A common approach to student mental health

We recognise the strong links between a student's educational opportunities, feeling part of social groups, maintaining healthy lifestyles, financial security, access to green spaces and ongoing positive mental wellbeing. Our approach to teaching, learning, college life and overall student experience supports good mental health through encouraging students to embrace new experiences, explore academic and wider interests and to thrive and grow, reflecting the University Mental Health Charter’s Principles of Good Practice.

However, we know that there are likely to be periods of challenge and stretch, and we understand the importance of timely access to welfare support, which may include specialist services for students experiencing serious mental health difficulties or mental health problems.

Introducing the Common Approach

The University's Common Approach to Support Student Mental Health explains how we provide holistic mental health support during your studies.

The Common Approach was created to ensure that each student at Oxford can receive excellent support, regardless of their course or college. We want to make sure that all students have the support and tools to look after their wellbeing, and the Common Approach helps achieve this by letting you know the resources available to you, what you can expect, and who you can ask for help.

Your college is your community

This is where you can make connections with your immediate community: friends, Peer Supporters, common rooms, college events, sport, clubs, and societies all contribute to the social connectedness that support good mental health. Your college also has a welfare team, including a Welfare Lead, and a Disability Coordinator - though all staff from tutors and supervisors to lodge porters are essential to supporting you as part of your college life. You can find out who these contacts are from your college. Your tutors can also refer you to appropriate support. 

Your department supports your wellbeing

Your department also promotes academic and personal development. The Common Approach expects that each department has a welfare contact – this person can help point you in the right direction if you need welfare support, and a Disability Coordinator. Your department’s welfare contact and Disability Coordinator - both should be listed on the department website. Your supervisor(s) can also signpost or refer you to appropriate support.

The University's Student Welfare and Support Services is here to help

If you’re struggling with your mental health and need a bit more help. This support is confidential (unless you’re at serious risk of harm). These University services offer professional advice and include: the Counselling Service, Disability Advisory Service and the Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service, though these are not emergency services (see emergency help). Peer Supporters and Junior deans also receive specialist training from the University to help you in college.

The NHS provides mental health treatment and long-term support

Sometimes you might need more support than the University can provide as an educational institution. If this happens, we can help you to identify and get in touch with the most appropriate specialist NHS mental health service, and in some instances will support a referral process. Your college doctor or nurse will also be helpful to speak with. 

Supporting your own mental health 

Most importantly, the Common Approach recognises how you can support your own mental health while studying at Oxford. We want to give you the agency to navigate welfare support, and to make your own decisions when looking after your mental health.

You can look after your mental health in the following ways:

• Take the fundamentals seriously - sleep, nutrition, physical movement, social connection, time to unwind
• Keep in touch with your college and department, and let them know if you need help
• Find out more about what can shape feelings, thoughts and responses to experiences. The Counselling Service podcasts, workshops, and resources are a great place to start
• Seek support when needed (e.g. self-referring to the University Counselling Service or access NHS services)
• Be kind to yourself, and to others
• If you have a mental health disability, register with Disability Advisory Service for structured study support.