The pace of student life does not always come easily to everyone and most students have feelings of homesickness or isolation from time to time. The important thing is to not to dwell on this and instead, seek out ways in which you can become more involved. This may be through your faculty or department, KCLSU Sports Clubs, Societies or Volunteering, or getting a part-time job.
If you are finding everything a little daunting, you could connect with KCLSU and talk things through with the Campus Conversations team and check out KCLSU’s wellbeing events.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, you could also try our Counselling & Mental Health Support Service or contact a Faculty Wellbeing Advisor.
If you’re experiencing difficulties with anything else, such as your money and finances, housing/living situation, or concerns about your visa status, contact the Advice & Guidance Team.
If you’re from outside the UK, or have lived for many years overseas, you may find it particularly difficult to adjust to student life. If this is you, we recommend visiting our Student life category for a range of articles covering topics such as personal tutoring, the students’ union, community events and activities, and life in London.
For an overview on King’s community support, check out Community & extra-curricular activities.
You also may wish to seek pastoral support from the King’s Chaplaincy.
Mature student?
If you are a mature student you will find our Mature Students information of interest. You may also find our article Support & guidance for mature students helpful.
Parent or carer?
We have guidance, advice and resources you can refer to:
I am not sure my course is the right one for me
If you are having doubts about your course, talk through your concerns with your personal tutor as soon as possible as you might be able to transfer on to a more suitable programme.
We have further guidance in our article How can I transfer course?
If you have a complaint about the course or have failed an assessment and would like independent advice, you can speak to an Academic Caseworker at KCLSU about your options.
I am having financial difficulties
Managing on a student budget whilst juggling previous financial commitments such as personal loans, credit cards, rent, mortgage and utilities can be very stressful and sometimes it may feel like you will never get on top of your finances. Even if you don’t have prior financial commitments, it can be difficult to make your money last the entire term.
If you feeling concerned about your finances, we have a wide selection of articles with advice, guidance and information in our Fees, funding & money advice category which we recommend referring to.
In particular, you may find these articles helpful:
Personal or family problems are making it difficult to study
If you are having personal problems, it may help to talk them through with someone.
The Counselling & Mental Health Support Service is free and confidential; you can make an appointment by completing the self-referral form and emailing it to them. Find out more about registering for counselling.
If personal problems are affecting your studies and you are unsure about whether or not to submit mitigating circumstances, you can get in touch with KCLSU Advice for impartial advice.
Wellbeing support for adjusting to student life
There is also support external to King’s which can help you with your mental health and wellbeing when adjusting to being a student and university life.
Student Minds is the leading UK’s student mental health charity, that aims to empower members of the university community to develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to look after their own mental health, support others and create change.
Student Minds has put together a very handy guide for new students, covering a wide range of areas of university life - from study tips to becoming independent, to help you to be prepared for starting your life at university.
Student Space is here for you; however you’re feeling, help and guidance is available. Explore a range of trusted information, services and tools to help you with the challenges of student life.
There are 3 ways that Student Space is here to help:
Access dedicated support services for students, by phone, text, email and webchat
Information and tools to help you
Helping you find what support is available at your place of study
