This article will introduce you to some (but not all) of the wellbeing support available. You can find a complete list of all the available support – from academic to financial – on our support services MySurrey page.
To ensure that you’ll be well and supported at Surrey, the Centre for Wellbeing offers a range of services. If something is bothering you, it’s important, and our multidisciplinary team can work in a range of ways to support you. To access these services, the first step is to complete the online registration form.
Mental health
The Centre for Wellbeing can offer free confidential support and advice for mental, emotional and psychological issues. For students with severe and enduring mental health concerns or those engaging with external mental health services, our mental health team can support you and join up your care to help you get the most from your studies.
Counselling
We provide what’s called one-at-a-time (OAAT) focused counselling, meaning exactly that - we offer you one appointment at a time, at the time you need it. Whatever your issue, your counsellor will help you understand it fully, gain new perspectives and generate solutions to try out straight away.
If in the session you and your counsellor decide that OAAT is not sufficient for you then the necessary steps to ensure your support will be agreed together.
Disability and Neurodiversity
Our Disability and Neurodiversity team provides support to all students at the University of Surrey with a disability as defined by The Equality Act (2010).
If you think you may have a Specific Learning Difference, but have never received a formal diagnosis, you can book a Quick Query appointment with a Disability Adviser to have a chat about how the service could help.
The Students’ Union Support Zone led by the VP Support, Oriana Savvidi, can assist you with your mental and physical wellbeing, as well as academic support.
Nightline
Nightline is the Union’s confidential listening service, run by student volunteers. You can talk to them about any problem, big or small, in complete confidence. They won’t judge or advise you, they are there to listen and support you through whatever you’re going through.
Nightline is available 7pm – 7am, Monday to Friday, during term time by phone or the online chat service on the Students’ Union website.
Student Minds
Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity.
There are two groups - Positive Minds and Motivate Me (otherwise known as Eating Difficulties Support Group) – which are led by trained student volunteers and offer a non-judgemental, safe and confidential space for you to discuss your thoughts and feelings. The Surrey Student Minds Instagram has links to a ton of resources and information about their upcoming support groups.
Bereavement support group
The bereavement support group is organised by the Students’ Union and facilitated by the University Chaplaincy in a pastoral manner but with no religious connection or connotations.
It’s run exclusively for students experiencing grief and it’s a space to reflect or openly discuss thoughts and feelings with peers going through a similar experience. You can book in-person and online sessions now.
There are a range of welfare and support resources you can access whilst you are living in halls of residence to make sure that you are living comfortably, safely and happily.
Our Residential Life team are here to help you make the most out of your time in University accommodation and are available to help you navigate any challenges that you may come across. students.
While you are in University residences, a Peer Support Ambassador will try and visit you to say hello and answer any questions you may have about student life. If you don’t catch them in person during the first few weeks of term, you can contact them by email. The Online Peer Support service is also available to all students, and they are keen to support you whatever stage you’re at in your university life.
Young Adult Safe Haven
The Haven is a safe place for young adults to talk openly and confidentially about their feelings and emotions with peers and young adult support workers and offers an alternative to A&E.
Safe Haven in Guildford is located at: Oakleaf Enterprise, 101 Walnut Tree Close, GU1 4UQ Open 5pm-9pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Samaritans
is a charity that focuses on reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection. The volunteers make sure that there is someone available 24/7 for anyone in need.
Samaritans has a location in Guildford: 69 Woodbridge Road, GU1 4RD.
You can also text this location free from any phone: 116 123.
The Surrey Solace Centre SARC
The Solace Centre offers free support and practical help to anyone in Surrey who has experienced sexual violence and/or abuse. The SARC offers counselling, emotional support and ISVAs (Independent Sexual Violence Advisors). The SARC will, with your consent, also obtain and preserve forensic evidence for up to 2 years for you, with no obligation to report to the police or the University.
You can call them free on 0300 130 3038. If you feel you need to visit the SARC, the Students’ Union and University are able to pay the costs of your taxi fare. Please email the Centre for Wellbeing with your name and bank details, then attach proof of your journey such as a receipt or Uber screenshot.
Give shout a message
Shout is a free, 24/7 mental health text support service in the UK. You can text 'SHOUT' to 85258 to speak to a trained volunteer.
The University offers you free and confidential support services to make sure you are as happy and successful as possible during your time at Surrey. We also partner with the Students Union to bring you additional services.