Starting university can be an exciting step, but adjusting to a new environment, workload and routine can also feel overwhelming at times. Here’s how to reach out for mental health support if you’re struggling.
Updated: 08 Jun 2026
Beginning university can be exciting. It’s a chance to meet new people, live more independently and experience a completely different environment.
At the same time, university can feel like a major transition. Homesickness, financial pressure, academic workloads and new relationships can all affect your mental wellbeing.
While it’s natural to feel nervous or overwhelmed during this time, it’s important to notice when negative feelings are starting to affect your daily activities – especially your studies. There’s plenty of support available, no matter how big or small the problem is.
Talking about your own mental wellbeing can be a scary thought, but the help available from your friends and family can make a real difference. The sooner you voice your worries or concerns; the sooner you start your journey to feeling better. If you’re anxious about how your friends or family might respond, just remember, they are there to support you, as you would support them.
Telling someone how you feel may bring an immediate sense of relief. Whether that’s a friend, a family member or a tutor, speaking to someone you trust can help resolve a decline in your mental health, and can often be one of the biggest steps towards feeling better.
If you feel you need more support, speaking to a GP can be a good next step.
For many of us our local GP is the first place we go when we’re feeling unwell – this should also be the case when experiencing mental ill health. If you’ve moved away from your family home, it’s crucial that you register with either your university GP, or a local GP practice close to your new home.
Your doctor can give you space to talk opening about how you’ve been feeling and can talk you through options that may be relevant to you, like talking therapies and/or medication.
Speaking to a medical professional about your mental health issues may feel like a daunting step but asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of, so don’t be afraid to make an appointment!
If you’re anxious about going alone, bring someone along with you, and if you’re nervous about sharing, try writing down what you want to say and handing it over to your doctor to read instead.
Sometimes everyone needs a bit of extra support and guidance during periods of change. If you feel you’re struggling to cope, most universities offer wellbeing, counselling or student support services that can help with mental health concerns.
Depending on your university’s student support services, mental health may fall under various sub categories. For example, counselling, disability, or wellbeing services. It’s important that you familiarise yourself with what your university has to offer to ensure you know how and where to seek support if you need it.
If you have an existing mental health problem, it can help to let your uni know so they can explain what support is available. Whether that’s on the application form, during your interview, or when you first arrive – it’s useful to inform them to ensure you continue to access the appropriate support when you start student life.
If you’re looking to understand how and why you’re feeling a certain way there’s a wealth of information online with advice on how to improve your mental wellbeing.
As well as your university offering in-house student support and wellbeing services, they may also offer external online self-help resources free of charge to students. It’s a good idea to speak to your university or visit their website to see what other resources they offer too.
Apps and online tools can help you understand what you’re experiencing and explore coping strategies or sources of support. They may provide a solution in themselves, they may also raise questions that you’d like to explore with a medical professional, or they may supplement other forms of help you receive.
University is a new and exciting chapter in your life, so take it as it comes and remember that your mental health is important. Remember, this is not something you have to go through alone. Acknowledging that you need help is a brave step in the right direction.
With a support network in place, your time at university can be extremely rewarding – don’t let barriers to seeking help stand in the way of achieving your goals!
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