Coming to University is exciting and a great adventure, but making new friends, settling into a new place and preparing for exams can be challenging. It's therefore no surprise that many students experience mental health issues during their time at university.
If at any point you feel that you are struggling, UCL and the Students' Union are here to support you. Below you can find a list of both UCL and external support services, plus a few apps which you also may find helpful for looking after your mental health.
UCL's Student Support and Wellbeing Services
The Student Support and Wellbeing Services team are always available to help you throughout your time at UCL. Whether through counselling or at a drop-in session or appointment, UCL's professional staff can provide you with advice and support on a wide range of mental health and wellbeing subjects to help you get the most out of student life.
UCL's Counselling Team
UCL's Student Psychological and Counselling Services team is dedicated to helping students with personal, emotional and psychological concerns. They provide free short-term counselling, single session therapy, psychiatric support and group workshops.
UCL 24/7 Student Support Line
UCL's 24/7 Student Support Line offers free, confidential wellbeing support 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support line advisers can help you with issues including but not limited to feelings of anxiety and stress, money worries, bereavement, addiction and bullying, harassment and/or sexual harassment.
NHS
NHS England have a wealth of information on looking after your body and mind. You can also talk to your GP or call an NHS urgent mental health helpline if you are in need of support.
Mind
Mind is a mental health charity which provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They also campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding of mental health.
Samaritans
If you're having a difficult time, or worrying about someone else who you think needs support, the Samaritans can help. They offer both a 24 hour confidential telephone support service and an email service for anyone who is struggling to cope and wanting to speak to someone about it.
Nightline
London Nightline is an anonymous listening and information service run by students in London, for students in London. They are open from 6pm to 8am every night of term.
iCope
iCope is a NHS service for people living or registered with a GP in Camden or Islington. They offer assessments and treatment for a range of issues including anxiety, depression and stress.
Student Minds
As one of the leading student mental health charities within the UK, Student Minds aims to empower students and members of the university community to look after their own mental health, support others and create change.
Young Minds
Young Minds provide advice and information to give young people the tools to look after their mental health. They've got lots of useful articles and resources and a guide on accessing the relevant support.
Good Thinking
Good Thinking provides digital mental wellbeing support for students in London. This includes free NHS-approved apps to help you deal with stress, anxiety, low mood and poor sleep.
They have launched a new Student Mental Health Hub to support students across London in maintaining positive mental health, and they have also partnered with the Office for Students' Black Students Mental Health Project to host a range of mental wellbeing resources (including blogs, podcasts and videos) created by Black students for Black students.
Students Against Depression
A website by students, for students, Students Against Depression offers advice, information, guidance and resources to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.
The Mix
The Mix is a digital charity for under 25s which offers free, confidential and anonymous support via their website, text or social media. They can help you take on any challenge you're facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to funding a job, from break-ups to drugs.
Muslim Youth Helpline
MYH offer faith and culturally sensitive support by phone, live chat, WhatsApp or email. Their helpline is open between 4pm and 10pm, 365 days a year including bank holidays and Eid.
Chinese Students International Wellbeing Support Centre
CISCIC is a not-for-profit organisation offering wellbeing support for Chinese international students living in the UK. They offer both one-to-one and group support sessions, as well as support over the phone and by email.
Brandon Centre
The Brandon Centre is a place for young people to get help with personal problems from professionally trained counsellors. The counselling and psychotherapy service is free and confidential to use, and open to all 16-24 year-olds who live in the boroughs of Camden or Islington.
Useful apps to support mental health
Student health
Developed by Expert Self Care, the Student Health App provides easy access to a wealth of information on mental health and wellbeing, as well as physical health and other subjects. This app provides information tailored to UCL students.
Headspace
Helping with mindfulness, Headspace guides you through exercises, activities and meditation to help you get happier and healthier. Meditation has been shown to help people stress less, focus more and even sleep better. Just a few minutes a day might make all the difference for you.