Life at university can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that these feelings are normal, and many other students are often going through similar things. However, they can still have a considerable impact on your overall mental wellbeing, and so make sure to give yourself both the time and the right resources to work through these feelings.

You’re not alone in doing this - the University of Birmingham is here to help you, and we have a wide variety of worthwhile services available to you throughout your time as a student.

Self-Help Guides

Self-help guides can be an excellent option for those concerned about their mental health. Our self-help guides have been written by clinical psychologists, and provide suggestions for simple ways in which you can begin to make positive changes, tailored to a wide variety of issues.

The guides are accessible, easy to use and relatively short (20-30 pages). Each guide is also available as an audiofile – you may find listening an easier way to access the materials, especially if you are finding it hard to concentrate on written materials.

Follow this link to access our self-help guides. 

Wellbeing Officers

Each School has their own Wellbeing Officer(s), who are able to provide practical and emotional support for you if you are experiencing personal problems, particularly when these might interfere with your academic work. They can recommend sources of professional help and, if appropriate, will guide you through the extenuating circumstances process.

Find out how and when you can contact your school’s Wellbeing Officer(s).

University Chaplaincy

The Multi-Faith Chaplaincy offers an inclusive space for prayer, meditation, relaxation and worship, among many other activities. All students are welcome to visit, regardless of whether or not you’re religious.

Click here to find out more about and contact University Multi-Faith Chaplaincy.

Guild of Students

Guild Advice is a free, impartial and confidential advice service for students at the University of Birmingham; they’re always on hand if you need someone to talk to, and they offer practical advice on various subjects relating to student life. Advisors are available 12pm – 2pm, based in the ground floor of the Guild, and they specialise in the following issues: Academic, Housing, Finance, International Support and Wellbeing.

Click here to find out more about Guild Advice, including their contact details.

Pause Drop-In

The new Pause drop-in service is a comfortable, safe and open space on campus for mental health support, exclusively for University of Birmingham students. Based on Forward Thinking Birmingham’s own Pause service, you can drop in, no appointment needed, to access specialist support from their friendly team of qualified therapists and volunteers.

Find out more about Pause@UoB

Check-in Service

The check-in service is run by the University of Birmingham’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, and is available to all students at the University, regardless of whether or not you have used any of our support services previously. The 30 minute slots provide you with the opportunity to talk to one of our psychological practitioners about your personal concerns, and to find out more about the further support and resources available to help you get the most out of your time at university.

The check-in service is currently suspended due to restricted campus opening.