How to prepare for a first appointment

Before you attend an assessment, it can be useful to spend some time in preparation to help you get the most out of the session. It might help to consider the following questions:

• What are your reasons for approaching the counselling service?
• Why now?
• What are you hoping to gain from having counselling?

If you are experiencing difficulties with any of the following, you might find it helpful to take some of these courses of action:

• If you are worried about your studies and have fallen behind with your coursework, it could be very helpful to contact your adviser of studies or course convenor to let them know and ask what support and guidance they can provide.
• If you have financial problems,  difficulties with privately rented accommodation or need support in lodging an academic appeal, you could contact the SRC Advice Centre .
• If you live in a University Residence and are having problems with your flatmate(s) you could speak to the warden or a senior resident.
• If you have been feeling very low and are having difficulty sleeping, it could be helpful to see your GP.