Who can help

There is a great deal of health advice and guidance offered to students. Your college will have a GP and maybe a college nurse on hand, but if you do want to register with a different GP then the college can help you. It can also help you find a dentist or optician, or get your vaccinations. The University also has advice on sexual health, information about keeping well, and dealing with medical emergencies.

The University of Oxford is committed to fostering a safe environment in which all students can thrive. Harassment and sexual misconduct in any form are not tolerated here.

The University takes a proactive approach to preventing and responding to such behaviour. Our dedicated Preventing and Responding to Harassment and Sexual Misconduct webpage outlines the University’s policies, procedures, and available support for current students. It brings together essential information, ensuring everyone knows where to go for help and how to raise concerns.

Oxford's Common Approach provides comprehensive and holistic support for your mental health during your time here. We recognise the strong links between a student's educational opportunities, feeling part of social groups, maintaining healthy lifestyles, financial security, access to green spaces and ongoing positive mental wellbeing. Our approach to teaching, learning, college life and overall student experience supports good mental health through encouraging students to embrace new experiences, explore academic and wider interests and to thrive and grow, reflecting the University Mental Health Charter’s Principles of Good Practice.

The Counselling Service offers free and confidential support to help students gain insight into any difficulties they may be experiencing.

Individual counselling is to help you address personal or emotional problems which may impact your time at Oxford and help you realise your full academic and personal potential through a talking therapy. You can bring difficulties which may or may not be related to study.

Open agenda group sessions and workshops and groups on specific topics can be an effective form of help for a range of problems, providing an opportunity to explore how you relate to others and benefit from their experiences and support therapy. You can bring difficulties which may or may not be related to study.

All students have access to a wide range of recommended resources to support their welfare and wellbeing, including books, websites, apps and more which have been put together by members of the counselling service team. You are welcome to explore these any time and when you are applying. 

A number of open access wellbeing podcasts have been developed to address some of the particular concerns that students at the University speak about when they attend the Counselling Service. Topics include:

• How to find your people
• Stress and anxiety
• Examination and revision
• Advice for freshers
• Helping yourself to sleep

Oxford students have free access to Togetherall - an anonymous online community available 24/7 and monitored by healthcare professionals. 

Read our ten tips for our students on looking after their mental health.

The Disability Advisory Service (DAS) is made up of a team of specialist advisors who provide information and advice on disability issues, and facilitate access to study for all students. For each college there are two dedicated advisors within the Disability Advisory Service – one for students with mental health disabilities, and one for students with other disabilities, including:

• A sensory or mobility impairment
• A long-term illness or physical health condition
• A specific learning difficulty (SpLD) such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD
• A social or communication difficulty such as autism spectrum condition.

There are a wide range of individual adjustments and study support available for disabled students, and DAS will help you determine what support is appropriate for you at Oxford. If your condition is well-managed or has a mild-to-moderate effect or little to no impact upon your studies, there is no obligation to register if you do not need study support or adjustments.

At Oxford, every student's journey is different. Some of our disabled students have spoken openly on camera about their experiences, including their challenges, growth, and what has helped them along the way.

Hear from students sharing their experiences of being a disabled student at Oxford.  
 

Nightline is a confidential listening service run by trained students, for students. The service is confidential, and operates from 8pm to 8am every day of term.

Oxford Student Union's (Oxford SU's) Student Advice is free, confidential, and independent from the University and your college.

Whether you need to know when terms start, need advice about your visa, or want to talk to someone about financial assistance, there is guidance for you.

Student Peer Supporters - including Rainbow, Peers of Colour, Peers of Faiths and Disability Diversity Peers - are available in many colleges and departments to talk with you informally about anything that is concerning you.

All Peer Supporters have been carefully selected and trained to take up this role and receive ongoing support and supervision from the University Counselling Service.

Chaplaincies in colleges and the wider university provide support for students of all faiths and none, and students have access to a wide variety of faith groups.

Whether you want to develop your study skills, need help with an IT issue, or want to talk to someone about financial assistance, your college is there to support you.

Read more about college life.