Supporting your mental health at Oxford
Oxford has a comprehensive approach to support your mental health during your time here, set out under the Common Approach. On this page you’ll find a guide on steps to take to find support if you need it, ways you can best support yourself, and what you can do to help others.
Your College: your community
Connections to promote mental wellbeing
Friends, Peer Supporters, common rooms, sport, clubs, and societies
Welfare support
Each college has a welfare team, a Welfare Lead, and a Disability Coordinator
Tutors can also refer you to appropriate support
Your department: supporting your wellbeing
Academic and personal development
Each department has a welfare contact and a Disability Coordinator
Welfare contacts and Disability Coordinators should be listed on your department’s website
Supervisors can refer you to appropriate support
University’s Student Welfare and Support Services
Confidential support
Includes the Counselling Service, Disability Advisory Service, and the Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service (not emergency services)
Peer Supporters and Junior Deans are specially trained to support you
NHS: Mental health treatment and long-term support
Accessing NHS services
The University can help you to access appropriate NHS mental health services if needed
College doctors or nurses can provide additional support
Supporting your own mental health
Self-support strategies
Maintain communication with your college and department.
Seek support when needed (e.g., self-referring to the University Counselling Service or access NHS services)
Support your fellow students
If you have a mental health disability, register with the Disability Advisory Service for structured support
Additional Resources
The Common Approach is designed to create a supportive environment where you can thrive academically and personally. By making use of resources from colleges, departments, and the wider University, alongside NHS services, you can navigate your mental health journey with confidence and support.
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