@toniperic It shouldn't work, should it?

'email' => 'unique:users,email_address,' . Auth::user()

Didn't you mean this? :)

'email' => 'unique:users,email_address,' . Auth::id()

@JarekTkaczyk spot on. :)

BTW guys, can i add multiple requests in the update function?

for instance: public function update($id, UserRequest $request, StudentRequest $request, ExpertRequest $request)