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Starting university is exciting, but it can also come with challenges you didn't expect. Whether you're dealing with housing worries, financial pressures or academic difficulties, your Students' Union is on your side. From expert advice through the Advice Service to a network of elected reps who champion student voices, there's always someone in your corner when you need support.
What is the Advice Service?
As you settle (or resettle) into life at UCL, it's important to know where to turn if things don't go to plan. Students’ Union UCL’s Advice Service is a free service, available to all students studying at UCL. We're also available to prospective students who hold an offer for a UCL programme of study, students on interruption of studies with matters relating to their studies, or recent graduates where there is an ongoing matter.
You can access support and advice in-person, or via email, telephone, and video/voice chat on Microsoft Teams. The service offers confidential and independent advice and support.
What can we help you with?
Our trained and experienced team can provide advice about:
- Academic issues – including extenuating circumstances, academic misconduct, and complaints.
- Housing – including contract checks, disputes with landlords and finding housing.
- Employment – including unpaid wages and understanding part-time employment contracts.
- Money and Debt – including money management, income maximisation and hardship funds.
Academic
If challenges come up during your time at UCL, it's important to know there's someone in your corner. Our team of advisors offer free, independent support to help you through these challenges. Advisors can explain procedures, help you prepare your case and, in some circumstances, accompany you to meetings and formal panels - so that you don't have to face difficult situations alone.
Last year, our Advice Service helped over 760 students with academic issues, including making appeals, applying for Extenuating Circumstances, making a complaint or raising a dispute, and allegations of misuse of AI.
Through our network of Academic Reps, students also have dedicated representatives who listen to concerns, raise issues with departments and work with staff to improve the academic experience for everyone. Whether it's feedback on assessments, teaching, timetabling, resources or wider course related issues, Academic Reps ensure that student voices are heard where decisions are being made. They act as a direct link between you and the university, making sure your experience is represented throughout your time at UCL.
Financial
Financial pressures can affect any student, and we're here to support you. Last year, we awarded £280,000 in grants and hardship funding through schemes including the Sarah Douglas Hardship Fund, Student Participation Fund, and the Gender Expression Fund. We also provided money advice to students on budgeting, managing finances and accessing additional sources of funding.
Housing
Finding somewhere to live can be one of the most stressful parts of student life, but you don't have to navigate it alone. When you need practical support, our Advice Service is firmly in your corner. Our advisers can help you understand your housing rights, explain your options and guide you through the next steps. Last year, we helped 373 students with housing related concerns, including finding accommodation, leaving rental contracts, resolving disputes with landlords and letting agents, and addressing repair issues.
Need support?
The Students' Union Advice Service is free, confidential, independent and available both in person and online.
Networks
Finding your community is an important part of university life. Our Networks bring together students who share common identities, experiences and interests, creating spaces where members can connect and advocate for positive change.
Networks are led by students, for students, with elected student leaders working throughout the year to champion the interests and needs of their communities. They engage directly with UCL, raising concerns and advocating for your experience at UCL. Whether it's improving the student experience, building community or ensuring underrepresented voices are represented at the highest levels, Student Networks help ensure there's someone in your corner, speaking up for the issues that matter to you.
UCL Support
Please remember, the university also has support services that are ready to help you. You should reach out if you need help:
- Student Support and Wellbeing Services team are on hand 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.
- Students can contact Student Advisers for support with study matters, mental health, and wellbeing.
- Student Funding Advisors can help with money management and funding questions.
- You also have access to the UCL 24/7 Student Support Line for out of hours support, providing 24/7 support to students in the UK.
Interested in how our Advice Service supported students last year?
Check out the Impact Report below: