Students in hospital

Updated on: 28 March 2024

Who to contact, how you can get help and what to do about classes, assessments and exams.


If you are in hospital or expect to be soon, tell the University’s Student Services:

They will let you know who in your academic School and in your residence to contact and can assist with this, if needed.  

Classes, assessments and exams

While in hospital, you may miss classes, assessments, or exams. You may also have assessment deadlines that are affected.

If you have internet access and are well enough, you should complete the self-certificate of absence and can email or call your school to arrange changes to assessments and deadlines. Student Services can let your School know that you will be absent if you are unable to do so yourself. 

Longer illness

Depending on your level of study, and the seriousness of your illness, you may need to apply for a leave of absence, change of location or other change of circumstance. You should contact the Registry Student Support team to discuss your options. 

Halls of Residence 

If you live in a Halls of Residence, Student Services will let the wardens and residence management team know that you are in hospital. This is done so that, if needed, arrangements can be made for you when you return and for fire safety regulations. 

Your personal details are protected by data protection legislation

Chaplaincy team

The University Chaplaincy team is told when a student is in hospital, so that they can offer support. They’ll get in touch and offer to speak to you or visit you.

They support students of any faith or philosophy of life. You can contact them by emailing chaplaincy@st-andrews.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)1334 46 2866.

Chaplains can help to share messages from students in hospital (with your permission) with Student Services or others, as communication may not be easy when in hospital, and especially when you are unwell. 

Leaving hospital

Contact Student Services by email: theasc@st-andrews.ac.uk, or phone +44 (0)1334 46 2020.

If you haven’t done so already, complete the self-certificate of absence and email or call your school



Guide category

Student support