Support available at university or college
Wellbeing services team
Depending on your university, this may have a different name – it’s a good idea to find out what services they offer and how to get in touch with them before you arrive.
This would usually be your first point of information about what support you can get at university – from general wellbeing support to help with a specific mental health condition or difficulty.
Check the university website for their wellbeing pages.
Mental health advisers
Student support teams often include specialist advisers dedicated to helping students with mental health difficulties. This help is not limited to people with diagnosed conditions – it’s available to all students who would like support to cope with any aspect of life. Mental health advisers can explain the different services available – discussing your particular needs or concerns will help them decide the best support for your needs.
You don’t have to wait until you arrive at university or college to contact the mental health adviser. In fact, it’s a good idea to contact them when you have been offered a place on the course, so they can ensure you’re fully supported and feel confident when you arrive.
Check out UMHAN (University Mental Health Advisers Network) for more information, and the student mental health charity, Student Minds.
Counselling services
Most universities and colleges provide counselling for students who need emotional support. Student services or the students’ union (or other student body) can give you information about what’s available – make sure you check the university or college website too.
Medical support
Most campuses have an on-site medical centre, so if you require ongoing medical care, you can arrange this in advance. Alternatively, there will be GP services in your area – speak to the wellbeing team or student support services will be able to give more details.
Tools and resources
Some universities offer wellbeing apps, tools and other services (e.g. Nightline) specifically for their students – the details will be available from the wellbeing team or student support services, and check the website.
Sharing a mental health condition on the UCAS application
On the UCAS application, you can share a mental or physical health condition with your university – select ‘mental health condition’ from the drop down list and add more information in the free text box below if you wish. You don’t need to have a diagnosis to get support.
This information is never used to make a decision on your application – it is only shared with those who are responsible for arranging support. Although the way your data is shared may be slightly different depending on the university and your individual circumstances, the diagram below helps show what typically after you submit your application:
If you would prefer to wait until later before sharing this with your university (e.g. after you have received an offer), that’s no problem - you can contact the university directly at any time. However, we recommend you do this well in advance of starting your course to make sure you can access the full range of support when you arrive.
You are always in control of any support arrangements, and the university will discuss them with you to make sure you are happy. If you decide you don’t need the support, that’s fine – but it’s there if you change your mind or your circumstances change.
Read more about sharing a mental health condition with your university or college:
- The benefits of disclosing a mental health difficulty – Student Minds and UMHAN.
- Disclosing a mental health difficulty on your UCAS application – Student Minds and UMHAN.
- Disclosing a mental health difficulty: your rights – Student Minds and UMHAN.
- What happens when you share a mental health condition – case study from the University of Warwick.
Online support from Student Space
Student Space is a new online hub from Student Minds to support students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here you can find resources such as:
- expert advice and information about looking after your mental health and wellbeing
- a range of one-to-one support services via phone, webchat, or text or email
- tailored support for specific groups of students
- details of the support available at your university
- students’ own stories of responding to the challenges of the pandemic
Visit the Student Space website.
Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)
Students who incur extra study-related costs as a result of a physical or mental health condition or learning difference can apply for DSAs. You apply for DSAs alongside student finance, and they enable you to get the support you need at university or college – the amount you receive depends on your individual needs following a needs assessment.
If you are not sure you are eligible, it’s worth applying. Even if you don’t get a DSA, you can still get help from your university or college – remember to share an impairment or condition in the UCAS application so they can arrange support for you.
International students
If you are applying to university as an international student, you can access support for your mental health and wellbeing from the university or college – and share a condition using the UCAS application.
Read more about mental health support as an international student from UKCISA.
Get the right support for your individual circumstances
By making sure you have the right support for your personal circumstances, you will be looking after your mental health and wellbeing too.
Read about the support available for students with individual support needs.
Where to get more support and information
- Student Minds is the student mental health charity offering information and resources for all aspects of student life
- Student Space is a hub of resources from Student Minds, offering information, advice, and free mental health services to help students through the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The student mental health hub from Mind can help you settle in and adjust to your new life at university.
- Kooth: Find out what student mental wellbeing support is available for you. 1.8 million students can now access free, safe, and anonymous mental health support online (providing NHS services). Check availability in your area.
- Charlie Waller Trust’s Starting university guide to coping with the social aspects of student life, from living with new people to joining clubs and societies. Their 'Making the move to university' series also has specific guides for students who are care experienced, LGBT+, young carers, those who have had adverse childhood experiences, and those who feel like they don't fit in.
- Get ready for higher education - UCAS’ guide to starting university or college