How to find help and support when you need it

Studying at university can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also come with some challenges and difficulties. Whether you need help with your academic work, your mental health and wellbeing, your finances, or any other aspect of student life, there are lots of support services available to help you.

Here are some tips on how to access them and what they can offer.

Help and advice

There are lots of resources and information available to support you. Our For Students website provides the right help when you need it. You’ll find information about health concerns, disability support and more. 

You can also get professional and confidential support and advice through Leeds University Union’s student advice team. The Union also provides peer-to-peer support through student-run helplines and online community groups. All their help is free and completely independent of the University.

Supporting your studies

You’ll be assigned an academic personal tutor who you’ll meet regularly throughout your studies. They will help you adjust to studying at university and guide your academic and personal development. 

Mental health and wellbeing

You can access free professional and confidential counselling, wellbeing and mental health support through groups, workshops, single-session consultations, short-term counselling and online self-help resources.  

If you need longer term support or treatment, we’ll help you find the most appropriate National Health Service (NHS) or voluntary sector services.

Support for disabled students 

If you’re a disabled student, we’ll work with your academic school and other University services to ensure that we meet your needs and put in place any reasonable adjustments to support you with your studies.

Additional funding might be available to pay for specialist academic-related support and equipment. Don’t wait until you start your course; email Disability Services via disability@leeds.ac.uk so we can discuss your needs and additional arrangements.

Support for care-experienced or estranged students

If you are currently in care, have experience of being in care or are estranged from your parents (meaning you have no relationship or physical or financial support from them), you could benefit from extra support. Find out more on our care-experienced and estranged students page.

Multi-faith campus

There are spaces on campus for prayer and quiet contemplation. If you practise a faith, you can be confident you’ll be able to follow your beliefs in Leeds.  

Leeds University Union's clubs include faith-related student societies you can join. 

International student support 

We’ve been welcoming international students for over 100 years, so you can be sure of experienced help and support. 

Before you arrive 

Our team of immigration experts can give you free advice on immigration law and requirements. They can also help you with the visa application process.

We have overseas offices in China, Nigeria, South Asia and Southeast Asia, as well as a global network of representatives who can advise you about studying here. Find out how to contact a representative in your country or region. 

Our prepare for Leeds pages will help you arrange your journey to Leeds.

Arriving in Leeds 

We offer a range of arrival support services for students arriving in Leeds for the first time, including an airport pick-up service from Leeds Bradford and Manchester Airports on key dates.

You will also be invited to international orientation, a free programme of talks, tours, events and social activities to help you settle into life in Leeds. This is the ideal way to find out more about the opportunities available at Leeds, meet people and start making connections. 

Remember, you are not alone and there is always someone who can help you. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it can make a big difference to your experience and wellbeing at university.