Support options for struggling university students
4 July 2025By Amelia. A, Staff writer at Unite Students
Mental health support for university students
It’s normal to face challenges at university – academically, socially, emotionally, or financially. But there are always support options available for students – whether you’re going through a hard time or just need some advice.
One thing is for sure, you’re not alone. Whatever you’re going through, there’s help available both from universities and external services, including Unite Students. In this guide, we’ll go through your options in case you’re ever in need, from financial advice to mental health support for students.
In this guide:
Mental health support for university students
There’s plenty of mental health support for university students, from free services on campus to national 24/7 helplines. Struggling with mental health isn’t a weakness, there’s always support widely available.
There’s no need to suffer in silence, a problem shared is a problem halved. We can’t always do everything by ourselves, sometimes we need a hand. Some support options available for students include:
University support options
Counselling. A safe and confidential space where students can discuss their personal, emotional, or academic problems with professional counsellors. They’ll collaborate with you to find coping strategies, supporting you to overcome any issues.
Mental health advisors. Mental health advisors help students deal specifically with mental health problems. They offer support for managing symptoms, and provide information on how to access further help if needed.
Peer support schemes. These connect you with other students who are there to offer a helping hand. It’s perfect for those who might feel more comfortable talking with their peers, rather than using formal support services. It can also help you feel less alone and make new friends.
Wellbeing workshops. Group sessions focused on developing practical skills to deal with mental health, such as mindfulness. It’s useful for informing and educating students on managing their wellbeing and mental health while at university.
National support options
There are also external support options for students available outside of university. Some of these are national helplines and initiatives. Here are some national options students can turn to when they need help
NHS Talking Therapies. Providesfree, confidential mental health support, for things like depression and anxiety.
SHOUT text line. A free 24/7 texting service offering confidential help and advice. Simply text SHOUT to 85258 and you’ll be connected with a volunteer who’s on hand to help.
Samaritans. Also a 24/7 service that’s there to assist anyone experiencing emotional trauma or suicidal thoughts. Call 116 123 to talk to them in a space that’s free from judgement, with no pressure.
Student Minds. A student mental health charity offering resources, support groups and online information specifically for students. They empower you to look after your mental health while at university, and can provide further help when needed.
Nightline. A student-run listening service that’s available when other lines may be closed. By students, for students – it’s anonymous support via phone, chat, or email. Whatever the topic of conversation may be, there are always people on hand to help.
Finding support at your Unite Students accommodation
Mental health support for university students is available 24/7 at Unite Students accommodation too. Our dedicated Student Support Team works together with your university to make sure students get the support that they need. It’s not a case of your halls just being a place you call home and go to rest, it’s also somewhere you can feel safe and supported.
Our teams are not just reception and admin staff – they’re trained in welfare procedures and can direct you to teams and partners who can also help you. Our Student Support team is expert in student life, and they’re there when students need them.
Our partners Health Assured and Endsleigh also have a helpline, available to all residents. And Student Minds – a national student mental health charity. You’re not alone, you’re supported, we’re with you every step of the way, providing peace of mind for parents and students alike.
Financial support for struggling students
Financial support for students doesn’t have to be tricky. Managing your finances can be a challenge if you don’t have the practical steps in place to help guide you during your time at uni. Below, we cover financial support for university students, with steps you can take to put yourself in a more comfortable situation.
Accessing financial support through university
In the UK, there are financial support options available for students through university. Managing your own finances might be a new experience, especially if it’s the first time you’ve lived away from home. Support will differ from university to university, but often includes:
Hardship or “access to learning” funds. Financial support offered by universities to students facing financial difficulty. It can help you to cover essential costs, such as living expenses.
Emergency grants. Financial aid given in the event of unforeseen circumstances or costs, normally a short-term fix.
Departmental bursaries. These are financial awards offered by specific departments within a university, often for those from a low-income background. They are used to help with cost and course fees.
Scholarships and bursaries. Bursaries are based on family income or personal circumstances, such as if a student is a carer for a parent. Scholarships are based on talent, whether academic, sporting, or in some other area of achievement.
Childcare and parents’ support. Financial support for students who have children, to help with childcare costs.
Accessing government support: Grants, loans and bursaries
There are also several government-backed financial support options available for students. These include:
Universal credit. Available in certain situations where students are lone parents, dealing with disabilities, or taking care of parents. It can cover childcare and housing.
Council Tax exemption. An exemption from paying council tax for full time students.
Charitable trusts. Donations from charities that help students in need of financial aid.
Student finance. Tuition fee loans cover tuition fees charged by the university, while maintenance loans can help support students with accommodation and living costs.
NHS funding. Additional financial support available to those studying caregiving subjects, such as nursing or midwifery.
Further financial support for students
Financial support for university students may not always be accessible, depending on your circumstances. However, there are lots of free services that are available to offer impartial money management advice.
StepChange. A leading debt charity offering high quality support for anyone struggling to cope with repayments. If needed, they can help personalise a manageable payment plan, with budgeting tools and financial expertise.
MoneyHelper. A government-backed resource to turn to for advice on how to budget, student finance, credit use, and more.
National Debtline. A support hub that you can call for free debt advice, or chat online.
Citizens Advice. Useful if you want to know your legal rights after finding yourself in a difficult financial situation.
At Unite Students, we provide flexible support options to help you get through tough financial times. For example, we can support you in changing your payment plan to make things easier for you.
Discover more information on Unite Students financial support.
Support for students with disabilities and long-term health conditions
Students with disabilities, or those caring for them, are entitled to financial support. For example, you can access support for students with cerebral palsy, dyslexia, ADHD, mobility challenges and learning disabilities. Your options include:
Financial support for students with disabilities
Students with disabilities, long-term health conditions, mental health challenges, or specific learning difficulties have a variety of financial support options available to them. These schemes are in place to help provide equal opportunities across university life for all students, ensuring you’re not disadvantaged by extra costs.
Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). Income support for students with disabilities. This includes both physical and mental disabilities and conditions. The allowance is used to provide extra support if needed, like specialist equipment and support workers. The Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) can also contribute towards the hiring costs of note takers and mentors.
Everyday support for students
University support office. Contact them before term starts to see how they can help.
Subsidised meals & food pantry. Some campuses may offer cheaper food options to those in need to combat food insecurity.
Part-time and campus jobs. Want to earn some extra cash? There may be part-time roles available to supplement your university lifestyle.
Health and wellbeing. Many universities are partnered with local GPs. Sign up for a local service as soon as you arrive.
Academic support. Universities often offer support workshops to help you adjust to life at uni. You can use academic tutors too, who are more than qualified to answer any relevant queries.
International student support. You can access support for visa applications, language help, community orientation, and more.
How Unite Students supports people with disabilities
Our accommodation is for everyone – Unite Students is an inclusive environment. This means those with disabilities can stay comfortably at our accommodation. We supportuniversity students with disabilities in the following ways:
Neurodiversity support. You don’t have to share anything with us if you don’t want to, that’s entirely up to you. However, if you need assistance, disclose it to us and we’ll be more than happy to help.
Accessibility. Our premises are designed to support those with disabilities – we have lifts, wide doors, adapted bathroom options and more to assist you. We can also assist for temporary disabilities – for example, if you break a leg, we can accommodate you.
Allergies. If you have any allergies, please do let us know, and we can advise you on how best to accommodate them.
Find out more about how Unite Students can help
How Unite Students can support you
We have dedicated on-site support, with friendly, well-trained teams that are there for those staying with us. Some of the things we have in place are:
Assistance with instalment plan changes should your circumstances change
Quiet spaces
Wellbeing rooms
Communal support
Accessibility features or reasonable adjustments
Social events, resident well-being programmes, and common room meetups.
We highly recommend attending these – getting involved in social activities is a great way to meet new people and find your community.
Speak to our support team if you’re worried about anything – big or small.
