Health and wellbeing

Supporting the health and wellbeing of a student at university.

On this page you will find information about:

How students can look after their health at university

UCL recommends that all students are registered with a local GP whilst at university. GPs are the first point of contact for any concerns regarding both physical and mental health.

There are a number of GP surgeries located close to the UCL East and Bloosmbury campuses, outlined on our Registering with a doctor webpage.

Students who are disabled or have pre-existing (physical or mental) health conditions are advised to register with our Student Support and Wellbeing services. We recommend that students register as soon as possible after they have decided to study at UCL and accepted an unconditional offer. Declaring a disability or pre-existing health condition has no impact on a student’s application to study at UCL.

Students who develop a medical condition and/or are experiencing difficulties during their studies can seek support from their GP and UCL’s Student Support and Wellbeing services.

We urge all new students to get the meningitis vaccine (ACWY) and the MMR vaccine several weeks before arriving at university to begin their studies. Learn more about vaccinations.

Self-care tips for students

Simple things like getting enough sleep, eating healthy food, meditation and exercise can help students feel better both emotionally and physically.

Advice and resources that students might find helpful are available on our wellbeing webpages.

The Student Support and Wellbeing team provides guidance to students on settling in at UCL, which parents may also find useful.

Pastoral and wellbeing support available to students at UCL

All taught students have Personal Tutors who can help with settling in to life at UCL, discussing academic progress, providing guidance to students around enriching their studies and directing students to specialist help if needed.

More information can be found in the ‘What do you need to succeed? Personal tutoring at UCL’ article for new students.

Student Support and Wellbeing provide dedicated support to all students at UCL. The team of Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing Advisers and accredited psychological therapists and psychiatrists have expertise in supporting students throughout their time at UCL.

Online and telephone support services are also available to students, as well as in-person appointments. 

The UCL Chaplain and Interfaith Adviser can offer support to students, whatever their religion, faith, or worldview. 

Full information about the Student Support and Wellbeing services is available on the UCL website

Accommodation

Students who live in UCL-managed accommodation have access to support in their living environment. This also includes a developed network of Student Residence Advisers (SRAs) who provide peer support and organise community-building activities.

How the UK healthcare system works

The National Health Service (NHS) is the healthcare system in the UK and is primarily funded through general taxation rather than requiring insurance payments.

International students studying in the UK on a Student visa or any other visa that includes paying the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their visa application, will have free access to the National Health Service (NHS). NHS services are free for UK residents. 

Please refer to our eligibility pages for full details of access to the NHS based on immigration status. 

Recommended vaccinations for students coming to UCL

All students should be immunised against meningitis (ACWY) as well as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). 

For more information, please see our health advice to students

How and when to contact UK emergency services

999 is the official emergency number for the UK. Calls are always free and the line is monitored at all times. The 999 number gives access to the following services:

  • police service
  • ambulance service
  • fire services

Examples of emergencies may include: 

  • a person in immediate danger of injury or their life is at risk
  • a person is missing and you suspect that their life or wellbeing might be at risk
  • suspicion that a crime is in progress, or that an offender is in the area
  • structure on fire
  • another serious incident which needs immediate emergency service attendance

101 is the number for the local police in the UK. This number is for incidents which don’t require an emergency response as a crime is not currently in progress. 

Examples of 101 incidents include:

  • a car has been stolen
  • a property has been damaged
  • there is suspected drug use or dealing in your neighbourhood

How to alert UCL if  you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a UCL student

Emergency situations at UCL should be reported on +44 (0)20 7679 2222. This number is monitored at all times. 

If you are concerned about a student’s wellbeing, please complete the Student of Concern form. 

More information about safety at UCL.

Welfare support during weekends and UCL closure periods

UCL 24/7 Student Support Line is a free, confidential wellbeing support service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Find out more on the Student Support and Wellbeing website.

Private medical insurance for non-UK students

Private medical insurance is not necessary for most non-UK students coming to UCL. 

However, some students who require a visa to study in the UK and are only here for a short period of time may need to obtain private medical insurance. Additionally, there can be waiting lists for some NHS services, so students may choose to take private medical insurance.  

More information about private medical insurance.