Student news

We all know that the pandemic has brought mental health challenges for students at Oxford this year. The combination of COVID restrictions and larger than usual numbers of undergraduate and graduate students, in a setting which is fast changing and uncertain, has produced a difficult mix. The University has seen a significant uplift in demand for our welfare services, both in term-time and vacation; and a blurring of the lines between the two. With the country in lockdown, and a constrained winter break ahead, achieving mental balance can seem as distant as next summer.

Managing Panic Attacks 

Are you experiencing episodes of extreme anxiety? Learn what causes panic attacks and gain practical strategies to manage them using a CBT approach.

Friday 20 November 10:30am-11:45am

Relaxation in COVID Times 

Do you feel stressed and tense? Learn techniques to relax and restore a sense of wellbeing. 

Thursday 3 December 5.15pm-6.30pm

Reducing Digital Distraction 

Following the UK Government's announcement on Wednesday 11 November about plans for the end of term, the University has published the latest information about arrangements for Oxford students for the Christmas vacation.

There's still some detail to be confirmed, but our new, dedicated page will be updated as this becomes clear.

The University and Oxford SU are continuing to work together to get a better understanding of your studying and other experiences during the pandemic this term.

In recent months we have seen individuals across society respond very differently to government directives regarding social distancing and other COVID-19 safety measures: for example, the requirement to wear masks, pedestrian ‘one-way’ systems, limitations on social gathering, etc.

National restrictions are effective from today, Thursday 5 November.

Detailed guidance on how the restrictions impact students is available on the national restrictions page of the University's COVID-19 response site.

As of Saturday 31 October, the Oxford City area is currently in the ‘High’ or Tier 2 COVID-19 alert level. In line with Government guidance, the University will continue to remain open and operating with no changes to teaching while these local restrictions are in place.

The Task Force will have representation from across the University, colleges and Oxford SU, addressing the increased demand on welfare services and how we can reduce the impact of the pandemic on students' mental health.

Most of us recognise households, or 'bubbles', as a practical necessity during COVID-19, enabling us to have close social, academic and other contact while mitigating the risk of infection and protecting the community as a whole. In addition to the obvious benefits, household membership may bring other benefits—for example, making it less overwhelming to find your way into such a large new community, and encouraging the development of deeper relationships versus a larger number of more superficial ones. However, life in a household may also present significant challenges.