Student Support and Wellbeing: supporting you through your studies

Student Support and Wellbeing have a wide range of services on offer to support undergraduate and postgraduate students during university. We've put together a summary of what to expect from each of our teams and how they can support you during your studies. 

Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing 

The Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing team (DMHW) are here to help by providing information and advice on issues around disability, mental health and wellbeing, and in doing so support you to engage with your studies.  

They are made up of a team of specialist advisers that sit within the wider Student Support and Wellbeing department, alongside counsellors and other support staff. Advisers have specialities in areas including: mental health, disability, Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) and Autistic spectrum conditions. Find out more about the support DMHW provide.  

They offer same-day appointments which are free of charge and allow you to speak to an adviser on the day for help and support in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space. To book one of these appointments, please submit an enquiry through askUCL. 

Student Psychological and Counselling Services 

UCL’s Student Psychological and Counselling Services (SPCS) provide free short-term counselling, single session therapy, psychiatric support, and group workshops to help you manage a range of personal, emotional and psychological concerns.  

This service differs to that offered by the DMHW team, and they can help with difficulties that may or may not be related to study.  

Please note that SPCS are unable to provide support for long-term conditions or in the event of a crisis situation. In the event of crisis, where you or a fellow student need urgent support, call 999 or go to your closest A&E. You can also find a list of resources and information on the Student Support and Wellbeing website in addition to information about external organisations.

Student Advisers  

UCL also has a dedicated team of department-specific Student Advisers who are on hand to support first year undergraduates, for matters related to wellbeing, support and student experience. If you’re a first year undergraduate, meet your Student Adviser and find out how you can get in touch.  

Student Enquiries Centre  

Whether you’re a new or continuing student, the Student Enquiries Centre are here to help you with queries about UCL life. 

Open an enquiry on askUCL and it will be directed automatically towards the correct team.  

All your enquiries and responses are linked to your account, which means you can check the progress of your enquiry at any time.  

You can also book an in-person appointment via askUCL and via telephone. Please note that due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the Student Enquiries centre has limited in-person appointments on offer. Find out more about booking an appointment. 

Study Abroad and International Student Support  

If you’re currently completing a year abroad or are an international student studying here in London, our Study Abroad and International Team are here to help you. They also support students to undertake periods of time abroad, whether a term or year as part of your course or in your holidays through short term mobility opportunities. 

Visit their website to find out more information or contact them by launching a query via askUCL.  

Faith support 

The UCL Chaplaincy and Interfaith team are available to listen and talk in complete confidence to all members of UCL, regardless of religious belief, about any concerns or issues they might have. They can also provide information for those of all faiths and nationalities looking to find a place of worship to attend in London. 

If you would like to discuss issues around religion and faith, please get in touch with Lizzie Baughen, UCL Chaplain and Interfaith adviser by email to arrange a suitable time to meet in person or talk over the phone.  

Crime Prevention and Safety Officer 

If you have any issues affecting you that are related to crime, safety or security, you can contact Darren Watts, the UCL Crime Prevention and Safety Officer. Darren can advise you on issues related to theft, assault, harassment or domestic abuse, and provide guidance on safety in London and offer support if you’re reporting a crime to the police.  

You can also obtain confidential advice through Report+Support where you can report anonymously or include your details. In addition, UCL has a network of trained Dignity Advisors who provide an informal, confidential information service to students and staff on issues relating to bullying, harassment, and sexual misconduct. 

Student Resident Advisers

If you’re living in halls of residence then you might have already seen a Student Residence Adviser (SRA) or a Warden, who are also part of our wider team. The SRAs are postgraduate students who live in halls and help create a sense of community through UCL Accommodation Flourish events, as well as being on call out of hours for anyone who needs support or just a friendly face to turn to.

Wellbeing for Success 

For further information about our services, catch up with our Wellbeing for Success event, which gives some practical tips on how you can stay physically and mentally healthy during your studies and will talk you through the wide range of support options available.

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Futher resources

Visit the Student Support and Wellbeing website. 

Visit the UCL New Students webpage.  

Watch the Welcome to UCL online event recordings.