Welfare Support in the University and Beyond

As well as welfare support provided by Christ Church, there is also a considerable amount of support provided by the University.

The Counselling Service

The University has a professional Counselling Service for assistance with personal, emotional, social and academic problems. Both undergraduate and graduate students of the University may use the Service without charge. Information is not divulged to colleges or parents without prior permission. The Service can also act as a bridge to other therapeutic facilities where appropriate.

The Counselling Service is open Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm except for limited periods during vacations.

Appointments may be made by telephone through the secretary on 01865 270300, by a personal visit, or by emailing: counselling@admin.ox.ac.uk. Alternatively, you can ask to be referred by your GP.

The Counselling Service is located at 3 Worcester Street, Oxford. OX1 2BX (behind Gloucester Green). The Counselling Service website has a great deal of helpful information about health, depression, eating disorders, exam stress and managing anxiety. There are Counselling Service podcasts that have been developed to address some of the particular concerns that students at the University speak about when they attend the Counselling Service.

The Disability Advisory Service (DAS)

The University Disability Advisory Service (DAS) provides information and advice on disability issues and facilitates support for those with, for example, sensory or mobility impairments, long-term health conditions, specific learning difficulties, autistic spectrum conditions or mental health difficulties. They can arrange disability assessments and help students apply for disability-related financial support. They also advise the College on what examination arrangements would be suitable for students with disabilities, liaising with the Academic Office.

If you have any queries about the process of applying for alternative examination arrangements, please contact the Academic Office.                                             

The Disability Advisory Service (DAS) can be contacted by email: disability@admin.ox.ac.uk or you can telephone them on 01865 280459.

The Disability Advisory Service (DAS) is located 3 Worcester Street, Oxford, OX1 2BX. 

Student-led Support

Within the University, there is a lot of student-led support, offering help and advice to students from other students:   

Nightline

Nightline is a listening and information service run by students for students. As an organisation it claims no political, religious, moral or sexual bias whatsoever. It is there to provide a sympathetic listener to share any problem, no matter how large or small. You may phone (reverse charges accepted) or call in at the Centre for coffee and a chat. You can also talk to them via their online chat function. There are always two people in the office, one male and one female. Strict confidentiality is assured.

Nightline offers a service where you can talk to someone if you are walking home alone (if this is unavoidable) at night. They will chat to you until you arrive at your destination.

The Nightline Centre is at 16 Wellington Square (01845 (2)70270), and is open from 8.00pm until 8.00am every night during term and during the week immediately before and after each term.

Oxford SU Student Advice Service

Oxford Student Union runs a Student Advice Service which aims to provide impartial information and support to students facing difficult situations.