Welfare
Where to go for support
A quick reference to UCL and Students' Union support services. Open to everyone, signed in or not.
In an emergency
If someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, call 999. On UCL campus, you can also alert UCL Security via the SafeZone app or by calling +44 (0)20 7679 2108 (ext. 32108). SSWS does not provide emergency/crisis support — for urgent (non-999) mental health support, use the 24/7 Student Support Line (free, confidential, 35+ languages).
1. First port of call — Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS)
SSWS is UCL's central team for mental health, wellbeing, disability/neurodiversity, and counselling. For most non-emergency welfare concerns, this is where to start.
SSWS — generalAdvice on mental health, wellbeing, disability, and general welfare concerns affecting study. Drop-in or phone appointments.Open →24/7 Student Support LineFree, confidential in-the-moment wellbeing support, phone or webchat, any time, in 35+ languages. Not an emergency service.Open →askUCL24/7 self-help hub and enquiry system covering wellbeing, records, fees and more — good first stop if you're not sure who to ask.Open →Student Counselling (Student Psychological & Counselling Services)Free short-term counselling, single-session therapy, CBT, psychiatric support and group workshops. Up to 6 free sessions per year (1 Aug–31 Jul).Open →Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing TeamAssessments, reasonable adjustments, Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) applications, and support for neurodivergent students (autism, SpLD, etc.). No formal diagnosis required to reach out.Open →Here to Support You GuideComprehensive PDF directory of every UCL support service, internal and external — useful to keep on hand as a master reference.Open →
2. Reporting bullying, harassment & sexual misconduct
Report + SupportUCL's online tool to report bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct — anonymously, with two-way anonymous messaging, or with contact details for full casework support. Also hosts guidance, policies and the 'Full Stop' campaign.Open →
Casework TeamHandles formal reports made with contact details and can put support measures in place while a case is considered.
Sexual Violence support — ISVAs (Independent Sexual Violence Advisers)Confidential one-to-one support for students affected by sexual misconduct; separate male and female Rape Crisis Outreach Workers available. Discusses impact, reporting options (UCL and/or police), and referrals.
Students' Union UCL Advice ServiceFree, independent advice — academic, housing, safety, employment, money/debt. Also a designated Hate Crime Reporting Centre.Open →Student MediationHelps resolve complaints involving staff or other students through informal, facilitated one-to-one conversations.
3. Equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI)
UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) teamPolicies and support relating to protected characteristics, Dignity at UCL, and inclusion initiatives across the university.Open →Transgender and non-binary studentsGuidance on reporting transphobic bullying/harassment and support for students exploring or navigating gender identity.Open →Students' Union UCL Liberation & Communities NetworkStudent-led networks and part-time officers (e.g. Women's Officer, Welfare and International Officer, BME Officer, LGBTQ+ Officer, Disabled Students' Officer) — good for peer-level, identity-specific support.Open →Chaplaincy and Faith AdvisersPastoral support and advice around religious or faith-related concerns, for students of all faiths and none.Open →
Support for Students with Refugee, Asylum-Seeking or Forced Migration experienceSpecialist casework role supporting affected students; part of UCL's University of Sanctuary work.
War, Conflict and Disaster ServicePsychological First Aid and emotional/problem-solving support for students affected by conflict or disaster, run jointly with the Dept. of Psychology & Language Sciences and the University Clinic.
4. Study, money & practical welfare
Student FundingAdvice on loans, scholarships, bursaries, emergency loans and the UCL Financial Assistance Fund.
Cost of Living supportLatest guidance and support for students affected by the rising cost of living.Open →International Student SupportHelp with settling in, visas, healthcare registration, finances and adjusting to life in the UK for international students.
Student of ConcernA form anyone can use to flag concern about a student's welfare (not an emergency) so SSWS can reach out to them.Open →Interruption of study & return to studyAdvice if you're considering, or returning from, an interruption for health/wellbeing reasons.
5. Wellbeing & community activities
BeCalm / UCL Wellbeing app contentFree relaxation content, live and recorded fitness sessions, and wellbeing webinars for all UCL students.
10 Minute MindUCL-created mindfulness app to help students take a break and build a relaxation habit.
Wellbeing events & campaignsTerm-time programme of social, crafting and skills events tackling loneliness/isolation and building community.
Mental Health First AidersNetwork of staff trained by MHFA England to have first-line mental health conversations and signpost students — check who covers your faculty.
SafeZone appConnects students directly to UCL Security for urgent help or first aid, on or off campus.
Keep a copy on hand
The full guide, as a single PDF.
Sources: ucl.ac.uk (Student Support and Wellbeing Services, Report + Support, Students' Union UCL). Compiled August 2026.