In an emergency

Find out who to contact in an emergency.

If someone is seriously ill or injured, and/or their life is at risk, or if a crime is being committed:

Call the Emergency Services on 999.

(If you are calling from a University phone dial 9 first, to get an external line.) This is a 24/7 service.

For other urgent (but not life threatening situations)

All university offices in the University are closed between the hours of 5:00pm and 9:00am (GMT time) on weekdays, on weekends and on University -recognised holidays.

If 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, please use the numbers below:

If you live in University halls and flats or other University managed accommodation:

Call Accommodation Services Security: 

Dial  6666 from a University phone or

0131 651 2060.

Emergency email:

security24-7@ed.ac.uk

If you do not live in University accommodation:

Call University Security:

Dial 2222 from a University phone or

0131 650 2257

During the times outlined above, all calls will be transferred to the University Security team. Security will take your details and may be able to resolve the issue with you. If not they may phone a senior member of our staff who has volunteered to receive phone calls at home in emergencies. This staff member will then be able to phone you back to discuss further assistance.

The purpose of this out of hours service is to ensure that students experiencing a crisis receive support when appropriate, and that this support is delivered in a prompt, effective, coordinated and friendly manner. Support may at times be extended to others including family and friends (who may or may not be students) of the student/s concerned.

Other sources of support and advice out of hours

Nightline – Tel: 0131 557 4444

Nightline is a listening and information service operated by students for students in the University of Edinburgh. Nightline offers an anonymous and confidential support and information service run for students in Edinburgh. Calls are answered by trained student volunteers who are here to help you talk through anything you want, in your own time.

You can call 0131 557 4444 any night of term between 8pm and 8am to talk to a trained volunteer about any issue, however big or small. You can also chat to Nightline online via the link below:

Edinburgh Nightline

Samaritans – Tel: 116 123

Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. You can talk to the Samaritans any time you like, in your own way, and off the record – about whatever’s getting to you. You can view more details about Samaritans via the link below:

Samaritans - how we  canhelp you?

Further general information and resources for students at the University of Edinburgh can be found here:

Worried about a friend?

Managing your own mental health

This article was published on