Student Support Framework

Our Student Support Framework explains the main academic support processes available to help you and how you can apply for support such as extensions, reasonable adjustments, or taking time out from your studies.

UCL is committed to providing the support you need to make the most of your studies. Whatever your personal circumstances, we can help you to participate fully and stay on track if you’re affected by unexpected difficulties.

If your studies or assessments are affected by a long term or sudden illness, a mental health condition or a social or learning difference, there are lots of ways we can help you to succeed at UCL.

Our support processes

A quick guide to the range of support available.

Which process should I use?

This page helps you to find the right support for your individual circumstances.

Help and advice

Find out where to find help and advice about your options.

Short-term Illness and other Extenuating Circumstances

Short-term support for illness, bereavement or other unexpected emergencies.

Reasonable Adjustments for Disabilities and Long-term Conditions

Long-term support for students with a disability or ongoing physical or mental health condition.

Academic Adjustments

Long-term support for students with protected characteristics such as parents, carers, key workers, those observing religious beliefs, and any student experiencing discrimination, harassment, or traumatic events such as war.

Exam Adjustments

Support to sit an online or in-person exam.

Interruption of Study

If you are thinking of taking time out from your studies.

Support to Study

If you are having persistent or ongoing difficulties and UCL’s other support processes are not providing the right level of help.

Crisis support

If you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself or others:

Go directly to the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department of your local hospital to get help.
Camden and Islington's Mental Health Crisis Assessment service at St Pancras Hospital is nearest to UCL's main campus.
Call 999 to request an ambulance if you are unable to reach the hospital yourself.

If you are feeling distressed and need urgent support:

Contact your GP surgery to request an emergency appointment.
If your GP surgery isn't open, call the free NHS out-of-hours medical line on 111 for help accessing the right services.
You can call the Samaritans on 116 123 to talk to someone at any time, day or night.
Nightline are a listening service for students, by students - they are available overnight via live web chat from 6pm - 2am.

Help and advice

Further information about the support available to you can be found on our Help and Advice pages.