and support from UCL, as well as support offered by the and the Academic Programme Office.
As STEP students study as part of the IOE, they are able to access and Wellbeing Service (SSW). UCL’s SSW service offers a range of support, including counselling, international student support, an interfaith service, support for disabled students and students with specific learning differences and neurodivergence.
In addition to the counselling services provided by UCL and the IOE [for current STEP students only on a 2-year programme validated with UCL and SOAS], IIS students have access to professional and experienced counsellors via a private counselling service, , specialising in student mental health and wellbeing. Their counsellors are used to working with people from a range of different backgrounds and cultures, and work to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy Code of Ethics and Practice. Students may use the service to discuss, in confidence, any issues that are bothering them – from homesickness, anxiety or depression to relationship problems or bereavement. Anonymity and confidentiality are maintained, as sessions are arranged directly with the counselling service.
IIS now also offers the opportunity to receive counselling with a therapist in your native language. IIS will reimburse up to the equivalent cost of an Only Connect 2 counselling session with a selection of accredited counsellors, the list of which will be provided by Student Services at the start of your programme.
Student Services staff are available to provide a discreet signposting service for students with questions or issues about living and studying in London. This service is also available for anyone who might want to report or discuss incidents of bullying and harassment of any form. More information can be found about this here.
