# Student support and wellbeing at UK universities — what's available

> UK universities offer strong support: an international office, academic help, counselling and financial advice.

UK universities provide extensive support for international students: a dedicated international student office (visa, orientation, practical help), academic skills and English-language support, mental-health counselling and wellbeing services, disability and accessibility support, chaplaincy and faith provision, and money/financial advice. The students' union also offers independent advice and community. These services are usually free to enrolled students and confidential. Knowing they exist — and using them early — makes a real difference to a successful, healthy study experience.

## Quick facts
- **International office:** Visa, orientation, practical support
- **Wellbeing:** Counselling + mental-health services (free, confidential)
- **Academic:** Study skills, English support, disability support
- **Students' union:** Independent advice + community

## Key takeaways
- Every UK university has a dedicated international student office for visa and practical help.
- Free, confidential counselling and wellbeing services support your mental health.
- Academic skills, English-language and disability support are widely available.
- The students' union offers independent advice and a ready-made community.

## The support that's there for you
UK universities take student support seriously, and most services are free and confidential. A dedicated international student office helps with visa queries, orientation and day-to-day practicalities. Academic support includes study-skills workshops, English-language help and subject tutoring, while disability and accessibility teams arrange adjustments for those who need them. Wellbeing and counselling services support your mental health, and chaplaincy and faith provision serve many traditions. The students' union provides independent advice (including on housing and money) and a huge range of societies and community.

## Using support early makes the difference
Many international students wait until a problem is serious before seeking help — but these services work best used early, whether for a tricky essay, a visa question, money worries or simply feeling homesick. Reaching out is normal and expected, not a sign of failure. Familiarise yourself with what your university offers in your first weeks, and keep the international office's contact details handy. Study UK Now also stays in your corner throughout your journey, pointing you to the right support when you need it.

## Frequently asked questions
### What support do UK universities offer international students?
UK universities offer a dedicated international student office (visa and practical help), academic-skills and English-language support, free and confidential counselling and wellbeing services, disability and accessibility support, faith provision, and money advice, plus the students' union's independent advice and societies. Most services are free to enrolled students.

### Is university counselling free for international students in the UK?
Yes — university counselling and wellbeing services are generally free and confidential for all enrolled students, including international students. Waiting times vary, and your university can also signpost NHS mental-health services (available to you because you have paid the health surcharge) and external support. Reaching out early is encouraged.

## Sources
- [UKCISA — student support and wellbeing](https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/) — UKCISA

Canonical: https://studyuknow.com/guides/student-support-and-wellbeing-uk
Verified: 2026-06-16