• Academic Appeals

  In certain circumstances, for example if you have failed to progress with your studies (due to error, unfair treatment or external circumstances such as illness) you can appeal to the university. We can walk you through the appeal process, including attending meetings with you.

• Plagiarism or Academic Misconduct

  If you have been accused of plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct (such as using AI), we can help you explain what has happened from your perspective and stand by your side at any meetings.

• Mitigating Circumstances

  Sometimes there are things outside of your control that might affect your exams, assessments, or attendance. When these circumstances are not already being addressed by your department, they can be known as exceptional circumstances. We can give you more info on what this means, and support when letting your department know.

• Postgraduate Research

  If you’re a postgrad research student, there may be times when you need advice or support through your research. If you’re dissatisfied with your supervision, access to resources or anything else, we’re always here to help.

Coming to university may be your first time managing your finances on your own. And sometimes that can be stressful, especially during the cost-of-living crisis. There are lots of things in place to help you manage your finances and get the support you need so that you continue having the best experience you can while at Lancaster, and we can direct you to the places best fit to help you.   

During your first year of uni, you’ll most likely be living in university owned accommodation on campus. But after that, you’ll find that most of the time you’ll move on to renting in town with a student letting agency.

If things go wrong during your tenancy (with the university or an external agency), we can help you.

We can help you understand your rights as tenants (for example what your rights are regarding repairs) and advise you on action you can take to resolve issues. We can review tenancy agreements to ensure you understand the clauses before you sign and advise on retrieving your deposit at the end of your tenancy if it is withheld.  

University isn’t just about getting the grades you want and nabbing that degree at the end (although that’s amazing too!). It’s also about the things you experience, and the positive impact this has for you. So, it makes sense that your health and wellbeing are some of the most crucial aspects of your time here at uni.  

It’s important that you’re safe and healthy during your time at Lancaster, whatever that means for you. We can signpost you to available support, so that you can find the independence you need to determine what’s best for you.  

LUSU’s Advice Service is committed to supporting students who may experience hate – whether that’s on campus, or off it.  

In partnership with the local police constabulary and Lancashire Victim Services, the students’ union is an official Third-Party Hate Crime Reporting Centre. This means that anybody, students or staff, can speak to any of our advisors and anonymously report hate crimes/incidents.

There’s no pressure to report incidents formally to the police, and the service is here to talk you through the options you have. We know that hate can negatively impact different areas of someone’s life, and our advisors can help you through it. 

Had a bad experience? You have the right to make a complaint. Getting recognition from the uni or other organisations about the mistakes they made can help you and future students. 

• Complaints Against the University

  Sometimes things go wrong, and you might be dissatisfied with the university. If you have any complaints against a member of uni staff, a university service, department, or the uni itself, we can help you through the process.

• Complaints Against the Students' Union

  Unhappy about something we’ve done? We have our own complaints procedure that tells you exactly what you need to do, and what we’ll do to fix it.

• Complaints Against Anyone Else

  The Advice team can also help you complain about external services, such as housing providers. Whatever the problem, just get in touch.