UCAS - Getting support

Getting support

When you're at university or college, you may have some problems or feel like you need to speak to someone for advice and support. There are lots of people that can help with any issues, like academic problems, loneliness, homesickness or general issues, like accommodation problems.

Where to find help and support

Many institutions have their own welfare, advice or guidance centres. To find out what help your university offers, go to the university website and look up student support, or go into the students' union and ask staff there.

You could also call Nightline. Nightline is a listening, support and information service, run by students for students. Nightline operates in many universities and usually offers a phone service through the night. Email services and drop in centres are also available in many universities. Nightline is confidential and anonymous.

TheSite.org offers help and advice for students at university or college. It contains useful articles, videos, features and a free question and answer service, all aimed at helping you while at university, and when making choices about your future.

Academic problems

If you struggle with the workload or just don't enjoy the course, speak to your tutor, your assigned personal tutor or someone else at the university that you feel you can talk to.

If you're not enjoying the course they can help you isolate the reason and suggest some possible options. It might be possible for you to arrange to switch courses, without wasting any time or credit already earned.

Accommodation problems

If you're living in university premises or halls, talk to people in the accommodation office. They may be able to resolve the problem or find you somewhere else to live if necessary. If you don't like halls, you might be happier in a shared flat or even renting your own flat privately.

If it's a private flat and you can't resolve the situation through your landlord, someone on student support services can advise you.

Missing home

Feeling homesick at university is common. Try to involve yourself in campus life and keep busy. Speaking to a counsellor will also help. They will discuss your feelings with you and offer coping strategies. If you feel too homesick to continue they will also be able to discuss the options that you have.

Making friends

Joining university clubs and societies will help you find people with similar interests to you. Don't limit yourself to housemates and people on your course; get involved in what interests you, such as joining union clubs and societies or volunteering.

Health problems

Many universities have their own medical centres. If not, a student adviser should be able to advise you on local doctors. If you have serious health problems which affect your ability to study, speak to your tutor or someone at the university as early as possible.

Legal problems

If you have a legal problem at university, you can get free legal advice through your students' union. Some will have a designated legal information centre, or others will have a weekly drop-in centre where you can receive advice from a qualified legal professional.

Thinking about leaving

If you're thinking about dropping out of university, there's no need to feel alone or worry that the situation is a dead end. There are lots of options and people to talk them over with.

Before you decide, talk to someone about how you're feeling and any problems you're having. As well as talking to friends and family there are loads of people on campus who can help you, including tutors, student advisers and support staff.

If you still want to leave, you shouldn't feel like you have failed. Remember that you have made an informed decision and it's what feels right for you. See our Other options page for ideas on what to do next.