All about Circles

What is a Circle?

A circle is a support network composed of people who aim to provide mutually beneficial practical, study and social support to other students.  The Circles Network aims to make it easier for students with a range of disabilities, medical conditions and / or special needs to study, survive and succeed at LSE.

Students with a disability that impacts on their access to studying and living at university often need additional support and could therefore benefit from forming a 'circle of support' with LSE Circles. At the same time these students (as do those without a disability) often have skills and time to offer to other students. 

The Circles team plans to bring students together to solve problems, share resources and celebrate achievements. 

• Would you like to be part of the Circles Network?
• Do you think you would benefit from having a Circle?
• Could you offer your time/skills to a Circle?

Below is a non-exhaustive list of the sort of support you can give/receive (or both): 

Circles support:

• Note-taking for lectures or classes
• Reading aloud
• Proofreading coursework drafts and assignments
• Walking with a student from Halls of Residence to LSE campus
• Accompany student from lecture to class/library
• Be a human alarm-clock by phoning a student in the morning and making sure they get up
• Typing for those with hand mobility problems
• Book-fetching in the library
• Photocopying/enlarging text
• Listening support - befriending students with depression/anxiety
• Forming study groups for mutual support eg Students with dyslexia helping each other with their different strengths
• Dissertation support group: providing advice on handling dissertations and a chance to share the stresses and strains over coffee/tea
• An organisation and planning session for the term
• Anything else you might think of as a student with a particular need

Often a student uses one kind of support and offers a different kind to another student. It is this reciprocity that makes the Circles Network so strong.

Giving/receiving Circles support

If you would like to offer your time or think you would like some Circles support then please contact the Disability and Well-being Office (email: disability-dyslexia@lse.ac.uk) where you will be invited to discuss your need and/or what time/skills you have to offer.

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