Emergency student support (out-of-hours)
Students who experience a crisis or emergency outside normal working hours (9am-5pm), or a parent or supporter of a current student, can contact the University for support through the University Security 24/7 contact number 0131 650 2257.
This service is for when you urgently need to speak to a member of staff but the University is closed and the problem is too urgent to leave until offices open.
University offices are closed:
- between 5pm and 9am (GMT) time Monday to Friday)
- at weekends (Saturday and Sunday)
- during University-recognised holidays.
Out-of-hours student emergency
In the event of a student emergency contact University Security by calling 0131 650 2257.
(from another University phone call 502257)
You will speak to a member of our Security team who will take further details of your situation. Security may be able to provide the support or answers that you need. Where this is not possible and the situation is urgent, you may be transferred to a duty member of the student services team at the University.
This service is not designed or intended in any way to replace the role of the emergency services or other relevant agencies such as GP's or other local NHS provision.
For family, friends and supporters of students:
If you would like to inform us of an emergency situation relating to a University of Edinburgh student, please call Security on 0131 650 2257 and they can direct you to the appropriate support.
Other emergency support available out of hours
Medical emergencies
If someone is seriously ill or injured, and their life is at risk, call 999.
If you are worried about someone who is ill, call 111.
Mental health crisis support
If someone is in immediate danger call 999.
If the crisis is not life threatening, call NHS 24 on their 24 hour phone line 111.
Other sources of mental health support
Nightline
Student support and information
Tel: 0131 557 4444 (8pm – 8am)
Samaritans
Confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts. Available 24 hours a day.
Freecall: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Shout
24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere.
Text: 85258
The Edinburgh Crisis Centre:
Open to any Edinburgh resident who is 16+ and experiencing a mental health crisis or a carer for someone who is. Find out more via the link below:
Free phone 0808 801 0414
Text on 07974 429 075
Urgent social care or someone at risk of harm
In the evening and at weekends / public holidays, call Emergency Social Work on 0800 731 6969
Other useful numbers:
Police Scotland – non emergency phone contact – 101
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh - 0131 536 1000
Royal Edinburgh Hospital - 0131 537 6000
Fire and Rescue Service – 999
Coastguard - 999
Contact us through an online sign language interpreter
British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact the University of Edinburgh via Contact Scotland BSL, the online British Sign Language video relay interpreting service.
Find out more on the Contact Scotland BSL website