Requesting a session

The role of the session request

On SkillSwap, sessions always begin with a request. And the rule is simple:

A session request lets you define the skill you want to learn, choose a duration, pick a time, and give the other person everything they need to say yes.

Where you can create a session request

• Inside any chat — open the conversation, press + → Schedule a session.
• From the Calendar page — useful when planning a session from scratch.

The chat flow is the most common: you discuss a topic with someone, agree on a time, and send the request directly from the message input.

What a session request contains

When you open the scheduling form, you’ll fill in:

• Skill — what you want to learn (e.g., English, JavaScript, Piano).
• Duration — 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes.
• Date & time — automatically translated into both people’s timezones.

Understanding Skill Points (SP)

Each session costs Skill Points depending on duration. Before sending the request, SkillSwap will:

• Show you the exact SP cost
• Ensure you have enough SP available
• Reserve SP temporarily until the tutor accepts

SP are only **deducted** when the tutor accepts. If the request is declined or times out, the reservation returns instantly.

How to send the request (step-by-step)

1 — Open a matched chat

To request a session, you must first be matched. Once matched, open the chat with that person from your Inbox.

2 — Open the scheduling form

Press + inside the message input → Schedule a session.

3 — Fill in the required fields

Choose the skill, duration and time.

4 — Review the SP cost

You’ll see how many SP will be required, and whether your current balance covers it.

5 — Send the request

Once everything looks correct, press Send request. Your partner will receive:

• A message inside the chat
• A notification in their Calendar → Requests tab

What happens after you send it

Your session enters the Requested state.

The tutor now chooses to:

• Accept — the session becomes confirmed
• Decline — the request ends
• Reply in chat — often used to agree on a new time

Tracking your pending requests

Go to the Calendar and open the Requests tab. You’ll see:

• Your outgoing requests
• Incoming requests from others (if you teach)
• Status updates in real time

Cancelling or editing a pending request

If the tutor hasn’t accepted yet, you can open the request and press Cancel. SP reservations return immediately.

What to read next

• Accepting or declining a request
• How scheduling works
• Video call basics