University of Lancashire Student Support Services: Preston Guide
Discover how the University of Lancashire supports your mental health, finances, and academic life on the Preston campus.
Updated 5 min readUniversity of Lancashire
Prioritising Your Well-Being in Preston
Stepping onto a university campus for the first time is an exhilarating milestone. The University of Lancashire, rooted deeply in the vibrant city of Preston, offers a world-class academic environment. However, balancing lectures, independent study, part-time jobs, and personal life can sometimes feel overwhelming. It is completely normal to encounter hurdles along your academic journey. That is why the comprehensive suite of University of Lancashire student support services is designed to act as your safety net, ensuring you never have to navigate these challenges alone.
Whether you are dealing with academic stress, managing a long-term physical or mental health condition, facing financial uncertainty, or adjusting to life in the UK as an international student, Preston's dedicated support teams are here to help. This guide details the essential services available to all students, how to access them, and practical tips to ensure your university years are as healthy and successful as possible.
Mental Health Support and Counselling Services
Your mental wellbeing is just as important as your academic achievements. The university provides a dedicated, confidential environment where you can discuss any personal, emotional, or psychological difficulties you are facing. From mild anxiety and exam stress to complex psychological challenges, the mental health support team is equipped to guide you through.
Accessing Professional Counselling Services
The on-campus counselling services offer free, confidential, one-to-one therapy sessions with qualified counsellors. These sessions provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your feelings, develop coping strategies, and work through personal difficulties. Depending on your unique needs, the team may offer short-term individual counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) pathways, or group workshops focused on stress management and mindfulness.
"The counselling team at the Preston campus really helped me find my feet when the pressure of second year became too much to handle alone. Having someone professional to talk to without judgment changed everything for me." - Sarah Davies, Psychology StudentTo access these services, you can self-refer online through the student portal or visit the Wellbeing Oasis on campus. Following an initial triage assessment, the team will match you with the most appropriate level of care, whether that is peer support, a professional counsellor, or a referral to external NHS mental health specialists in Lancashire.
Disability Services and Inclusive Learning
The University of Lancashire is passionately committed to inclusivity and accessibility. If you have a physical disability, a sensory impairment, a long-term medical condition, a mental health condition, or a specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia or ADHD), the disability services team is on hand to remove barriers to your learning.
Reasonable Adjustments and Inclusive Support Plans
By registering with the disability team, you can establish an Inclusive Support Plan (ISP). This document details the reasonable adjustments required for your studies, such as extra time in exams, assistive technology, lecture capture access, or alternative assessment formats. The team also helps students apply for the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), a UK government grant that funds specialist equipment, software, and non-medical helpers.
Step-by-Step: How to Register for Disability Support
- Gather Evidence: Obtain a medical letter or diagnostic report detailing your condition or learning difficulty.
- Contact the Team: Email or visit the Disability Services desk as early in the academic year as possible.
- Your Consultation: Meet with an advisor to discuss your needs and draft your Inclusive Support Plan.
- Implementation: Your plan is securely shared with your academic department to ensure your adjustments are put in place immediately.
Navigating Financial Support and Hardship Funds
Managing a budget is one of the steepest learning curves for new university students. Financial worry can significantly impact your academic performance and overall student wellbeing. Fortunately, the university provides practical financial guidance and emergency funding options to keep you on track.
The Student Hardship Fund and Emergency Grants
For students experiencing unexpected, severe financial hardship, the university administers a discretionary Hardship Fund. This is designed to assist with essential living costs, such as rent, groceries, or unexpected travel emergencies, and does not need to be repaid. Additionally, the Student Money Advice team offers free workshops on budgeting, student loan queries, and finding part-time work in Preston that fits around your studies.
| Support Fund Type | Typical Award Amount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Student Hardship Fund | Variable (up to £1,500) | UK students facing unexpected financial shortfalls. Assessed on individual need. |
| Emergency Short-Term Loan | Up to £150 | Immediate small loans for students awaiting student finance delayed payments. |
| Care Leavers Bursary | £1,000 per year | Students who have been in local authority care for a specified period. |
Dedicated Help for Our International Student Community
Moving to a new country to study is an incredible adventure, but it also brings unique challenges—from culture shock and homesickness to complex visa regulations. The university’s dedicated international student advisor team is here to make your transition to Preston as smooth as possible.
The international advice team offers specialist support on a wide range of issues, including:
- Student Visa (Student Route) compliance, extensions, and working restrictions.
- Opening a UK bank account and registering with a local NHS GP surgery.
- Adapting to the UK academic system and improving academic English.
- Cultural integration events, including local Preston tours, international food fairs, and holiday celebrations.
No matter how small your question might feel, the international advisors are committed to making Lancashire feel like your second home from day one.
Crisis Support and Out-of-Hours Contact
Mental health crises do not always happen between 9 AM and 5 PM. If you or a fellow student require urgent, immediate support outside of standard campus office hours, there are robust safety nets in place. You can contact the campus security team 24/7, call the NHS mental health helpline by dialling 111, or reach out to local Lancashire crisis teams who work closely with the university to guarantee student safety.
Concluding Thoughts: You Are Never Alone
Your time at the University of Lancashire will undoubtedly be one of the most transformative chapters of your life. While academic excellence is the goal, your health, happiness, and peace of mind are the foundations that make that excellence possible. Do not hesitate to lean on the professional, friendly, and completely confidential University of Lancashire student support services whenever you need a helping hand. Your wellbeing is Preston’s priority.