What’s the point of Personal Tutors?

One of the (many!) things you’ll need to do when you first arrive is meet with your Personal Tutor. Here’s why this can be one of the most important relationships you’ll make during your studies.

A Personal Tutor is a member of staff within your home department who you’ll meet with regularly… about once a term. All undergraduates and postgraduates on taught courses have access to a Personal Tutor.

But what are they for?

If you’re just arriving at Warwick, you might be struck by just how absolutely massive it is (I was). Thousands of students, in dozens of departments, across all different kinds of faculties… yet we all have different backgrounds, experiences and needs.

It would be easy to feel reduced to just another student ID number.

This is where Personal Tutors are worth their weight in gold. They provide students with a link to their department as well as the wider university services, so you are always known by name, as an individual.

When will I meet my Personal Tutor?

It’s different for all departments, but the general expectation is that you’ll meet with them as early as possible in the academic year. This is especially important if you’ve just arrived… there’s a lot to take in!

My department, History of Art, is quick to organise those meetings early on in the term, but you might want to check your department handbook to see whether you need to reach out first, or if they’ll get in touch with you.

What do we talk about?

Personal Tutors can be excellent signposts to support services that can help you as you progress through your studies. This includes careers advice, module selections, accommodation or finance, health and wellbeing…

In short, if you have any concerns while you’re at Warwick, then your Personal Tutor is usually your first port of call. So that first meeting is not one you want to miss!

If it all seems a bit strange, or you’re not sure what you might talk about, maybe jot a few questions down beforehand so you don’t forget anything.

This is a chance for your Personal Tutor to get to know you, so it shouldn’t be something you worry about. It’s not an interview!

Can I change my Personal Tutor?

You can, but it’s not something that happens often. This is where you’ll need to get in touch with your Department Senior Tutor, who oversees the tutoring services within your department.

Sometimes your Personal Tutor might change. This has happened to me and, as I understand it, only happens when it’s unavoidable.

It can be unsettling if you’ve already struck up a good rapport with your Personal Tutor. But try to see it as an opportunity to expand your academic network – it’s a great opportunity to meet a new person, who can bring a fresh perspective to your study journey.

Is everything we talk about confidential?

Absolutely, there are specific guidelines around this and only in exceptional circumstances would this change.

If you’re keen to learn more about Personal Tutors and how they can help you, have a look at the Information for students on Personal Tutoring page, where you’ll find a list of handy FAQs.

Making the most of Personal Tutors

The bottom line is, they are there to support you while you’re at Warwick, and they are best placed to point you in the right direction if you get a little lost.

And even if you feel pretty confident in where you’re going, it’s useful to check in with someone who’s done this before, knows Warwick well and knows you by name.

It’s always good to know that you’re not on your own. There’s always someone there to help you find your own way.

Main picture: Courtesy of the Dean of Students Office.