University of London Worldwide (online and distance learners):
What internal support is available for students?
Designated support contacts
- Student Wellbeing Services offers dedicated student support: https://www.london.ac.uk/current-students/student-services/support-wellbeing
Access to counselling
- Students can access short-term counselling to those in need and subject to assessment while at university (please note we have limited places available and may not be able to accommodate every request)
- Speak to a local health professional, such as your doctor, for additional support.
Mediation
- Where appropriate and inline with our institutional processes and policies we may connect with trained mediators to help resolve issues early. We do not recommend mediation for sexual misconduct.
Practical study adjustments
- Measures can be put in place to support you in continuing to access your studies. Please refer to our Assessments Access Arrangements Policy for further information.
Regular communication and updates
- When you report something with contact details, we’ll make sure you are kept informed about the progress of your case.
- We’ll provide clear timelines and points of contact.
Follow-up and aftercare
- We’ll check in after resolution to ensure you continue to feel safe and supported.
- We are committed to monitoring the university climate to prevent recurrence. Anonymous reporting helps us to understand the harmful behaviours happening within the university culture and take proactive action against these behaviours.
Awareness and training
- Regular training for all University of London staff and students on bullying, harassment, and respectful behaviours.
- We provide clear messaging that reinforces the university’s commitment to a safe culture.
School of Advanced Study
What internal support is available for students?
Counselling
All students can access an initial 6 hours of counselling funded by the School, this is a confidential service which is provided on site at Senate House. Please contact the Disability & Student Wellbeing Adviser in the first instance.
Our Disability & Student Wellbeing Adviser provides a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space in which students can discuss any issues that may be affecting your ability to study. This encompasses: any personal or emotional challenges you may be experiencing; mental health such as anxiety or depression or disability such as dyslexia or a long-term health condition.
To arrange an appointment or for advice please contact the Disability & Student Wellbeing Adviser, Katie Wood at student.wellbeing@sas.ac.uk or on 01923 517850.
Our Disability & Student Wellbeing Adviser does not offer emergency support.
If you are feeling distressed and need urgent support:
- Contact your GP surgery to request an emergency appointment
- If your GP surgery isn't open, call the free NHS out-of-hours medical line on 111 and they will help you access the right services
- You can call the Samaritans on 116 123 to talk to someone at any time, day or night
- Nightline are available overnight and can help students across London, call them on +44 (0) 207 631 0101
If you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself or others:
- Go directly to the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department of your local hospital to get help
- University College Hospital is the nearest A&E department to the SAS buildings
- Call 999 to request an ambulance if you are unable to reach the hospital yourself
Managing Anxiety
University compare have provided a guide for University Students (in halls) on understanding and managing anxiety: https://universitycompare.com/guides/students-managing-anxiety
Students may also find the following contact numbers useful:
General welfare advice
- Nightline (18:00-08:00): T: +44 (0)20 7631 0101
Legal advice
- Citizen's Advice Bureau: the local bureau for the School is on the 3rd floor of the Holborn Library, 32-38 Theobald's Road, London WC1X 8PA, T: +44 (0)8451 202965.
- Community Legal Service Direct: enables users to find providers funded by legal aid.
Advice on mental health issues
- Mind: a national charity which can provide help and advice to students experiencing any form of mental distress.
- Charlie Waller Memorial Trust
Advice on debt
- National Debtline: T: +44 (0)808 808 4000
Healthcare
All School students may register for free National Health care with their local doctor (GP surgery). You may wish to register with one of the two local GP surgeries near to the School:
- Gower Street Practice, 20 Gower Street, London WC1E 6DP (Telephone: 020 7636 7628)
- Brunswick Medical Centre 39 Brunswick, London WC1N 1NF (Telephone: 020 7837 3811)
Alternatively, search for your local doctor or dentist on the NHS Choices website.
Welfare
Academic advice
Course tutors are responsible for guiding you through your degree and helping you with any personal or administrative problems. If this proves unsuitable, contact the School Registry, doctoral centre on research,degrees@sas.ac.uk or your Institute/Centre Manager who will be able to advise you on an alternative.
Personal safety
London is one of the most interesting and vibrant capital cities in the world; it is also one of the safest. However, as in any large, busy city, crime is a problem so you do need to take care about personal safety and looking after your belongings.
Follow-up and aftercare
- We’ll check in after resolution to ensure you continue to feel safe and supported.
- We are committed to monitoring the university climate to prevent recurrence. Anonymous reporting helps us to understand the harmful behaviours happening within the university culture and take proactive action against these behaviours.
Awareness and training
- Regular training for all staff and students on bullying, harassment, and respectful behaviours.
- We provide clear messaging that reinforces the university’s commitment to a safe culture.