UJS

Life at University

Mental health at university


University life is full of opportunities that you must take advantage of. But none of these should come at the expense of your health and wellbeing. Remember – treat a mental health emergency as seriously as you would treat a physical health emergency.

  • Call 999 or NHS Direct on 111
  • Go to A&E immediately
  • Seek help in your Halls of your Residence – your porter or warden
  • Contact Shout via their 24/7 free text service, text SHOUT to 85258, if you’re struggling to cope or need immediate help. Text Jami at 85258
  • Call the Papyrus HOPELINEUK, on 0800 068 41 41 or text 07860 039 967
  • Contact your Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) if you have one
  • The Jewish Helpline on 0800 652 9249 (Sunday – Thursday 12:00 – 00:00; Friday 12:00 – 15:00)
  • Call Samaritans – 116 123
  • Contact Nightline at your campus
  • Call 111 and press ‘2’ for immediate help
  • Call a friend or relative
  • Call your GP (if it’s urgent, ask to be seen in 24 hrs)
  • Visit Qwell for community and professional support, personal tools and online magazine
  • Join a peer support programme - like student minds
  • For additional important helplines covering a wide range of areas click here


  • Contact your academic tutor
  • Make an appointment at your University counselling service
  • Call your Student Union Welfare service
  • Keep yourself well:
    1. Connect – talk to someone (don’t text!); listen to someone; ask someone how they are
    2. Keep learning – break down your work into manageable chunks; read a new book; learn a new skill (unrelated to your studies… baking, guitar playing, crocheting!)
    3. Take notice – use your 5 senses to notice the world around you (smells, things you can see, touch, taste new foods etc.)
    4. Give – volunteer your time, help someone else, donate your money/skills/knowledge
    5. Be active – find exercise you enjoy; go for a walk, run, dance, play a team sport
  • Watch some helpful self-care videos for support
  • Visit student space or visit Mind for ideas of how to focus on your wellbeing

    If you need support regarding grief you can reach out to charities like Grief Encounter


    Grief encounter supports bereaved young people. They have a 9am-9pm helpline at 0808 803 0111.


    You can contact Grief Encounter by clicking here

Managing your mental health during global events: Click this link for Student Space's support page

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