“1 in 4 students would not know where to go to get mental health support at university if they needed it.” (Student Minds, 2023)

The same proportion of students also have a diagnosed mental health condition.

Navigating university life can be exciting and nerve-wracking. With social events, academic deadlines, and meeting new people, it is essential that students know where they can turn for support. Today is University Mental Health Day and we’re publishing this blog to serve as a roadmap of mental wellbeing resources for students in the UK, which includes on-campus and off-campus solutions.

What kinds of support can I find at my university?

Many UK universities offer counselling services to students. These services can include one-on-one therapy, group therapy, workshops, or drop-in sessions to help students manage stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges.

Universities may also offer additional support such as disability services, academic support for mental health conditions, and wellbeing coaches. These can help students who require adjustments related to their mental health, to help ensure they are supported academically and with their wellbeing.

Some have student-run societies and peer support groups that focus on creating a community that supports mental wellness. These societies can offer events, activities, and peer mentor training and are safe spaces to share your experiences with others.

Your university should give you an academic supervisor or tutor who can talk to you about support and provide advice during your studies. They can also signpost you to other wellbeing services if they know about your mental health.

Discussing any concerns or worries you have with your tutor as soon as possible can ensure that the right support is available when you need it.

Find out which support that is available at your university from Student Space.

What about outside of my university?

The NHS offers mental health care, which students can access through their local GP or mental health professionals. The services can include mental health assessments and therapy sessions, outreach support, and medication if needed.

Remember to register with a GP in your new university town or city and book an appointment to discuss any mental health concerns.

Whether you want to talk to new friends or flatmates from your university, or friends/family at home, sharing how you have been feeling can be a big relief to you and even to those around you. When we keep a problem to ourselves, it can seem worse than when we can get advice from those we trust.

There are a lot of online resources that can help you with tips for meeting new people, moving away from home, and asking for help from the Charlie Waller Trust.

Charities are great places to find support and help students look after their mental wellbeing.

These include:

Student Minds provides support and peer support groups for students.

Nightline has confidential phone line support overnight for students.

YoungMinds offers mental health information and support for young people.

You can also find support service helplines on our website and an interactive map of charities from our membership, and beyond, across England.