Moving to University can be an overwhelming experience

It's normal to feel stressed from time to time. The University of Leicester has plenty of support options available should you need additional support during your time at university.

Spectrum.Life (Student Assistance Programme)

When the time feels right, you may feel the need to reach out for emotional or practical support. The Spectrum.Life Student Assistance Programme (SAP) provides free, confidential service for concerns big or small.

Their qualified and experienced counsellors are ready to listen and provide guidance, whether you are looking for emotional support or practical advice. Spectrum.Life also has qualified legal advisors who can assist with legal matters.

The SAP is available 24/7, meaning help is always accessible at a time that suits you. They provide guidance and support for issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, relationships, finance, legal matters, health, work, and LGBTQ+ concerns.

How to get support from Spectrum.Life:

• Phone: Call the 24/7 UK Freephone helpline at 0800 031 8227.
• Smartphone App: Download the 'Spectrum.Life' app. To sign up, enter the unique university organisation code: LEWELL. The app provides an enhanced set of wellbeing tools and engaging features designed to improve both mental and physical health by using personal metrics to set goals.
• Web Portal: You can access 24/7 wellbeing content and log in via the online portal at spectrum.life (or through https://app.spectrum.life/login).

Counselling and Wellbeing

Our Student Counselling Service offers a wide range of free and confidential services to any students who need them – including individual counselling, therapeutic group sessions, a well-stocked resource library and workshops covering issues such as exam stress. We encourage you to get in contact with us before you arrive so that we can make preparations in advance, however you can, of course, access the service at any time during your time at Leicester. You can come in and make an appointment in person in the Charles Wilson Building reception or book an appointment online.

• e: wellbeing@le.ac.uk
• t: +44 (0)116 223 1780

Residence Life Support

Our Residential Advisers (RAs) in your halls and the residential managers are specially trained in student support and signposting to university and community services that are best placed to help you. If you are unsure what to do or need a chat with a member of our team about a problem you are having, drop in to your site reception or get in touch with us:

• Oadby Student Village - ra-oadby@le.ac.uk  or  +44 (0)116 223 1493
• City Living - ra-city@le.ac.uk  or  +44 (0)116 223 1485

Report & Support 

Are you worried about a friend, a flatmate, a course mate or just someone you see regularly? For instance, have you been noticing someone’s behaviour changing that is worrying you, or maybe you think someone needs support but you don’t know how to help them?

You are able to let us know about something that has happened to you or someone you know, either anonymously or by leaving your contact email, by answering the questions on the reporting system at reportandsupport.le.ac.uk or by emailing concerned@le.ac.uk to report your concern and to receive support from our designated safeguarding officers.

Students' Union Advice Service

Whether it’s course-related, queries with accommodation or personal problems - the Students' Union can give you invaluable, confidential and impartial advice. What's more, it's free! Independent of the University, they will listen, consider your circumstances and advise you on the best route to take.

• e: advice@le.ac.uk
• t: +44 (0)116 223 1132

Samaritans

Samaritans is a charity aimed at providing support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom. They offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal.

• Call Samaritans for free 24/7 on: 116 123
• e: jo@samaritans.org

Speak to your GP

If you've noticed changes in the way you are thinking or feeling that concern you or cause you distress, you should consider going to see your GP. It can be daunting to speak to someone that you may not know well about your mental health, but most people find that speaking to their GP and the help and support they receive from them, can make all the difference.

You can contact your GP surgery directly to make an appointment. Most students at the University of Leicester will choose to register with Victoria Park Health Centre next to the university campus.