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Greg Butler, Larissa Herbert and Simone Massey

Greg, Larissa and Simone are your Student Advisers for the Faculty of Life Sciences. Scroll down for more information about events and to learn about them.

Gregory Butler
What I do 

Hi, I’m Greg. I am the Student Adviser for the School of Pharmacy and Human Sciences. I am here for you as a key point of contact during the first year of your undergraduate studies. I am available to discuss any wellbeing, support, and student experience matters.

Contact me via askUCL

Book an appointment

Who am I?

About Greg

What was your experience of Further/Higher education like? 

With hindsight, I look back on my time in higher education very fondly. I made some great friends for life, learnt invaluable skills and enjoyed living away from home in a new city.

However, aspects of it were very challenging at the time. I struggled with social anxiety and found the public speaking aspect of my programme very difficult. 

When I joined UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services and became aware of the adjustments that can be put in place for students, I just wished that a handful of these were available to me when I studied. I think I would’ve got much more from my studies if I had more support and guidance.

What do you like most about your work as a Student Adviser?

I’m new to the role, but I’m excited to meet with students and be proactive in supporting them to get the most from their time at UCL. I have experience working as a counsellor and I would like to think that my experience from this role alongside my listening skills, empathy and non-judgmental way of working will help students to feel comfortable to talk openly with me in our meetings together.

What's a surprising or interesting fact about yourself?

In my spare time I like to paint, and I’m part of an arts collective in north London. I sell prints of my work at outdoor arts markets several times a year.  I often worry about whether people will like my work but, on the day, my main concerns are usually weather based and I spend a lot of time trying to keep my work dry or finding ways to stop it from blowing away!

Larissa Herbert student adviser photo
What I do

Hi, I’m Larissa. I am the Student Adviser for Biological Sciences and Neurosciences and I am here for you as a key point of contact during the first year of your undergraduate studies. I am available to discuss any wellbeing, support, and student experience matters.

Contact me via askUCL

Book an appointment

Who am I?

About Larissa

What was your experience of Further/Higher education like?  

My experience at university was a bit of a roller-coaster. Having lived in London my whole life, I was desperate to get that ‘full university experience’ by moving as far away from home as possible and learning to live independently, so I went to The University of Leeds. However, despite having one of the best years of my life, I also found it very difficult and isolating being so far away from my friends and family, and therefore transferred home for Years 2 and 3 to The University of Greenwich where I continued my studies in London. I was very grateful for the experience of living away for the year, however was glad to return home to London for my final years of study!

What do you like most about your work as a Student Adviser?

My favourite part within my role as a Student Adviser is the rapport we build up with our students during their undergraduate degree, offering students that safe space to talk whilst engaging and enabling them. It’s so rewarding to be part of a student’s undergraduate journey, seeing them progress throughout the year and hearing of their achievements.

What's a surprising or interesting fact about yourself?

I used to swim competitively for my London Borough, training up to 8 times a week both morning and evening and competing in different competitions.

 

image of simone massey
What I do

Hi, I’m Simone. I am the Student Adviser for Biochemistry, Biomedical Science and Pharmacology and I am here for you as a key point of contact during the first year of your undergraduate studies. I am available to discuss any wellbeing, support, and student experience matters.

 

Contact me via askUCL

Book an appointment

Who am I?

About Simone

What was your experience of Further/Higher education like?  

I found university challenging and even isolating at times. I believed that my peers were having the time of their lives, while I felt consumed by self-doubt. I remember thinking, ‘what is wrong with me?’ and ‘why can’t I get it together?’. I wish someone had told me then that growth, success and progress is not linear – it is normal to falter and get sidetracked from time to time. Thankfully, I had a super supportive, patient and understanding programme team. The people you meet at university (whether they are staff or student) can make a world of difference.

What do you like most about your work as a Student Adviser?

I enjoy connecting with people from all walks of life, but particularly individuals who, due to personality, background or circumstance, aren’t your ‘typical’ student. It is so rewarding to be able to help students ‘find their feet’, grow in confidence and achieve more than they ever thought possible.

What's a surprising or interesting fact about yourself?

Okay, perhaps not that interesting (to some), but I’m a history fanatic – specifically the French Revolution (I’m obsessed with Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI), Greek Mythology, WW2 and the British Regency Era. However, my new hyperfocus is the Wild West/American Frontier (circa 1861 – 1899). Don’t ask!

 

Events

Working within Student Support and Wellbeing Services, we will be hosting a range of events and activities during term time to support your Social bonding, Skills for life, and Wellbeing at university. Explore the workshops and activities you can join throughout the academic year listed below, then click the event hyperlink to book your place.

Term 1: September - December 2024
Your Guide to Thrive - Monday 14th October 2024 3PM-5PM in THE WINTER GARDEN, 30 GUILDFORD STREET (UCL GOSICH)

Join us for a few hours to help you excel, relax and connect! Whether you're looking for study tips or ways to boost your wellbeing, "Your Guide to Thrive" has everything you need because great work starts with a great work life balance! 

What's in store for you:
Study Hacks & Tips - Discover strategies to boost your focus and efficiency. 
Student Adviser Q&A - Got questions? Your advisers are here to help with advice tailored to you. 
Game Station – Take a break and unwind with fun games and activities.
Mindfulness Activities – Re-center and recharge with guided mindfulness activities.
Recipe Swap – Share your favourite easy-to-make dishes and pick up new meal ideas from fellow students.
Free Goodie Giveaways – Everyone loves free stuff! Grab some student essentials!
Planner Station – Customize your planner and get organized for the term ahead.

Don’t miss out on this chance to thrive academically and personally. Bring your course friends and let’s make it a productive day!

Please express your interest on the booking form.

Term 2: January - March 2025

More information coming soon.

Term 3: April - June 2025

More information coming soon.

FLS Wellbeing

Student Advisers support 1st Year undergraduates in the Faculty of Life Sciences. For support or to make a referal for Undergraduate students from Year 2 onwards including PGT and PGR please email fls.studentwellbeing@ucl.ac.uk