Your wellbeing

Your wellbeing matters to us. As you begin your university journey and continue as an online student, here are some ways we can support you.

Discover information on caring for your physical and mental wellbeing, and accessing advice and support when needed.

Student Wellbeing Service

Wellbeing Advisers

All Schools and Deaneries will have Wellbeing Advisers who you can speak with if you are experiencing any wellbeing-related issues that are affecting your health, wellbeing, studies or personal life. The Wellbeing Advisers can then provide you with advice and guidance, and will also be able to discuss and link you up with our other University services, as well as signposting to external agencies.

Resources to support your wellbeing

Health and wellbeing
Wellbeing

Getting support from the Disability and Learning Support Service

If you have a disability, learning difference, health or neurodiverse condition that impacts your studies please get in touch with the Disability and Learning Support Service (DLSS) as soon as possible before your studies start. This is particularly important if you require exam support. 

The information submitted in your university application, as well as any support you received at school or from your home university, are not automatically shared with the University of Edinburgh. You MUST register with our Service to receive support.

 What you should do

  • Register with DLSS as early as you can. The earlier we know your requirements, the better we will be able to ensure that they are met.
  • The quickest way to do this is through our online registration form, see link below.
  • You will be asked to upload supporting documentation regarding your disability, learning difference, health or neurodiverse condition.

Online registration process

Guidance on supporting documentation

Student Counselling support

The University's Student Counselling supports the mental health of all students at the University through self-help resources, providing short-term counselling and by referral to other services. 

Online students can access several self-help resources such as the Big White Wall and apps, podcasts and relaxation recordings. We encourage all students to explore ways to work towards your own mental and emotional health and wellbeing. Sometimes, this is all the support you need; at other times it complements individual therapy sessions.

If you are studying at a distance to Edinburgh, short-term email counselling can be arranged.

The Chaplaincy

The University Chaplaincy is a safe and welcoming space for people of all faiths and none.  Discover some of the practical workshops, including mindfulness recordings, available to inform and support you during your studies.

Digital resources

The University has also created a range of online support resources. All students can access a mental skills training programme which teaches you how to calm your mind and develop a positive mindset and enable greater emotional resilience. 

Togetherall is an online service providing access to millions with anxiety, depression, and other common mental health issues.

The Feeling Good App is produced by the Foundation for Positive Mental Health, a charity dedicated to promoting skills training for positive mental health, to enhance everyday wellbeing, increase resilience to, and recovery from, mental health difficulties.

Your wellbeing
Your wellbeing

Take care of your wellbeing

Your wellbeing matters. To help you settle into university life as an online student, here are some top tips to get you started. 

  1. Connecting with the people around you is important - with family, friends, colleagues, your online peers, and academics.  
  2. Take a break from the screen with activities like walking, running, or dancing. Visit our Sports and Exercise site for online resources, workouts, Pilates, and a free audio based app to boost your mental health.
  1. Balancing study with other responsibilities can be tough as an online postgraduate. Remember to enjoy your student journey and take breaks for friends, walks, and connecting with peers. Read stories from fellow students and consider documenting your experience on a blog.

This article was published on