Dealing with difficulties at university - what support is available in halls?

Student life is a juggling act. You’ve got lectures and tutorials. Lots of reading and thinking and writing. Then there’s exam stress. Plus, you’ve got a social life and relationships. Making meals. Keeping active. Doing your laundry. Maybe even working a part-time job or hoping for an internship. And mum’s calling again…

Pressure can pile up. Stress can take a toll on anyone’s mental wellbeing – whether it’s the ‘Monday Blues’ or feeling run down, anxious or isolated.

We know it can be hard to reach out, especially when you don’t feel at your best. But you’ll be surprised how the simple step of talking to someone can help you feel more in control. 

We’ve created a simple, friendly support network where you can get confidential help and advice from our specially trained Student Residence Advisers (SRAs). They are genuinely interested in you. They understand what it’s like to be a student at UCL – because they’re experienced postgraduate students at UCL.

You may just want a quiet chat about how you feel; help with a particular issue; or perhaps you need a wider range of support for your health and wellbeing. Whatever is on your mind, it’s always good to talk.  

The following questions will explain how UCL’s support system works for you.

1. Who are Student Residence Advisors and Wardens?

Student Residence Advisers (SRAs) are UCL postgraduate students.

They are the first point of contact for students for welfare or pastoral issues. They can also direct you to UCL’s student support services or call emergency services for you if necessary. 

In addition, SRAs help students settle into life in the halls. They can provide useful tips for uni life. Plus, they’re responsible for safety measures, such as evacuating the building if there’s a fire alarm.

The Wardens support and manage the teams of SRAs.

2. How and when can I contact my SRAs and Warden? 

There are many ways to reach your SRAs and Warden, depending on the time you need to speak to someone.

a)    Generally, you can contact your Warden and SRAs through the local hall office.

b)    One of the SRAs is also on duty every night from 5:30pm until 8:30am the following morning. They are available throughout weekends and holidays as well.

To reach them, just use the ‘duty mobile’ number for your halls. You can find the contact information for your SRAs and Warden right here.

c)    Due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, we will be running virtual meetings with your SRAs. Just give the duty number a call to speak to one of your site team to help arrange your session.

d)    You’ll also meet your SRAs during Flourish sessions. These are activities, workshops and virtual social occasions for students living in UCL halls during the coronavirus outbreak. 

Flourish sessions are free to attend and one of your SRAs will be there at every event. You can find out more about Flourish here.

3. When should I contact my SRAs or Warden?

The short version is that you should feel free to ask for support with anything, anytime. 

Maybe you feel homesick? That’s normal. Perhaps you’re not sure that you ‘fit in’. Everybody knows that feeling. If you’re worried about money or simply want pointers about good neighbourhood spots, feel free to ask for advice. 

There can be various other issues too. This list might give you an idea about some of the things your Warden and SRAs can help you with:

• someone needs basic first aid
• you’re worried about another resident in your halls
• you feel homesick or have trouble adjusting
• you’re a victim of harassment or bullying, or you witnessed it

In addition to your Warden and SRAs, UCL has an out-of-hours telephone counselling and information service that is free and confidential. You can find out more about our evening and weekend support here.

UCL security staff are also available at every site. 

This means that there is someone available to support you every single day of the year, 24/7. We hope this gives you confidence that you’re never alone at UCL.