Support for students and staff affected by events in the Middle East

We will do everything we can to support those affected and are in the process of reaching out directly to Israeli, Jewish and Palestinian members of our community or members that have been studying, researching or working in the region and who may be affected by this. Our thoughts are with everyone affected at this worrying time.

We know that this is an incredibly difficult time for many members of our community, and we ask everyone to respect and support each other at this time. We want to remind everyone that racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, abuse, incitement or harassment will never be tolerated, and that any incidents of this should be reported through online tool, Report + Support. Report + Support is open to all members of our community whether they are the recipient of or witness to any incident and it includes the option to report anonymously or on the record. 

UCL’s campus has security cover 24/7 and we will be increasing security coverage in key areas. Security support can be accessed by calling +44 (0)20 7679 2222 or extension 222 from a UCL landline. SafeZone is an app available to all UCL students and staff to make it easier for you to contact UCL Security directly from your mobile device. Find out more information about SafeZone and how to download it here. If in an emergency, call 999 and ask for the appropriate service.

Support available for students

Students can contact our Support Team for Students affected by War, Conflict and Disaster, a collaboration between Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW), the Department of Psychology and Language Sciences (PALS), and the University Clinic. The team provides emotional and practical support to students affected by events in their home countries by offering sessions of Psychological First Aid (PFA). You can access the team's support by contacting the Study Abroad and International Support team.

All students also have access to UCL's 24/7 Student Support Line for support with their mental health and wellbeing, and additional support services around faith and belief at UCL including quiet spaces for prayer and advice from our Interfaith team.

We know that a student affected may find it difficult to focus on their studies at this time. Anyone struggling with academic work should first talk to their tutor, who will be able to offer support and advice. Departments can also provide Extenuating Circumstances or Academic Adjustments to support any student who experiences sudden, unexpected difficulties that may affect their performance at assessment. If any students face financial difficulty as a result of the conflict, we encourage them to speak with one of our Student Funding Advisers. Students who are in unexpected financial need with their living costs can also apply to the Financial Assistance Fund.

Support available from Students' Union UCL

Read: Students' Union UCL 'Support for our community in response to escalating violence in the Middle East'

Support for staff

UCL staff and doctoral researchers can access confidential, 24/7 mental health support with our Employee Assistance Programme: Staff Support Service. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its guidance to advise against all but essential travel to the region for British nationals. Other nationalities should check their own government’s advice before considering any travel.

We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working to contact staff in the area directly to offer support and ensure their safety.