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Feeling unsure about starting university?

Three students looking at a mobile phone together.

2 – 6 November Starting university can be exciting, but it's also normal to experience challenges as the term progresses, whether that's feeling homesick, stressed, a little lost or simply finding it harder to adjust than expected. During Wobble Week, support services from across King's will come together to offer activities, advice and opportunities to connect with others, helping you look after your wellbeing and feel supported through the semester. There's a range of activities going on, from crafting to mindfulness and drop-ins to chat to other students.

Find out what's on during Wobble Week and get involved

Support for students

King’s is committed to supporting your health and wellbeing. We understand that wellbeing can mean different things to each person and at different times, which is why we have a range of services to support you depending on your needs. If you need help now you can call Student Services on (+44) 020 7848 1234 from 08.00–18.00, Monday to Friday, or log a case using our online system. Visit our crisis support page for help outside of these times or if you need urgent support.

How can I contact King's Answers?Student Services: log a case using our online systemCrisis support: need help now
Students talking

Looking after your wellbeing at university

Wellbeing is about more than the absence of illness. It includes how we feel emotionally, physically, socially and psychologically. Research consistently shows that wellbeing is strengthened by: • Feeling connected to others • Having a sense of belonging • Being physically active • Spending time in nature • Taking part in creative activities • Having opportunities to contribute and give back • Exploring meaning, identity, culture or faith • Accessing support when you need it At King's, we want to create an environment where all students can flourish and where wellbeing is supported across the whole university experience. There are many ways King’s can help you look after your wellbeing and set yourself up for academic, professional and personal success.

A group of students walking across Westminster Bridge.

Meeting people and finding your community

Two students talking.

Feeling connected to other people can make a real difference to how settled you feel at university. Whether that is through a shared interest, a faith community, peer support, or giving some of your time to something worthwhile, there are different ways to find people who make King's feel a bit more like home. There are many ways to build connections at King's: KCLSU King’s College London Students' Union offers a wide range of societies, sports clubs, events and volunteering opportunities that can help you develop friendships, interests and a sense of belonging. Peer support Sometimes it helps to talk with another student who understands the challenges and opportunities of university life. Peer support programmes can offer: • Informal guidance • Shared experiences • Signposting to support • Opportunities to build confidence and connection Student communities and networks King's is home to a diverse student community and at KCLSU there are over 400 societies, sports and other student activity groups. You may wish to connect with groups that reflect your interests, culture, identity or experiences.

KCLSUFind out more about KCLSU's peer support programmeBrowse KCLSU's student groups

Being active and looking after yourself

Moving your body and spending time outdoors can make a big difference to how you feel, even in small amounts. Whether through sport, casual activity, time in green spaces, or events and workshops, regular movement can support your: • Mood • Energy levels • Sleep • Stress management • Concentration and focus You don’t need to be highly active or sporty to experience these benefits. Remember that even a little movement and exercise each day will help. Taking time away from your desk, getting outside and incorporating movement into your routine can make a meaningful difference to wellbeing. Opportunities at King's include:

Gym and fitness facilitiesBeActive social activityKing's Move activity app and rewardsDiscover what King's offers in sport and wellness
beactive climbing 1560x880

Getting creative

Creative activity can be a good way to switch off, express yourself, and meet people who share your interests. Being in London means there is a lot to explore, from societies here at King's to galleries, music and theatre across the city. You might wish to get involved in the capital’s rich offering of music, theatre and performance, literature, visual arts and cultural events, or creative workshops or KCLSU activity groups at King’s. Creative participation can be valuable whether you consider yourself creative or are simply looking to try something new.

KCSLU activity groupsDiscover King's Culture
Students taking part in a Take Time Out craft activity

Faith, identity and purpose

Group of students sitting together

For many students, wellbeing is shaped by values, beliefs, culture, identity and sense of purpose. King's is committed to supporting students from all backgrounds and belief systems. Exploring questions of meaning, purpose and identity can be an important part of overall wellbeing. You can access:

Chaplaincy servicesPastoral supportPrayer and reflection spacesFaith societies and communities at KCLSUOpportunities for multi-faith engagementFind out more about the Chaplaincy

Volunteering and giving back

Contributing to something beyond ourselves can support wellbeing, confidence and connection. Volunteering can help you: • Meet new people • Develop skills • Build confidence • Gain experience valuable for career development • Strengthen your sense of purpose • Connect with local communities Whether you can commit regularly or only occasionally, volunteering opportunities are available across King's and through community partners.

Find opportunities through King's Volunteering
A group of students walk and talk outside

What might help right now?

Different things support our wellbeing at different times. You do not need to be experiencing a mental health difficulty to access support, activities or opportunities. If you'd like to meet people and feel more connected Feeling part of a community plays an important role in mental health and wellbeing. There are many ways to build connections at King's. You might want to explore: • KCLSU societies, activity groups, opportunities and events • Peer support • Volunteering opportunities • Faith and belief communities Whether you're new to London, an international student adjusting to life in the UK, a commuter student or simply looking to expand your social network, getting involved can help you build relationships, confidence and a sense of belonging.

KCLSU societies, activity groups, opportunities and eventsPeer supportVolunteering opportunitiesFaith and belief communities
Student visiting Student Services desk.

If you're feeling stressed or under pressure

Students on spiral staircase

Many students experience periods of stress during their studies. Academic deadlines, exams, financial concerns, placement requirements and major life changes can all affect wellbeing. You do not have to wait until things become serious before seeking support: simply contact the King’s Answers team and we’ll help get you to the support you need. You may find it helpful to access:

Wellbeing supportDigital gym and wellbeing resources from Spectrum.LifeKCLSU Wellbeing HubAcademic skills guidance and supportPersonal tutoringOther King's support services

If you're feeling lonely, isolated or homesick

Feeling lonely or disconnected is a common experience for many students, particularly during times of transition. If loneliness is beginning to affect your wellbeing, don't struggle with it alone. Support is available: simply contact the King’s Answers team and we’ll help get you to the support you need. You may benefit from:

Joining a society or student groupAttending campus eventsConnecting with peer support programmesSpeaking with a wellbeing adviserEngaging in volunteering opportunitiesRead our article: I'm lonely and homesick, what can I do?
Two students sitting on a ledge outside Boland House at Guy's campus

If you're looking for a break from studying

Rest, enjoyment and balance are important parts of wellbeing. Even small opportunities to connect, move, create or reflect can positively impact wellbeing. If you need to take a longer time away to look after yourself, remember that you also have the option to take an interruption and resume your studies later. You might want to explore:

King's Sport & WellnessCreative and cultural activitiesKing's VolunteeringStudent-led and other eventsFaith and belief communitiesKCLSU societies, activity groups, opportunities and events
Strand Campus.

If you're worried about your mental health

If your mental health is affecting your daily life, your studies or your relationships, or you feel worried about your ability to cope, support is available. You do not need a diagnosis to seek help. King's offers a range of wellbeing and mental health support services, and staff can help you identify the most appropriate support for your situation. If you're unsure where to begin, simply contact the King’s Answers team and we’ll help get you to the support you need.

Other King's support servicesKing's Answers
Student working in the library

Support services at King's

Alongside opportunities to support your wellbeing, King's provides a range of professional services to help you navigate challenges.

Wellbeing and mental health support

King's offers specialist wellbeing and mental health support for students experiencing emotional distress, mental health difficulties or challenges affecting your wellbeing. Support includes: • Wellbeing advice from advisers who know the specifics of your faculty • Mental health support • Practical guidance • Signposting to specialist provision • Support planning

Find out more about wellbeing support
Five King's students sitting together

Disability support

Student wearing sunflower lanyard and working on a laptop

If you have a disability, long-term health condition (including mental health), neurodivergence or specific learning difference, you can access dedicated support and adjustments.

Find out more about Disability Support

Academic support

Academic concerns can significantly impact wellbeing. Support may be available through: • Personal tutors • Programme teams • Study skills provision • Faculty support services

Two students walking through the library in the Hodgkins Building on Guy's Campus

Student advice and practical guidance

Two students looking at a laptop

Financial concerns, housing issues, immigration matters and personal circumstances can all affect wellbeing. King's can help connect you with appropriate guidance and support services. If you're unsure which service is right for you, simply contact the King’s Answers team and we’ll help get you to the support you need.

King's AnswersFind out about money adviceFind out about housing advice

Support for specific situations

You may wish to seek support if you're experiencing: • Anxiety or low mood • Loneliness or homesickness • Academic pressure or exam stress • Financial worries • Bereavement • Relationship difficulties • Harassment or discrimination • Disability-related challenges • Difficulties adjusting to university life • Concerns about a friend • Challenges relating to identity, faith or belonging Whatever the issue, you do not have to navigate it alone. Don’t forget: simply contact the King’s Answers team and we’ll help get you to the support you need.

King's Answers
Student working alone on a laptop

Urgent mental health support

If you feel at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, or require emergency assistance, contact emergency services by calling 999.

Access more information about crisis support

Supporting a friend

If you're concerned about another student, you do not need to carry that responsibility alone. You can: • Check in with them and listen without judgment • Encourage them to seek support • Signpost them to appropriate services • Contact university support services if you're worried about their safety or wellbeing If you're unsure what to do, simply contact the King’s Answers team for advice and guidance.

Read more about how to help another studentKing's Answers
Students sitting together chatting

We're here to help

Everyone's experience of university is different. Your wellbeing matters whether you're thriving, struggling, somewhere in between, or simply looking for ways to stay well. You do not need to know exactly what support you need before reaching out. Don’t forget: simply contact the King’s Answers team and we'll help you find the right information, service, opportunity or support for your situation. No question is too small, and you don't need to be in crisis to get in touch.

King's Answers

Find out more

Support for staff

King’s is committed to prioritising the welfare and wellbeing of staff