Support for students affected by war, conflict and disaster

St Andrews is a truly global university with students from more than 135 countries studying with us. With such a global reach, it is likely that members of our community might be affected by global events including war, conflict and natural disasters during their time in St Andrews.

We know that the impact of these events can be very difficult and distressing, particularly for those who are far from home and their loved ones.  

There is a range of support available for our students. Please reach out and ask for support if you need it. Access to the services mentioned on this guide, along with other forms of support, is available through the student support webpage.

Safety and security

The University aims to be a beacon of inclusivity, placing diversity and equality at the centre of everything we do and creating an environment in which all can flourish and realise their potential.  

We ask our community to support each other with compassion, understanding and empathy and when challenging global events happen, to remember our shared commitment to reasoned debate, inclusivity and respect for the truth.

We do not tolerate racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, abuse, incitement or harassment of any kind. If you experience or witness anything like this, please report it using our Report and Support tool.

If you need help now, call 01334 46 8999 to contact the Security and Response Team. They are available 24 hours a day, Monday to Sunday. If a crime is in progress or you need urgent medical attention, please call 999.

Support for your health and wellbeing

The University offers a wide range of support services that you can access while you are a student here.  

Student Services has a team of advisers offering wellbeing advice, counselling, and mental health support. You can use this online form to:

• request an initial appointment to discuss your needs
• share concerns about other students who are affected by global events

The Chaplaincy offers support to all students regardless of their faith or philosophy of life. To make an appointment with the Chaplain or Assistant Chaplains, email chaplain@st-andrews.ac.uk. You can also ask to speak to one of the Honorary Chaplains who represent particular faiths and beliefs.

If you are living in a University hall of residence, you may wish to speak to your Halls Life team, warden and assistant wardens. You can drop into the publicised office hours in the evening or request an appointment via email. If you need urgent assistance speak to your Residence Manager or call the hall’s phone number. 

If your health is affected, please speak to your doctor. If you have questions about accessing health care or you’re not sure who to talk to, please contact the Student Health Hub for advice.

You may also wish to access support from outside the University. The student support webpage includes links to external providers including Breathing Space, the Samaritans, SHOUT and Student Space.

Practical support 

The University’s Money Advice team can provide advice and support to students who are facing financial difficulties because of war, conflict or natural disasters. The University’s Discretionary Funds provide means tested financial support to students who face unexpected financial difficulties during their studies.

The Money Advice team can also advise on the availability of other funds and loans in case of financial hardship, including accommodation bursaries, and childcare support.

More information including how to apply for financial support is available on the Money Matters webpage.

To contact the Money Advice team, please email moneyadvice@st-andrews.ac.uk.

The Student Immigration Service provides specialist support to international students who require a visa to study at the University of St Andrews. Staff will be able to help with questions about your visa or immigration status in light of global events.

If you are unable to return home during the holidays due to war, conflict or natural disasters you can ask for access to University accommodation over the vacation periods. Accommodation is subject to availability and will be charged at the standard rate. Please speak to the Money Advice Team if you need assistance with rent over these periods.

Academic advice and support

We recognise that it may be difficult to focus on your studies at this time. If you are struggling with academic work, you should first talk to your School or Schools to make them aware of your circumstances and discuss appropriate academic adjustments which could include extensions for coursework, or alternative or deferred assessments.  

The online student handbook contains detailed information on extenuating circumstances, academic adjustments and related issues.

If you are not sure who to speak to in your School, please contact your School Office and they will be able to advise you.