Being a student can be both challenging and rewarding, but difficulties can get in the way. On this page you’ll find helpful information about university booklets, books and external organisations that offer specialised support.
Resources and information to support your wellbeing
Expert guidance and resources to help you through the challenges of student life.
Mind Matters booklets
Have a look at the following Mind Matters booklets for information and guidance on issues that may be affecting you.
Helpful podcasts and apps
Podcasts
Topical discussions on a range of subjects including mental health and wellbeing.
- Happy place podcasts
- Our mental wellness | University of Oxford podcasts
- Really queer
- Red table talks
- Therapy for Black girls
Apps
- Blue Ice (Self-harm)
- CALM (Meditation/mindfulness)
- Catch It (Depression)
- DistrACT (Self-harm/support services)
- Headspace (Meditation/mindfulness)
- How we feel (Mindfulness)
- Moodgym (Depression/anxiety)
- StayAlive (Suicidal prevention)
- Additional mental health apps
Self-help book scheme
The Counselling Service, in collaboration with the Library, have set up the Library Wellbeing Collection to help you tackle life’s ups and downs.
The Library Wellbeing Collection aims to help you find self-help books that can empower and guide you when dealing with emotional difficulties such as:
- bereavement
- anxiety
- mild depression
- homesickness
- relationship problems
- fear of failure
There is good evidence to suggest that books really can help us with emotional difficulties. The Library Wellbeing Collection can increase your understanding of the issues you face and help you tackle them successfully.
You might also find it helpful to watch this short promotional video about the Wellbeing Collection.
What books are available?
Browse the resources in the collection.
Let us know what you think
We'd like to hear your feedback on any of the books in the Library Wellbeing Collection, and welcome any recommendations of titles that have helped you and might help others. Comments and recommendations can be sent anonymously via the Counselling Service.
Need more help or advice?
You might find the books helpful on their own or they may be just the first step in identifying and tackling a problem.
If reading the books leads to strong emotions or you'd like to talk to someone for more advice, get in touch with our Counselling Service or your GP.
External resources
There are many other helpful resources available, have a look at the following list for information and guidance on issues that may be affecting you. The inclusion of these links does not imply any endorsement of the sites or services from the University, and they are listed only for reference.
Addiction
Lifeworks – Guide to free addiction helplines in the UK.
Alcohol and drugs
Alcoholics Anonymous – Support for those who want to stop drinking from people who have stopped.
Bereavement
Cruse Bereavement Care – A national bereavement counselling organisation offering free individual, couple, family and group support.
Depression
The Royal College of Psychiatrists – Website providing in-depth information on dealing with depression. The RCP also run the Men Behaving Sadly project.
Samaritans – Help and support for anyone feeling low, depressed or suicidal.
Students against depression – A range of self help strategies for tackling depression.
Eating disorders
FREED is First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders. It is a service for 16 to 25-year-olds who have had an eating disorder for three years or less. Please ask your GP/doctor to refer you.
Gambling
Gamcare – Gamcare provides confidential counselling, advice and information for anyone experiencing or affected by a gambling problem.
General mental health
NHS resources - Advice and information on looking after your mental health.
British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) – Information on behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy services in the UK.
British Association of Psychotherapists – A psychotherapy organisation offering full and reduced cost therapy services.
Counselling directory – A comprehensive guide for information on counselling organisations and other sources of help.
For young people - Best For You - an NHS-approved directory of the support services/apps available to young people in Central and North West London areas.
Good Thinking – NHS approved apps and resources
Kooth – Kooth PLC is a digital mental health and wellbeing company working to provide a welcoming space for digital mental health care, available to all.
London Nightline – A confidential listening, support and information service run by students for students. Runs every night of term from 6.00pm to 8.00am.
Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy Centre – Psychotherapy and counselling for people from ethnic and cultural minorities. Free psychodynamic counselling sessions for people living in Islington, Enfield, Camden and Haringey.
OCD Action – Support for those affected by obsessive compulsive disorders.
Tavistock Centre: Young People's Consultation Service – Psychodynamic counselling service for people aged between 16-30 years.
The Listening Place – Face-to-face support for those experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Thrive LDN – Wellbeing resources and free training
Sexual health, sexuality and relationships
Brook Advisory Service – A service specializing in sexual health, relationships and pregnancy counselling for people up to 25 years of age.
Gay and Lesbian: London Friend – Confidential advice and counselling for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.
The Havens – Help and support for victims of sexual assault.
Karma Nirvana – Supporting those affected by forced marriage and honour-based abuse.
Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line – Support and guidance for those who have been raped or sexually abused. Call +44 020 8683 3300
Terrence Higgins Trust – Counselling on an individual and family basis for people affected by HIV and AIDS.
Religion
Muslim Youth Helpline – Confidential help for young Muslims. Call +44 0808 808 2008 (Freephone).