You might feel like summer, Welcome Week, and your first few weeks at university have been an action-packed whirlwind. As you settle in and the adrenaline wears off, it's totally normal to have a bit of a wobble. Perhaps you miss family, haven't made as many friends as you'd hoped, or the darker autumn days are simply getting you down. Whatever's behind your wobble, rest assured there are plenty of student support services at St Mary's to steady your nerves and get you back in balance.
During our annual Wobble Week, we host a range of free events to help you reconnect and look after your wellbeing. But support at St Mary's goes beyond a week of fun. We're here throughout your time at university, whether you need academic, wellbeing, careers, or money support.
What is Wobble Week?
Wobble Week is a week of free activities held every autumn term. It's designed to help students who might be feeling overwhelmed connect with support services and with each other. From massage and wellbeing workshops to outings, sports, and social events, there's a wide range of activities for every type of student.
Check out our Wobble Week page for the latest events timetable.
Wobble Week supports students through what can be a challenging time of year. But as a St Mary's student, your support doesn't end there. We have a whole range of student support services available all year round.
What support is available for students?
At St Mary's, our student support services cover everything from study support and financial aid to confidential counselling and careers advice. Our academic support was ranked 2nd in London in the National Student Survey 2026, and our student experience was rated Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023.
Health and wellbeing
Mental health support for students
A core part of our student support services is the . Our wellbeing team offers mental health support for students, including counselling and referrals to specialist health services. They’re here to listen and guide you throughout your time at university.
If you're living with a mental health condition, diagnosed or not, or going through a difficult time, our can be your first point of contact. They'll check in on how you're doing, help you create a plan to manage your mental health alongside your studies, and recommend adjustments to your course where needed. They can also help you connect with NHS services, from your GP to specialist mental health care.
All students also get free access to , a safe online community for student mental health, where you can get peer support and self-help resources, monitored by trained professionals 24/7.
How can you access confidential counselling?
When you study at St Mary's, you'll have access to free, confidential counselling. Our counsellors are fully qualified and registered with the (BACP), offering a safe, non-judgemental space to talk about whatever you're going through. And you can simply to get support whenever you need it.
Disability and dyslexia
Our dedicated offers confidential advice and support to students with additional requirements.
Whether you identify as disabled, live with a long-term health condition, are neurodivergent, or have a specific learning difference such as dyslexia or ADHD, our team is here to help. We offer screenings, can help you get a diagnosis, and our advisors can guide you through applying for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). Through DSA, you could access one-to-one mentoring, study skills sessions, specialist equipment, and assistive software.
Feeling safe on campus
Feeling safe is a big part of feeling settled, and Our security team is on campus 24/7, and we work closely with the local Metropolitan Police to keep our community safe, whether you live in halls, rent privately, or commute from home.
We're committed to creating a respectful environment for everyone. If you ever experience or witness bullying, harassment, a hate incident or sexual misconduct while you're at St Mary's, our service means you can tell us in a way that feels right for you, including anonymously. The Students' Union also offers free, independent advice.
Pastoral and spiritual support
Sometimes you just need someone to talk to. Our offers pastoral care to all students, whatever your beliefs. It's a welcoming space to talk things through, meet new people, and get involved in the wider community. If faith is important to you, the Chaplaincy team can support you here on campus and help you find places of worship in the local area.
Staying active and healthy
Getting active is one of the easiest ways to lift your mood and meet new people. At St Mary's, there's something for every level, whatever your experience. Our programme offers activities and trips designed to support your overall health and wellbeing. is an affordable, low-commitment social sport programme, perfect if you just want to try something new. You can also join one of our competitive sports clubs or sign up for a flexible .
Academic support
We're here to support your academic journey too. Our cover everything from one-to-one study skills help to your own Personal Tutor, so you can build confidence and skills, getting the most out of your course.
Library skills and research support
Our Library team offers one-to-ones and drop-in workshops to help you find resources, search effectively, reference correctly, and evaluate sources, which are all essential skills for university-level research.
One-to-one help from Learning Development Lecturers
You'll also have access to Learning Development Lecturers, who can guide you on assignment structure, academic writing, critical thinking, presentations, and time management.
Personal Tutors
As an undergraduate, you'll be assigned a who supports you throughout your degree. They'll help you understand feedback on your work and point you towards extra support if you need it. You'll meet with them twice individually and twice as a group each semester.
Academic English support
We also offer dedicated , with specialist tutors and online resources and classes. It's open to students of any subject and is particularly helpful for whose first language isn't English.
Writing support from the Royal Literary Fund Fellow
If you want to strengthen your academic writing, you can book tutorials with our , a professional writer who works with students at every level.
Careers
Whether you already have a dream job in mind or no idea yet, our will help you build the skills, experience and confidence to take your next step.
Free, confidential careers advice
Our careers consultants offer free impartial guidance at every stage of your student journey. They can help with anything from working out what you want to do after university to finding part-time work and internships, or applying for graduate roles.
Work placements and experience
Many students can take an accredited in their second or third year. Led by our Centre for Workplace Learning lecturers, these modules help you turn what you learn in lectures into real workplace experience. Many courses also offer a placement year, and our team works closely with you and your placement provider to make sure it's a success.
Internships and careers events
Through the , you can apply for paid internships across the University and with our partner organisations. Our employer engagement team also brings organisations onto campus for careers fairs, so you can meet employers and explore your options throughout your degree.
Money and living
Financial support for students
If you're a UK student, you can apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans through .
If you're looking for support you don't have to pay back, we offer a range of bursaries and scholarships. The supports care-experienced students, estranged students and young adult carers. If you're a UK student who received free school meals in the last six years, you could be eligible for our , and there are also for trainee teachers. International students are automatically considered for our when they receive an offer, and you may also be eligible for external scholarships and funding.
Once you're here, the can help with essential living costs, and the offers small grants towards extras like sports club memberships and course kit. Through the , eligible students can also borrow a laptop, headphones or a Wi-Fi dongle long-term.
Where to find information on financial aid and bursaries
The best place to start is our , which brings together all our bursaries, scholarships and funding in one place. For tuition fee and maintenance loans, our is happy to help.
Support for your situation
Our students come from all walks of life, and we tailor our support to fit. If you're , our commuter lounge has kitchen facilities, lockers and comfy seating, so you've got somewhere to relax and meet others between lectures. If you're a , our Student Services team has plenty of experience supporting adults returning to education, and student parents can get guidance on local childcare and funding to help with the costs.
As well as the bursary mentioned earlier, also has designated contacts offering pastoral advice, guidance, additional financial aid, and practical support for students who are care experienced, estranged or those who are
Accommodation and residence
Whether you're living in university halls or private accommodation, our Accommodation Service is here to help. In halls, you'll have close at hand, and when you're ready to move out, the team runs house-hunting talks, advice sessions and an annual House Hunting Fair to help you find somewhere to live.
Support for international students
Moving to a new country is a big step, and you won't be doing it alone. Our offers guidance on visas and UK immigration, and runs a social programme to help you make the most of life in the UK. Our Careers Service can also advise on finding work that fits your visa, and the Students' Union has a dedicated International Student Officer to help you settle in.
What's the best way to find student support services?
The best place to start is our , and you can to connect with other students before you start with us. Once you're studying with us, you'll also find support information on the and Student Portal. You can drop in to Student Services on campus for face-to-face advice, and the offers independent support too.
Feel supported at St Mary's when you wobble
University is exciting, but it's not always plain sailing, and that's OK. Whether you're feeling homesick, worried about money, or unsure about your next step, there's always someone at St Mary's ready to listen and help you find your balance. Explore our , or reach out to our whenever you need a little extra support.