Tell Strathclyde

Something's not going to plan? Tell us

Most students hit a point where things get harder than expected - money, health, family, loneliness, deadlines, or just the weight of it all. It's normal. What matters is that you don't carry it alone, and that we know early enough to help you.

You don't need a crisis to get in touch, and you don't need to figure things out on your own. 

  • 7 in 10
    UK students report experiencing loneliness
    NPJ Mental Health Research
  • 1 in 6
    UK undergraduates report experiencing a mental health difficulty during their studies
    The Policy Institute at King's College London
  • 24/7
    Support available by phone via Spectrum Life wherever you are in the world

What's going on for you?

Two doors, one building

Whatever's going on, you're usually doing one of two things, and often both at once.

Tell Strathclyde

Letting us know

You need to notify someone. It might be an absence, a circumstance, something that's happened to you. This protects your place, your record and your options.

  • I need to miss class or an assessment
  • something's affecting my ability to study
  • I need to report an incident
  • my circumstances have changed

Ask Strathclyde

Finding out what to do

You need information. What are your options, where do you get help, is something possible? There's no judgment and no wrong question.

  • what support is available to me?
  • what happens if I take time away?
  • who do I talk to about this?
  • is what I'm feeling normal?

Find the right door

Spectrum Life

Spectrum.Life is available 24/7, no referral, available globally, no waiting. 

It is a wellbeing and student support platform that we partner with so that students can get 24/7 Student Support providing immediate high quality help and support from a team of counsellors and psychotherapists at the time you need it to help you navigate the challenges of university life feeling supported and with confidence.

You can also contact Spectrum Life by phone on:

  • UK: 08000318227
  • International: 00353 1 518 0277
  • WhatsApp ‘Hi’ to: 07418 360 780 
'Let's talk' Microsoft Teams drop-in

Whether you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed, struggling with your mental health, or simply unsure what support might help, Let's Talk provides an opportunity to have an informal conversation with one of our counsellors. You do not need to be in crisis or have a specific problem to attend. If something is affecting your wellbeing, we're here to listen.

Daily Monday to Friday, 3pm (UK time)

Who can attend? Any registered Strathclyde student (including University of Strathclyde, Bahrain)

Join on Microsoft Teams

  • ID: 385 223 382 784 494
  • Passcode: DU9cB6Tx

You can also find information about other current workshops, support, groups and same day help in the Disability and Wellbeing Service Events page. Whatever stage you are at in your student journey, we hope you'll find opportunities that support your wellbeing, build on your strengths and help you make the most of your time at Strathclyde.

Disability & Wellbeing Service

The Disability & Wellbeing Service has a range of advisers with specialist expertise in disability, health, mental health and counselling.

We offer a broad range of support to students with any disability, mental health and wellbeing related needs.
Students with concerns about their mental health or wellbeing can access initial support and advice from our Early Intervention Counselling Team. Referrals can be made by emailing the Disability & Wellbeing Service disability-wellbeing@strath.ac.uk or calling us on +44 (0)141 548 3402.

You can also come to our reception to refer to the service or get further information. We are based on Level 4 of the Mary Dunn Wing, Teaching & Learning Building.

Strathclyde Sport, Wellbeing & Support

Strathclyde Sport's Wellbeing & Support offers a variety of services designed to support you in improving and maintaining your wellbeing. Good wellbeing is about both physical and mental health. Our staff at Strathclyde Sport can help to introduce activity into your lifestyle and support you in sustaining it so you can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits. All one-to-one sessions are bookable online.

Suicide Safer Strathclyde

Are you feeling suicidal or worried about someone else? Suicide Prevention Scotland have a lot of helpful resources and advice if you're worried for yourself or someone else. 

If you feel that you need help now, please contact your GP. Your GP can provide further assessment of your symptoms, discuss treatment options and refer you to Specialist Services. If your GP is closed, their answerphone will direct you to the appropriate support service. Or you can call NHS 24 on 111. 

If it's an emergency situation, the following Emergency Services are available: 

  • Campus Security via calling +44 (0)141 548 2222
  • Emergency Services via calling 999
  • the Accident and Emergency Service nearest to the University is the Glasgow Royal Infirmary in Castle Street, Glasgow G4
  • call NHS 24 on 111 for Health Information & Self Care Advice

If you need to talk to someone, below is a list of supports that are available: 

  • get in touch with Samaritans on 116 123 or email  jo@samaritans.org anytime
  • text 'Shout' to 85258 for free confidential support (24/7 text service for anyone struggling with their mental health)
  • call Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 (all weekend and Monday to Friday 6pm to 2am) 

It may also be helpful for you to talk to a friend or family member

Shout textline

Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service. It's for anyone who is struggling to cope. Their trained volunteers are there for you 24/7 to listen and support you to get to a calmer and safe place. Shout is a free, confidential, anonymous service for anyone in the UK. It won’t appear on your phone bill.

If you’re feeling low, anxious, worried, lonely, overwhelmed, suicidal, or not quite yourself, their service is there to support you. To start a conversation, text the word 'SHOUT' to 85258. If your life is at imminent risk, please call the emergency services on 999.

International Student Support Team 

The University of Strathclyde's International Student Support Team (ISST) is here to help you make the most of your time here. They offer specialised guidance and can connect you with relevant university and external support services if you find yourself facing visa or personal challenges while studying with us.

Guided meditations

These guided meditations have been recorded by our chaplains.

Each pre-recorded meditation can be done at a time and place to suit you. They over topics such as:

  • Introduction to Meditation and Mindfulness
  • Loving Kindness
  • Sea Sunrise
  • Breathing with the Elements
  • Affirmations for Self Love
  • Meditations for self love
  • Heart Opening
  • Mindful breathing

Contact your department

If the deadline has passed you would normally contact the module team about a specific assessment or your department office for an exam. If you are not sure who to ask, please contact your department office. They can help you find the right person. You will receive specific programme contact details during induction. You can also find all departments at the bottom of the University website pages or ask the Student Experience Helpdesk to help you find the right person.

Extension requests

Extensions requests are managed in MyPlace for your specific modules. For extensions up to seven days, no supporting evidence is required so you do not need to submit anything further beyond the MyPlace request. For longer extension requests, evidence is required and you may need to submit evidence of your personal circumstances through the Pegasus system. Speak to your lecturer or department advisor if you can before the deadlines and they can help advise you. They can explain your options and help you decide what to do next. 

Personal Circumstances & Academic Mitigation

Sometimes things happen that can affect your studies, attendance, assessments, or exams. At Strathclyde, we call these personal circumstances. If this happens to you, support is available. If your attendance and/or performance in assessments/exams has been affected by acute, severe, or uncontrollable circumstances, you should record this using the personal circumstances facility in Pegasus. Speak to your lecturer or department advisor if you can and they can help advise you.  

Academic support via Learner Development Services

Learner Development Services (LDS) work with students and staff to support useful learning and research excellence through one-to-one consultations, classroom-based activities, drop-in tutorials, and online resources, offering advice on a range of academic practices, including:

  • mathematics & statistics
  • writing for assessments & research
  • organisation & time management
  • reading & notetaking
  • critical analysis & evaluation
  • exam preparation & performance
Strath Union Advice Hub

At the Strath Union Advice Hub, you can get advice on academic matters including appeals, assessments and exams, learning support and resources, personal circumstances, voluntary leave of absence and withdraw or transferring.

Student Money Support Team

The Student Money Support Team is here to help you navigate the financial side of student life, offering guidance, advice, and support to ensure that money issues don’t stand in the way of your studies.

The team provides a range of services to support you and your studies.

Strath Union Advice Hub

We know that money is one of the major considerations for students both before they start studying and throughout their time at Strathclyde. Knowing how you’re going to pay your fees, how much money you’ll need to live, what you’re entitled to access, and what you can do in a financial crisis will help make managing your money through the year a little easier. Visit the Strath Union Advice Hub.

Finance helpdesk

Living on a restricted budget can be challenging and unexpected things happen. If you experience or anticipate problems paying your tuition fees it’s best to contact our Finance Helpdesk team as soon as possible. 

The Finance Helpdesk team are located on Level 4 of the Learning & Teaching Building and as well as visiting in person you can contact them by email at finance-helpdesk@strath.ac.uk or by telephoning +44 (0)141 548 4500.

Jamie's Pantry (Strath Union)

Jamie's Pantry, formerly The Strath Pantry, was created to help tackle food insecurity within the University of Strathclyde community. Spearheaded by Jamie Campbell (VP Community 2024–2025), the Student Experience Committee and supported by the Strathclyde Alumni Development Fund, the pantry provides free access to food items and toiletries for any student or staff member in need.

Located on the second floor of the Union building, above Roasters in the Tiny Changes Space, the pantry is open to all and completely free to use.

Careers & Employability Service

For advice and support on finding and applying for part time jobs, use the Careers and Employability Service. You can see vacancies, make appointments and find workshops on finding part time jobs on MyCareerHub . Log in using your DS login.

Strath Union JobShop

The StrathUnion JobShop advertises part-time jobs, UK and International seasonal work, part-time vacancies on campus, any internships, and ALL job opportunities within the Strath Union & Sports Union.

Strath Union groups

Strath Union has around 200 student-led societies, for a huge range of student communities. You can find a society for your course, hobby, or identity, and if you can't find the society that you're interested in The Union can support you to start a new one. 

Joining a society is a great way to have fun, try new things, and connect with like-minded people. New members are welcome at any point in the year, not just Freshers' Week

Faith & spirituality groups

There are lots of University and local groups to help you find link-minded people. 

Spectrum Life

Spectrum.Life is available 24/7, no referral, available globally, no waiting. 

It is a wellbeing and student support platform that we partner with so that students can get 24/7 Student Support providing immediate high quality help and support from a team of counsellors and psychotherapists at the time you need it to help you navigate the challenges of university life feeling supported and with confidence.

Report & Support

All students and staff can use the Report and Support form to report problematic behaviours such as harassment, Gender-Based Violence, racist incidents, stalking, discrimination, or to raise concerns about safety, and issues that undermine our inclusive University. Safe360° brings together national guidance with our university policies and procedures and promotes support for our diverse community of students, staff and anyone involved in university activity. 

Reports are reviewed daily Monday to Friday except during University closures.

If you need urgent assistance or assistance outside office hours, please contact University Security: +44 (0)141 548 2222 (Emergencies) +44 (0)141 548 3333 (Non-emergencies).

Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis

Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis SCIO are here to support women and girls in the Glasgow and Clyde area who have experienced rape or sexual violence. Whether it happened to you recently or at any time in your past, they listen without judgement and provide the help you need.

Archway

Archway Glasgow is a Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS).

You don’t need a GP or other healthcare professional to refer you to a SARCS, you can do this yourself.

A dedicated NHS service specialising in caring for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted. People can access our care with or without police involvement. The service is appointment-only but phones lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you call, there’s no obligation to make an appointment – we can discuss your choices and give you time to think them over. Call +44 (0)141 211 8175 any time, day or night.

International Student Support Team

The University of Strathclyde's International Student Support Team (ISST) is here to help you make the most of your time here. We offer specialised guidance and information on study-related immigration, helping you navigate visa applications and requirements and we can also help if you are facing personal issues or challenges. We can connect you with relevant university and external support services. Don't hesitate to reach out; we're here to support you every step of the way.

International students with families

Moving to the UK with your family to study can feel difficult. You are not alone. There is information and support to help you and your family settle in.

Student Experience Helpdesk

Need help navigating your academic journey at the University of Strathclyde? The Student Experience Helpdesk is here for you. Your first stop for guidance, signposting, and direct referrals to specialist services across the University. Whether you’re looking for your academic development, financial support, wellbeing support, or to raise a safety concern, we’re here to connect you with the right team quickly and confidently.

Contact your department office, programme team or supervisor

If you are not sure who to ask, please contact your department office, programme team or supervisor. They can help you find the right person. You will receive specific programme contact details during induction. You can also find all departments at the bottom of the University website pages or ask the Student Experience Helpdesk to help you find the right person.

Need to speak to somebody on Bahrain campus?

You can visit the Bahrain campus reception, email bahrain@strath.ac.uk or call +973 7766 7667.

Strath Union Advice Hub

The Strath Union Advice Hub is your independent and confidential advice service, run by professional staff advisers who can support you on matters related to your studies, housing, and funding and finance. All Strathclyde students at any level of study can approach us to chat about options and get our advice on everything from course transfers and appeals to council tax and tenancy checks to student funding and emergency financial support. We can also signpost you to specialist areas of advice such as visas and debt.

Spectrum.Life

24/7, no referral, available globally, no waiting. 

Spectrum.Life is a wellbeing and student support platform that we partner with so that students can get 24/7 Student Support providing immediate high quality help and support from a team of Counsellors and Psychotherapists at the time you need it to help you navigate the challenges of university life feeling supported and with confidence.

Lost something or something seems off?

Contact Security Services for Lost Property at the base of the Livingston Tower. If you need to tell us about something suspicious, vandalism or feel unsafe, contact Security on +44 (0)141 548 2222 or use the SafeZone App. Whenever you need support, the SafeZone app allows you to send location-based alerts to the University's Security team from your mobile device. Download it now so it’s ready if you need it. This is currently in use on the Glasgow John Anderson campus but will be extended in future.  

Are you in need of immediate first aid on our Glasgow campus?

Our security staff are fully trained first-aiders. We can also help you access the emergency services or police, if necessary. Find them at Security Services at the base of the Livingstone Tower, contact by phone on +44 (0)141 548 2222.

You can also raise the alarm for First Aid and emergency help using the SafeZone app. This is a safety & security app-based service, currently available to staff and students based at the Glasgow campus, with plans to roll this out more widely across the University. Whenever you need support, the SafeZone app allows you to send location-based alerts to the University's Security team from your mobile device. Download it now so it’s ready if you need it. 

Contact your department office, programme team or supervisor

If you are not sure who to ask, please contact your department office, programme team or supervisor. They can help you find the right person. You will receive specific programme contact details during induction. You can also find all departments at the bottom of the University website pages or ask the Student Experience Helpdesk to help you find the right person.

Extension requests

Extensions requests are managed in MyPlace for your specific modules. For extensions up to seven days no supporting evidence is required so you do not need to submit anything further beyond the MyPlace request. For longer extension requests, evidence is required and you may need to submit evidence of your personal circumstances through the Pegasus system. Speak to your lecturer or department advisor if you can before the deadlines. They can explain your options and help you decide what to do next.

Personal Circumstances & Academic Mitigation

Sometimes things happen that can affect your studies, attendance, assessments, or exams. At Strathclyde, we call these personal circumstances. If this happens to you, support is available. If your attendance and/or performance in assessments/exams has been affected by acute, severe, or uncontrollable circumstances, you should record this using the personal circumstances facility in Pegasus. Speak to your lecturer or department advisor if you can and they can help advise you. 

Student Carers

Do you look after a family member or a friend in an unpaid capacity, who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem, or addiction, cannot cope without your support?

At Strathclyde, we understand how difficult it can be to balance studying with caring responsibilities, and are dedicated to identifying and supporting student carers and to helping you succeed. We can offer you a range of support, even before you submit an application to us - just let us know that you are a carer!

Care Experienced students

The Strathclyde Cares programme helps students from care throughout their Higher Education journey. We're here to help you from pre-application to studying and from graduation to beyond. Strath Union also supports the Strathclyde care experienced and estranged students society, which is a free society for all students who are care experienced or estranged to support, empower, connect and celebrate care experienced and estranged students.

Estranged students

At the University, we recognise that studying in the absence of family support can be difficult, and may cause you to worry about finances, accommodation and emotional support. We have a range of support services available for estranged students, and also a named contact who can support you through your transition to University and throughout your studies.

Strath Union also supports the Strathclyde care experienced and estranged students society, which is a free society for all students who are care experienced or estranged to support, empower, connect and celebrate care experienced and estranged students.

Campus Nursery

Our nursery is based right in the heart of campus. Whether you're at Strathclyde to study or work, you can rest easy knowing your little one(s) aren't far.
We're a welcoming and friendly bunch and provide a happy and supportive environment where your child can thrive.

Gender-based violence & Safe 360°

At Strathclyde, your safety, health, and well-being are always our top priority. We want you to have a wonderful experience in every way while you're here with us at Strathclyde. We promote gender equality and do not tolerate any form of Gender-based Violence (GBV) or abusive behaviour. We do not stand for rape culture, and there is no place here for a culture that reinforces misogynistic attitudes. Safe360° is the University of Strathclyde’s safeguarding framework outlining our shared commitment to the care and protection of all who use our services. 

Report & Support

All students and staff can use the Report and Support form to report problematic behaviours such as harassment, Gender-Based Violence, racist incidents, stalking, discrimination, or to raise concerns about safety, and issues that undermine our inclusive University. Safe360° brings together national guidance with our university policies and procedures and promotes support for our diverse community of students, staff and anyone involved in university activity. 

Reports are reviewed daily Monday to Friday except during University closures.

If you need urgent assistance or assistance outside office hours, please contact University Security: +44 (0)141 548 2222 (Emergencies) +44 (0)141 548 3333 (Non-emergencies).

Jamie's Pantry

Jamie's Pantry, formerly The Strath Pantry, was created to help tackle food insecurity within the University of Strathclyde community. Spearheaded by Jamie Campbell (VP Community 2024–2025), the Student Experience Committee and supported by the Strathclyde Alumni Development Fund, the pantry provides free access to food items and toiletries for any student or staff member in need.

Located on the second floor of the Union building, above Roasters in the Tiny Changes Space, the Pantry is open to all and completely free to use.

Childcare Fund Scholarships

Full-time eligible students attending the University will be able to apply for assistance with registered childcare costs through the Childcare Fund. To qualify, children must be under 15 years old, or under 17 if they have special educational needs.

Childcare Fund awards are granted in addition to any other funding a student receives. To be eligible for support from the Childcare Fund for registered childcare, students must be in receipt of their full SAAS funding package. This includes tuition fees, the full living-cost loan, and the special support loan.  Find out what you may be eligible to apply for.

International students with families

Moving to the UK with your family to study can feel difficult. You are not alone. There is information and support to help you and your family settle in.

I need help right now - safety, first-aid or emergency

On campus Glasgow

Call Security, available 24/7 on 0141 548 2222 or raise the alarm using the SafeZone app.

Emergency now?

Call emergency services on 999 (UK & Bahrain).

Anywhere, anytime

Call Spectrum Life, available 24/7 on 0800 031 8227 or international on 00353 1 518 0277