Arts SU Advice Service works with a number of services at UAL who offer specific help to students. Some of these services are better placed to support your needs than we are but if you’re not sure who to speak to you can get in touch and we’d be happy to refer you.
If you're feeling lonely or isolated...
We empathise that it can be difficult to make friends at university but Arts SU can help. We run a range of activities where you can make new friends and do interesting things.
We can introduce you to new people through our companion scheme and link you to other who have similar interests to you. Learn more about the scheme here.
We run a weekly activities classes program called Arts Active, where you can meet new people and keep fit. Our societies are a great way to meet new people in a relaxed environment and our sports clubs are the perfect way to get some exercise and join a team. Lots of people don't know anyone at all before they get involved so don't let that put you off, you can always reach out to a committee member in advance and introduce yourself before going along. All their details will be on the society or clubs membership page.
Looking for something creative? Check out our creative events page.
Need to speak with someone about emotional or welfare issues?
UAL Mental Health Advisers offer free advice and can refer you to a counsellor if you need one. You can find their info here
If you need support in the evenings or at the weekend or need immediate help you can find more information here.
If you wish to see a private (paid for) counsellor you can search for, and view profiles, of counsellors local to you here.
Kooth services are available online without a waiting list or any need for referral. Joining anonymously takes 1 minute and allows you access to live chat and messaging with BACP qualified mental health professionals, self-help resources and support from the community.
UAL students also now have access to Togetherall, which is a 24hr mental health support service – students join the community anonymously and can chat to others about experiences or take courses in managing things like anxiety, depression, sleep etc. It’s also moderated by clinical professionals, and they provide emergency support contacts at UAL if there is a need for urgent support.
If you're feeling you may harm yourself or have suicidal thoughts...
If you're feeling suicidal you can seek help from UAL Counseling and Mental Health Team.
If you'd like to speak to someone from outside the university and for 24hr support services the NHS list a range of phone line and text services which you can access here.
Seeking support with a disability?
UAL Student Services offer a range of services for disabled students including putting support in place throughout the year if you need it. You can find more information on this here.
Visa issues?
The UAL Student Advice Service can help you understand your visa status and resolve any issues you might be having. You can find out more about them here.
Need financial or fees advice?
UAL Student Advice Service can help you if you're having financial problems or issues with your fees. You can find out more about them here.
If you're struggling with an eating disorder or having negative feelings around food or your body image...
UAL Student Services can offer eating disorder advice. If you'd prefer to speak to someone external to UAL Beat Eating Disorders is a charity that offers a student hotline where you can speak to specialists in confidence. You can find out more about them here.
If you need professional medical advice...
You can find more details regarding health advice from the UAL Health Advisers, you can find information on this and on registering with a GP (UK doctor) here.
Want some religious or spiritual advice?
UAL chaplains work for all students regardless of what religion or faith you are, or for those who don’t consider themselves as religious or having a faith. You can find information on the chaplains here.