Our concern is also with our Russian and Belarusian students, staff , and alumni who are living with the consequences of an invasion that they are not responsible for. Our priority has been and continues to be for the wellbeing and safety of our students and staff and the effect this unprovoked attack may have on them, now and in the future.
Mental health, wellbeing, and pastoral support
The invasion is having an impact on my mental health and wellbeing - what support can King's provide?
We recognise you may be concerned about what’s happening in Ukraine and that the situation may cause feelings of anxiety, worry or helplessness. Lots of support is available to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing; take a look at our ‘Managing your mental health and wellbeing’ article for more information.
If you feel you may benefit from further mental health and wellbeing support, there are a number of teams at King’s available:
- Counselling & Mental Health Support Service
- Faculty Wellbeing Advisors
- Broader support services; details can be found in our article What student support services are available?
Important to know: We are currently prioritising our Ukrainian, Russian and Belarusian students for mental health and wellbeing support from these services.
I'm worried about another student - how can I help them access support?
King’s students and staff can submit a form via our internal Student of Concern procedure. The form will then be picked up by designated staff in Student Services who will be able to advise on the best course of action while maintaining the relevant levels of confidentiality. Find out more in our ‘I’m concerned about a student/peer’ article.
The King’s Chaplaincy can offer pastoral support to students of all faiths or none. Find out more in our ‘How can the Chaplaincy support me?’ article.
The King’s community can also be a real source of comfort and strength to each other in times of fear and loss in all parts of the world and it is crucial to support everyone of all backgrounds, nationalities, and faiths. Now is the time for us to come together.
What support is available from KCLSU?
King’s College London Students’ Union offer a range of support services that you may also find helpful. Visit our ‘What does KCLSU offer to support my wellbeing?’ article for more information.
I'm concerned about bullying, harassment, or discrimination towards me - what support is available?
Find out more about how to report discrimination and the support available in How can I report bullying, harassment and/or racism?.
Immigration, visa, and travel
The Home Office has confirmed that Ukrainians who are on work, study, or visit visas in the UK will have their visas temporarily extended or be able to switch onto different visa routes. All students who need support relating to their Student Visa or immigration status to study at King’s: please contact the university’s Visa & International Student Advice team on advice@kcl.ac.uk.
What other immigration and visa advice is available?
If you or your friends need further immigration support, the following resources below may be of help:
What advice is available for travelling overseas?
If you are planning to travel overseas or are returning to the UK, please check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website and follow the guidance in place for the country you are travelling to and from. Please make sure you are following the university guidance with regard to business or study travel.
Financial issues and funding support
I’m a Ukrainian, Russian or Belarusian student and I’m concerned about financial issues – what support is available to me?
Hardship funding is available to support students. International students who are experiencing financial difficulty should contact the university’s Advice, Wellbeing & Welfare team on advice@kcl.ac.uk, who can offer confidential, expert advice.
Can I apply for help with my tuition fees or for Student Finance funding?
It may be possible to become a ‘Home’ fee payer and apply for Student Finance funding to support your undergraduate or postgraduate degree studies. You can read more about the recent fees and funding changes on the UKCISA website. Ukrainian students need to meet the eligibility requirements which are explained in Category 11 on the UKCISA website.
If you are a continuing student and you meet the eligibility requirements, then you may be able to switch to ‘home’ for fees and receive Student Finance England funding, from September 2022.
If you already have a new BRP: please email feestatusreview@kcl.ac.uk with your full name, student ID and a copy of your new BRP, and state the following: "I am requesting a fee status change under the new category 11 criteria, because my visa status has changed to [Visa type]. I have attached a copy to confirm this change." Please submit this by 5pm on Wednesday 30 November 2022.
If you do not have a new BRP: please complete the Fee Status Review Form and return as an attachment to feestatusreview@kcl.ac.uk by 5pm on Wednesday 30 November 2022.
If you require assistance with your application or help navigating the rules, please contact the Money & Housing Advice service who can advise and support you
Important to know: Your status will not change until confirmed by the Fee Status Review team.
I need further support with my studies/have a question; how can I contact my department/faculty?
Please read our article 'Contacting & visiting your faculty and department' for guidance on contacting your department/faculty.
I am unable to complete my assessment(s) due to the ongoing situation - what should I do?
If you are experiencing difficulties completing your assessments during this time, you can submit a request for mitigating circumstances; read our article 'What are mitigating circumstances?' for further guidance and support during this time.
How can I help those affected?
Many of you have expressed your concern and asked what you can do to help and support communities impacted by the invasion of Ukraine. In this list of ways to support communities impacted by the invasion of Ukraine you can find information about organisations that are seeking financial donations, volunteers, and essential items.
How are King's experts providing commentary on the invasion?
Many of our world renowned academics from our School of Security Studies and King’s Russia Institute have been sharing their expert analysis on a wide range of topics related to the invasion of Ukraine.