Vacation welfare support
All student welfare services remain open throughout the vacations, except on Bank Holidays and University closure days.
A change in routine
During vacations, both undergraduate and postgraduate routines change. Formal lectures and seminars pause, allowing students to focus on self-directed study and much-needed rest. For postgraduates, extended periods of self-directed research are more standard.
It's natural if you find vacations challenging
Vacations might bring additional stress, especially for students from abroad, far from home, or dealing with estrangement. Social networks can change, and the pace may shift due to travel, returning home, work, or year-abroad plans. You may feel pressure to make the most of vacations for CV-building or completing academic work. It is important to keep a balanced outlook during the vacations, and take time to rest and reset.
Making time for your wellbeing
Make your health, and mental wellbeing a priority, as well as the opportunities offered by the vacations. Consider your wellbeing like a bank account—regular self-care deposits (sleep, relaxation, exercise) ensure overall wellbeing and a strong basis for the next term.
Student Minds has a number of blogs with advice for students over the summer break, including about managing social changes and budgeting.
However you feel about the vacation, the University's welfare services and Oxford-wide services can provide support and assistance if needed.
Vacation welfare support services
The University Counselling Service remains open outside of term time to provide support, providing both in-person and online appointments. The Counselling Service also has a range of supportive resources available online.
During vacation periods, some college welfare and student bodies will offer a range of activities for students who are remaining in Oxford. Check your college website and welfare team for updated details.
You can also access Oxford SU Advice.
During the closure period, you can still get support from local or national organisations:
If you are in crisis and in Oxford
- Dial 999 or go to John Radcliffe Hospital's A&E, Headley Way, Headington OX3 9DU. Open 24/7. Contact: 0300 304 7777.
- NHS. Dial 111 and find where to get urgent NHS help for mental health.
- Oxford University Security Services. Contact 01865 289 999. Open 24/7.
If you are in crisis and away from Oxford
- Dial 999 or find your nearest A&E.
- NHS. Dial 111 and find where to get urgent NHS help for mental health.
- View contact information for emergency and out-of-hours support.
Samaritans
Samaritans offers a free confidential helpline where you can speak to a trained volunteer at any time of the day or night- call 116 123.
Oxfordshire Safe Haven
Open every day of the year, Oxfordshire Safe Haven is a space for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis to speak to someone and get support.
NHS Oxfordshire Talking Therapies
NHS Oxfordshire Talking Therapies is a free, confidential NHS service available to anyone over the age of 18, registered with a GP in Oxfordshire. To access call 01865 901 222, Monday 8am-5pm, Tuesday to Thursday 8am-8pm or Friday 8am-5pm, or complete an online self-referral form.
International students
More information for international students can be found on the New Student pages.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs is charity and membership organisation supporting international students.