Get support and help from student-led networks and services
Updated on: 10 August 2023
Understand the student-led networks available to help with emotional support, loneliness and wellbeing
Nightline
Nightline is a confidential listening and information service run by students.
Contact Nightline if you want to speak to another student about anything. You don’t need to give your name.
Nightline can also provide information about the University, including exam timetables and study spaces.
Nightline is available every night of term time:
- Phone (8pm to 7am): +44 (0)1334 46 2266
- Skype (8pm to 7am): @StAndrewsNightline (audio only)
- Instant message (8pm to midnight)
- Email (anytime): nightline@st-andrews.ac.uk
Find out more on the Nightline website.
Peer Support Network
The Peer Support Network is a one-to-one meet-up service open to any student looking for company and friendship.
The Network is made up of student peer supporters trained to listen. They can have a coffee and a chat with you or can come with you to events.
Meet-ups are usually once a week and last about an hour. You and your supporter can also agree something different.
If you want to be matched with a peer supporter or are interested in becoming a peer supporter, email peersupport@st-andrews.ac.uk with your name. The Peer Support Network will then contact you.
Saints Sport is also part of the Peer Support Network and can help students looking to make friends and get guidance from the wider sports community.
The Network is made up of student volunteers from across the University’s sports clubs. They are available for a coffee and a chat or can accompany you to a specific club’s training session or social events.
Read more on the Saints Sport Peer Support web page.
If you are looking for someone to talk to with a sporting or fitness background, email peersupport@st-andrews.ac.uk with your name and ask for someone from the Saints Sport Peer Support Network.
StAnd Together
StAnd Together is a joint initiative between the Students’ Association and the University. It focuses on student wellbeing and mutual support.
StAnd Together comprises three programmes:
- GotConsent raises awareness of sexual misconduct, educates students in bystander intervention, and supports survivors.
- GotSupport connects the St Andrews community through a one-to-one meet-up service open to any student looking for friendship during their time at St Andrews.
- GotLimits promotes health and safety around alcohol and drugs, and ensures the St Andrews community is welcoming and inclusive.
Buddy and mentoring schemes
Run by the University, student academic buddy and mentoring schemes provide an opportunity for students to meet each other and move through the different stages of university life, including starting at St Andrews or progressing to honours.
Students volunteer to be mentors and the scheme can benefit both the student mentor and mentee as they can develop transferable skills. The schemes are most active in summer, before new students arrive in St Andrews. They can be a good way to ask questions and learn more about university life.
Students are invited to join the schemes by email over the summer and postgraduates can apply online for the St Leonards Community Scheme. For more information, email studentmentoring@st-andrews.ac.uk.
University of St Andrews Students’ Association
As well as the Wellbeing subcommittee, the Students’ Association (or Union) also has large societies that support students, including:
Links to external sites and information
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