Everything you need to know

Starting university is a new adventure that comes with lots of thrills and hardships, so it's important that you know where to go for support as and when you need it. 

From the ever-increasing workload to struggling to socialise, there are so many different obstacles you need to overcome as a student that you might not have considered. 

It's important to remember that everyone is in the same boat as you and it's normal to experience a range of problems whilst studying, so don't be afraid to seek support and help each other out.

Don't worry, we've got your back, here are some of the services we offer to lend you a helping hand through your university journey. 

Pastoral support in halls

Your hall has a team of students (subwardens) and staff (wardens) who are there to help in case you need it. Together, they provide help and guidance to ensure your personal and social wellbeing during your time in halls. They are a great first point of contact. They can provide initial help and guidance, and they can also help you access other support services at the School or in the local community.

Before you arrive you should consider informing us about anything that may impact your stay. We can help you manage your move so that you can get started in halls without a hitch. To do this, simply email: wardens@lse.ac.uk.

Take a look here for a full list of contacts in your hall. 

Student Counselling Service

If you find yourself in a negative headspace and struggling to cope with the pressures of university life, counselling might be a good option to explore. Freely express your emotions in a private and confidential space with our professional counsellors. Try not to sugar-coat your personal issues by being honest and open, our dedicated mental health team are here to help you work through them.  

To book an appointment, all you need to do is complete a wellbeing form and the team will contact you via your university email. They have lots of different support services available, including one-to-one and group sessions, workshops as well as links to external services. So you should be able to find a method that suits you. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service

This is another confidential support service dedicated to all disabled students, including those with physical impairments, health conditions, mental health conditions, learning difficulties and autistic spectrum conditions.

Depending on what you think would be best for you and what type of support is more accessible, you can choose between a Zoom meeting and face-to-face appointments on campus. You can speak to an advisor every weekday between 9:30am and 5pm, so be sure to contact them within these hours and fill out the appropriate forms for the best advice. 

Peer Support Scheme

Not only can you speak to trained professionals, you also have the option to chat to trained student volunteers. As a student, you might find it more comfortable to speak to others who have experienced university life before and can relate to your worries, struggles and feelings. 

So whether you're having problems with your course or need advice on making friends, they can offer valuable advice. If you have any specific needs that can't be met by our peer supporters, don't worry, they can guide you to other services that we offer where you can get more specialist support so you won't be left in the dark.

24/7 Support

One in four people experience a mental health issue each year. Sometimes, waiting for an appointment with one of our support teams might not be an option. If you or someone you know is in need of emergency and immediate help, you can receive support at any time by contacting our partners, Spectrum.Life. 

Whether you're having a difficult time dealing with stress, anxiety, financial worries, relationship problems and more, they're always on hand. All calls are answered by clinically trained counsellors or psychotherapists and your identity and personal details are always protected, so don't hesitate to get in touch. 

There are two ways to contact Spectrum.Life. You can call 0808 189 01 03 or, if you prefer typing over talking, you can text or WhatsApp message them on 00353 87390010. 

LSE LIFE

If the workload is getting on top of you and you're in need of some study support, our LSE LIFE team is who you need to see. From skills workshops to fun social events, you can find an open and welcoming space in the library where you can work with other students and lean on each other during stressful times.

If you find yourself needing some extra support, you can book personal appointments with our study advisors through the Student Hub. This is particularly handy if you want to develop your skills, prepare for an upcoming exam or need some guidance on your dissertation (we know how difficult it can be!). 

During your time at LSE, your main point of contact will be your academic mentor who will be monitoring your progress and wellbeing during your time with us. So if you would prefer to discuss issues related to your course, you can receive coaching and advice from them. They're always happy to help so when those impending deadlines seem to be coming at you full speed, don't be afraid to reach out. 

LSE Students' Union Advice Service

Don't forget about the Students' Union too! Here you can access free advice and support on a whole range of issues, such as study struggles, housing issues and money management.

At the moment, all appointments are only accessible via Zoom. But if you have any accessibility needs or simply would prefer a face-to-face session, you can email the team at su.advice@lse.ac.uk. 

If you're in need of an immediate response and don't mind filling in an online form, you can get general advice from the virtual advisor, simply click on the link and get started.