diff --git a/backend/app/Views/StudentPortal.php b/backend/app/Views/StudentPortal.php
index fac666b..48e49f0 100644
--- a/backend/app/Views/StudentPortal.php
+++ b/backend/app/Views/StudentPortal.php
@@ -1870,10 +1870,15 @@ class StudentPortal
                     headers: { 'Authorization': 'Bearer ' + token }
                 });
                 const data = await res.json();
-                if (res.ok && data.data?.user) {
-                    renderDashboard(data.data.user);
+                if (res.ok && data.data) {
+                    renderDashboard(data.data.user || data.data);
+                } else {
+                    // Token invalid or database was reset: clear cached session
+                    handleLogout();
                 }
-            } catch (e) {}
+            } catch (e) {
+                console.error('Student session check error:', e);
+            }
         }
 
         // ==========================================