Discover how the University of Greater Manchester supports your mental health, academic adaptation, and wellbeing journey.
Moving to university is one of the most exciting milestones in a young person's life. It represents freedom, academic exploration, and the chance to forge lifelong friendships. However, settling into a bustling, energetic metropolis like Greater Manchester can also bring its fair share of challenges. From managing your own budget to handling academic pressures, it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed at times.
Thankfully, you do not have to navigate this journey alone. The University of Greater Manchester student support services are designed to act as your safety net, ensuring that every student has access to the resources, advice, and professional care they need to thrive. Whether you are an international student adjusting to a new culture or a domestic student experiencing independent living for the first time, the university offers an integrated network of support that prioritises your mental, physical, and academic wellbeing.
"Moving from Mumbai to Manchester was a massive transition. The international student advisor at UGM didn't just help with my visa; they helped me find a home and a community of friends when I felt most isolated." - Aarav Mehta, MSc Data Science StudentAt the University of Greater Manchester, student wellbeing is treated with the same importance as academic excellence. The university recognizes that mental health fluctuates and that proactive, compassionate care can make all the difference. To support this, a variety of free, confidential mental health support pathways are available to all enrolled students.
The university's dedicated counselling services provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space to discuss any issues affecting your life or studies. Staffed by fully qualified therapists and counsellors, the service offers short-term individual counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and specialized group workshops focusing on anxiety management, perfectionism, and resilience building.
For day-to-day challenges that may not require formal therapy, the student wellbeing officers are your first port of call. Located across different campus hubs, these advisors can help you establish healthy routines, manage exam stress, and connect you with local GP networks or specialized external resources if needed.
Greater Manchester is proud to host a diverse, multicultural student population representing over 130 countries. While this diversity enriches campus life, international students face unique hurdles, including culture shock, language barriers, and complex visa regulations.
Every international student is matched with or has direct access to a dedicated international student advisor. These advisors are specialists in visa compliance, UK immigration laws, and cultural adaptation. They run dedicated orientation weeks, facilitate social mixer events, and provide invaluable advice on opening UK bank accounts, registering with the National Health Service (NHS), and finding part-time work within visa limitations.
The University of Greater Manchester is committed to offering an accessible learning environment. The university's disability services work tirelessly to ensure that students with physical disabilities, chronic health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health conditions, and specific learning differences (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD) face no barriers to their education.
When you contact the disability team, an advisor will work with you to create a personalized Student Support Plan (SSP). This document outlines reasonable adjustments for your lectures, seminars, and exams—such as extra time, assistive software, alternative assessment formats, or accessible classroom spaces.
"I was nervous about disclosing my ADHD, but the disability services team made the process incredibly empowering. My SSP was implemented quickly, giving me the exam accommodations I needed to succeed." - Chloe Higgins, BA History StudentBudgeting as a student is crucial, and many worry that accessing medical or psychological care might carry hidden costs. At the University of Greater Manchester, the vast majority of essential support services are completely free of charge to registered students.
| Support Resource | Cost to Student | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| One-to-One Counselling Sessions | Free | Self-referral via Student Portal | Disability Assessment Reviews | Free (DSA may cover equipment) | Contact Disability Services Office |
| International Student Visa Advice | Free | Drop-in sessions / Email Advisor |
| GP Consultations (NHS) | Free (Prescriptions may apply) | Register at local health centre |
Taking the first step to ask for help is often the hardest part, but the University of Greater Manchester has made the referral process as straightforward as possible. You do not need a formal diagnosis or a major crisis to reach out to the university's support systems. Whether you have a quick question about your student visa, need assistance adjusting to academic writing, or simply need someone to talk to, friendly professional help is always within reach.
Visit the Student Support Hub on the main campus, submit an enquiry online via the student portal, or contact your academic personal tutor to start the conversation today. Remember, looking after your wellbeing is the most critical component of your academic success.