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UCL Student Support and Wellbeing
At UCL, we have dedicated teams to provide valuable support to our students. We encourage you to explore these options to get timely guidance and support. We also encourage you to speak with your supervisor and / or your departmental postgraduate research administrator should you have concerns about your health and wellbeing impacting your research journey.
Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing team's advisers offer research students solution-focused, non-therapeutic support, advice, and guidance.
You can access the service via phone +44 (0)20 7679 0100, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm or via the askUCL website.
They offer same-day appointments and appointments for advanced booking. You can choose to speak with a Mental Health Coordinator, Wellbeing Adviser, or Disability Adviser.
They provide guidance on suitable support for research students, set up reasonable adjustments, and offer practical support for students with long-term mental health conditions that may impact their studies.
To learn more, explore the Mental Health and Wellbeing Support web page.
Student Psychological and Counselling Services
All students can access support through Psychological and Counselling Services (SPCS). However, SPCS recommend research students consider Spectrum as their first option due to high demand. There is more information about Spectrum towards the end of this page.
SPCS comprises of psychiatrists and counsellors who offer short-term counselling and therapeutic approaches. Support is available in person, online and via telephone.
To access support, you must register using an online form via askUCL.
All students are triaged within 24 hours by duty-counsellors. For initial appointments, the average wait time is 2-3 weeks.
To book appointments, please submit an enquiry through askUCL
To learn more, visit the Student Psychological and Councelling Services web page
UCL Disability Support
If you have a long-term mental health condition lasting 12 months or more, or for the duration of your studies, you can register as a disabled student.
Disabled students can access reasonable adjustments in line with Equality Legislation. These adjustments are implemented through a Summary of Reasonable Adjustments (SORA), which can be implemented by the Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing team.
For students with mental health conditions, the UCL Disability Support team offer Mentoring Support - a weekly or bi-weekly meeting with a Mental Health professional to develop strategies for balancing academic study and health.
Contact them via phone +44 (0)20 7679 0100, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm or through askUCL.
To access more information, visit the Support for disabled students web page.
Specialist Referrals
UCL Student Success and Wellbeing can refer you to outside expert help in cases of:
- sexual misconduct or violence (Rape Crisis or Survivors UK)
- gender identity concerns (Gendered Intelligence)
Please contact Student Support and Wellbeing directly if you need assistance with these specific issues.
Online Advice and Wellbeing Support
Spectrum is UCL's Employee Assistance Programme, available to all Doctoral students and staff. It offers short-term counselling support.
Students in the UK can access Sprectum, while those outside the UK should contact the UCL Student 24/7 Support Line.
Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
SilverCloud is an online, self-led Cognitive Behavioural Therapy resource available to research students.
Students can log in to access the list of modules.
The modules focus on three overarching themes; Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Chronic Health.
Mindfulness App
10 Minute Mind is a mindfulness app developed by UCL. It's a valuable resource to help students take study breaks and relax their minds.
Other online resources
Student Space by Student Minds offers articles and resources for students, especially those dealing with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is led by Student Minds, a charity focusing on the mental health and wellbeing of UK students.
Departmental and Faculty Support
UCL Wellbeing Champions are staff members who support Wellbeing@UCL by providing guidance, promoting activities, and encouraging positive mental health.
Mental Health First Aiders is a network of staff trained to discuss mental health and guide colleagues and students to relevant resources. They have received Adult Mental Health First Aid training from MHFA England.
External Support
Nightline is a student-led listening service offering overnight support during term time.
You can contact London Nightline via phone at +44 (0)20 7631 0101 or email listening@nightline.org.uk
Samaritans provide a free listening service available 24/7.
You can call them at 116 123 (free call) or email jo@samaritans.org
Concerns for Others
See the If You Are Concerned About A Student page for advice if you are worried about someone.
Key Contacts
Student Support and Wellbeing team
Phone: +44 (0)20 7679 0100 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) or via ask UCL