Get the support you need

Supporting you on your student journey

At UAL, we know that student life can sometimes be challenging and there may be moments when you have doubts or concerns about how to deal with things affecting your studies.

We have a wide range of free, confidential, online and face-to-face services to help you through issues such as money concerns, visa questions, disability support, homesickness and accommodation, as examples. We want to provide the support you need in all areas of your life, not just academic, to ensure that your time at university is as fulfilling as it can be.

As new, or even returning students, you may not be aware of all the services we provide here, so we’ve put together this article to highlight some of our key support teams and programmes.

Special event:

Get the support you need Q&A, 18-19  November, UAL Instagram.

Join us on our Instagram page from 11am on Friday 18 November and ask us about the issues you need help with. From health and visas, to accommodation and academic language, we'll collect all your questions and respond on Friday 19 November from 2pm.

Community and wellbeing

We know how important a good sense of wellbeing is to help people thrive. If you’re new to the UK or London and want to create a new network of friends, why not contact  Arts SU? Their Companion Scheme will match you with another UAL student, who's also looking to meet people. Post-graduates can also join the Post-Grad Community which has an established and varied programme of events take place adjacent to your course that are designed to enrich your student experience through skill shares, networking, collaboration and new communities of practice.

If you are concerned about your mental health, you can speak to one of our trained counsellors, or use one of our services such as Togetherall. We offer 24 hour support. Be sure to make use of our Tell Someone form to report incidents and access support in relation to racism, bullying, harassment or sexual violence.

Special events:

Wellbeing Wednesday talk,  17 November, 6pm, online.

10 Toppest Tips for Flourishing at Uni from the Art of Being Brilliant. Learn how to successfully apply methods you have learnt in the past, enabling you to take positive charge of your own mental wellbeing.

Workshops and events from UAL's Counselling team, November - December

The Counselling team are providing free, online events designed to help you work through difficult thought patterns and behaviours and to develop your positive mindsets. Topics include Binge Eating, Boosting Motivation, Managing Anxiety, Sexual Consent, Feeling lost on your course, Feeling isolated, Feel Connected and Navigating New Beginnings. Simply sign up online to book your place, or email counselling@arts.ac.uk if you have questions about the workshops.

Health

Our Health Advice Service provides advice and information on registering with a doctor (GP) in the UK as well as other medical services, like opticians or dentists. It can also assist with questions or concerns about alcohol, drugs and smoking, healthy eating, physical wellbeing, infectious diseases and sexual health advice. We provide regular updates on how Covid-19 affects students, including our Community Pledge, mental health and sexual consent.

Special event:

The School of Sexuality Education,  1 December, 6pm.

Digital Intimacies and online dating

This session will look at people's experiences of online dating today and tackle common examples of simply frustrating - to highly problematic - behaviours online. It will explore how to navigate digital dating in an ethical way whilst still prioritising personal wellbeing, as well as signposting to relevant support services.

Disability and dyslexia

At UAL, we're committed to achieving inclusion and equality for disabled students. Our Disability Service works with students at the University to arrange adjustments and support. Contact us at any stage of your student journey.

Studying

It's true, studying at university level will make new demands on your existing skill sets. Take advantage of our resources to help your study smarter, including online support, face-to-face tutorials, workshops and events from Academic Support.

You can book for a Language Development tutorial and get help with your upcoming assignments, by working on your language for presentations, written reports, crits and research proposal skills. New tutorials are made available to book each week.

Why not join us online for an interactive and relaxed space to practice your English language skills? Language Cafés are ideal for students who are new to UAL, have an IELTS below 6.5. and wish to build their confidence in communicating in English.

Money

The cost of  new books, equipment and rent can soon add up .Talk to our Student Advice Service, or the Students' Union Advice Service for tips on making your money go further and you can find out if you are eligible for our Hardship Fund, or any of our help with fees and funding or bursaries.

Special event:

Personal Finances: An evening with The Money Charity, 8 November, 6pm.

This workshop from the Money Charity will help make personal finances not just an important topic, but also a fun one! It covers the essentials of staying on top of your money, including using money to achieve your goals, savings, tax, how to read a payslip, understanding credit, as well as financial products like banking and student finance.

Personal and online security

Read our top tips on staying safe online and on London's streets.

Jobs and careers

If you want to make money while you study, we can help out with that too. Our Careers and Employability team host a range of events and give customised careers advice. Our in-house agency, Arts Temps also lists exciting job opportunities for all UAL students and alumni, within UAL and with organisations across London.