Student life isn’t the same for everyone. You might be living away from home for the first time, studying while you work, caring for someone, or a long way from where you grew up.

Your circumstances, identity and experiences can all affect your wellbeing – and the kind of support that feels right for you. 

In this page:

    International students

    Studying in a new country can be exciting, but it can also take time to adjust. You might be missing home, trying to make new friends, getting used to a different culture, or worrying about money, housing or your visa.

    There is support available.

    • Your university or college’s international student or student advice team can be a good place to start. They may be able to help with things like visas, money, housing, and settling into life in Leeds.
    • If you’re struggling with your mental health, contact your student wellbeing or counselling service to find out what support is available.
    • You can register with a GP in Leeds and talk to them about your physical or mental health. 
    • Most Leeds mental health services are not specifically for UK students, although individual services have their own eligibility criteria.
    • UKCISA has information for international students about NHS healthcare, visas and immigration, money, fees and working in the UK.
    • If English isn’t your first language, ask the service you’re contacting what interpreting or language support is available.
    • If you’re feeling lonely or finding it hard to settle in, your students’ union, clubs, societies, buddy schemes and faith or community groups can all be ways to meet people.

    You can also use MindWell to find information about your mental health and support available in Leeds.

    Neurodivergent and disabled students

    If you’re autistic, have ADHD, a disability or a long-term health condition – or think you might – you may be able to get support with your studies and student life.

    • Contact your university or college disability service. They can explain what support is available and whether reasonable adjustments could help, such as extra time, rest breaks, changes to teaching or assessments, assistive technology or flexibility around your studies.
    • You can ask for advice even if you don’t have a diagnosis yet. What can be arranged without formal evidence varies, so ask your disability or student support team what they can offer while you’re waiting.
    • You may be able to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) to help with additional study-related costs. You’ll usually need evidence of your disability, health condition or learning difficulty.
    • If you have ADHD, or think you might, see ADHD support for adults in Leeds.
    • If you’re autistic, Leeds Autism AIM provides resources, information and signposting for autistic adults in Leeds.  
    • If anxiety is affecting you, read our information on anxiety and neurodivergence for ideas that may help.

    Mature students, postgraduate researchers and other circumstances

    Student life can look very different depending on your circumstances. There may be extra support available if any of these situations apply to you.

    • Mature students – if you’re balancing study with work, family, money or other responsibilities, ask your university or students’ union about mature student support, peer groups, events or study-skills help. At the University of Leeds, the Lifelong Learning Centre offers specialist support.
    • Postgraduate researchers – research can sometimes feel isolating, uncertain or difficult to switch off from. The Wellbeing Thesis has practical wellbeing advice and resources specifically for postgraduate research students.
    • Students with caring responsibilities – balancing caring and studying can put extra pressure on you. See Caring for someone for information and support in Leeds, and ask your university what support is available for student carers.
    • Students who commute or work alongside studying – you may have less time on campus or find it harder to meet other students. Look for commuter, part-time or mature student groups, online activities and flexible ways to get involved through your university or students’ union.
    • Students in private housing – if you’re having problems with your accommodation, landlord, rent or tenancy, your students’ union or student advice service may be able to help. You can also search the MindWell Directory for housing advice and support in Leeds.
    • Care-experienced or estranged students – your university or students’ union may offer dedicated support with things like money, accommodation, wellbeing and staying at university during holiday periods.

    Identity, culture and belonging

    Your identity, culture and experiences can affect your mental health and how comfortable you feel asking for support.

    You may find it helpful to connect with people, services or communities that understand what you’re dealing with. 

    • If your culture, ethnicity or experiences of racism are affecting your wellbeing, see support for culturally diverse communities.
    • If you’re LGBTQ+, see support for LGBTQ+ communities.
    • Your university or students’ union may also have student networks, societies or specialist support for different communities and identities.
    • Student Minds has tailored information and lived-experience resources for students, including Black, trans+ and neurodivergent students.

    Last updated: September 2026