We understand that this time of year can be tough for students and feelings of loneliness, isolation, and homesickness can worsen. We hope that this article can give you some hints and tips to manage your wellbeing during this difficult time. Don't forget that we are here to support you. There is support available throughout the winter break for your mental health and wellbeing.

Stay Connected

• If you can't meet up with people in person, make plans to video chat, call or text instead.
• If you're worried that you might run out of things to talk about, make a plan to watch a TV show or movie together.
• If you're feeling low or anxious about anything, it may help to talk about this with someone you trust.
• If you are feeling lonely, think about things you can do to feel close to others. Putting extra pictures up of people you care about might be a nice reminder of the people in your life, or listen to a chatty radio station or podcast if your home feels too quiet.
• You don't have to be in crisis to contact services like Samaritans if it helps to have someone to talk to for a little while.

Stay Active with Strathclyde Sport

Staying active and spending time outside in natural light can be a helpful way to boost you mood and promote positive wellbeing.

Strathclyde Sport is open throughout the winter break on the following dates:

• Tuesday 24th December to Thursday 26th December: Closed
• Wednesday 27th and Monday 30th December: 11am to 6pm
• Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th December: 10am to 5pm
• Tuesday 31st December to Thursday 2nd January: Closed
• Friday 3rd January: 11am to 6pm

Disability and Wellbeing Service

Spectrum Life

Spectrum Life is available to students 365 days per year. Spectrum Life gives students access to fitness plans, recipes, and eLearning content related to remote working, sleep, and mental health support among other topics. The platform also gives direct access to 24/7 student support through an app.

How to access

Other Support

Shout 85258 is a 24/7 confidential text service for support for anyone struggling to cope who needs to talk. Text 'SHOUT' to 85258 from anywhere in the UK to start a conversation with a trained volunteer.

Samaritans offer support 24/7 by phone, email, and instant messaging to anyone who needs to talk about anything on their mind, no matter how serious.

Call 116 123 for free

Email

Visit website

Rape Crisis Scotland

If you have experienced sexual violence at any point in your life or know someone who has, and you would like to talk to someone, Rape Crisis Scotland can offer you confidential specialist support. 

Their national helpline is open 5pm – midnight every day (excl. 26th – 27th Dec and 2nd – 3rd Jan)

Call free on 08088 010 302 or text 07537 410 027.

Email

Student Minds

Student Space run by Student Minds can support students throughout the winter break and is accessible 24/7 throughout the holidays.

View resources

Emergency Support

If it is an emergency situation, the following support is available:

Strathclyde Security Services on 0141 548 2222. Emergency Services (police, ambulance, fire brigade, coastguard) via calling 999. The hospital Accident and Emergency Service nearest to the University is at Glasgow Royal Infirmary accessed via 84 Castle Street. Phone NHS 24 on 111 for health information and self-care advice.

If you are a Strathclyde student in an emergency situation including homelessness or who requires urgent access to financial support, please contact Security Services.

eVisa Update

The Home Office is moving to a digital immigration system where UK immigration permission can be shown by what is known as an 'eVisa'.

For international students who have a physical immigration document, this change affects how you check your own immigration permission and how you can evidence this to other organisations.

Students can visit the Home Office's Online immigration status (eVisa) page and subscribe to receive email update notifications for the most up to date information.

eVisa information