Health & wellbeing
SRUC has a variety of support available for the physical and mental well-being of our students.
Your physical and mental health should be one of your top priorities whilst at college.
At SRUC, our aim is for you to feel confident to approach any member of staff if you are worried, distressed or in difficulty of any form.
Your physical health
You are strongly recommended to register with a local medical practice and/or College Doctor, who can give help, advice and support on all health related matters including health promotion issues, contraception, alcohol, drugs, HIV/AIDS issues, and stress.
Find tips on staying on top of your health and detailed campus medical and dental services contact information below.
If you are not sure about something, please contact Student Support.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Depending on your course, you may need to order or purchase personal protection equipment (PPE).
Your mental health
In a difficult landscape where the importance of student mental health and wellbeing is being acknowledged globally, SRUC are taking significant steps to prioritise the mental health of our students. Learn more about our Student Health and Wellbeing Strategy or explore other ways SRUC is supports your mental health below.
Nature and greenery
Living in an urban area with green spaces has a long-lasting positive impact on people’s mental wellbeing. SRUC have garden grounds which all students are welcome to visit. Each campus also has a daily mile which we encourage you to walk or run as often as possible.
Pastoral support and counsellor services
Sometimes it can be hard to deal with difficulties on your own and this is when asking for help or meeting a counsellor can be helpful. Our pastoral support staff are there to listen and give you some support and guidance on the first steps. Please contact your Year Tutor or pastoral staff for more information.
Spectrum.Life
A game-changing mental health and wellbeing portal for SRUC students. Register now to the Spectrum.Life platform and mobile app.
Breathing Space
Sometimes our thoughts and feelings overwhelm us to the point where it becomes difficult to cope with everyday life. With Breathing Space you are not alone and talking about how you feel is a positive first step in getting help.
Samaritans
Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Students Against Depression
This service provides you with a calm environment and the resources to help you find a way forward. Their website offers advice, information and guidance to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.
Sane
Our trained and experienced team of staff and volunteers are here to provide emotional support by phone, email and text, 365 days a year. You can also share experiences with others in our online peer-led forum. If you’re struggling with mental illness, or you’re caring for someone and would like to get in touch, we’re here for you.
Physical safety
As a student at SRUC, we want you to keep yourself safe. Find below a link to Police Scotland’s student safety advice. Take some time to look this over and please ensure you speak to our Student Support Pastoral Officer if you have any concerns around your safety.
Your welfare
At some point during your studies, you may well have a question that needs answering.
- A financial problem
- A medical matter
- A vacation job
- A placement
- An accommodation worry
- A personal problem
- A sponsorship opportunity
- A programme-related issue.
No matter what the worry, help is at hand within SRUC and there are a number of members of staff that are happy to help.
Helping us to help you
Students should feel confident to approach any member of staff if they are worried, distressed or in difficulty of any form. All information will be given due respect and attention and will be acted on as appropriate. Whilst your rights to confidentiality will always be respected, there may be occasions when it is necessary for staff to contact external agencies, or your parents/carers.
All students are encouraged to declare any additional support requirements, health and mobility concerns, and mental health issues at the earliest stage possible. This would also apply to the experience of the care sector and caring responsibilities.
SRUC has experience in working with students who tell us about a disability, health condition or additional support need. We help students who disclose:
- A learning difference like Neurodiversity e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia or AD(H)D;
- A visual impairment such as blindness or partial sight;
- A hearing impairment such as deafness or partial hearing;
- A long-term illness or health condition which may involve pain or cause fatigue, loss of concentration or breathing difficulties – including any effects from taking associated medication;
- A mental health condition, challenge or disorder such as anxiety or depression;
- A social, behavioural or communication impairment like an autistic spectrum condition or Tourette’s syndrome;
- A physical impairment or challenges with mobility such as climbing stairs or uneven surfaces, or dexterity such as using a keyboard or laboratory equipment;
- Other conditions or impairments that have a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Core points of contact
Year Tutor
Each SRUC student is allocated a Year Tutor who provides a confidential first point of reference for both academic and personal matters.
Student Support Wellbeing/Pastoral Tutor
Our Student Support Wellbeing/Pastoral Tutor can provide you with help around your wellbeing by discussing your concerns.
Academic Liaison Managers
As SRUC is a very close-knit community, most staff are happy to give you advice and support, especially those involved in the management of your programme. In addition, the Academic Liaison Managers have a great deal of experience in answering questions and solving problems.
Any consultation with the above members of staff is treated with confidentiality, where possible, and you will find them approachable and understanding.
Should you require additional help and support from agencies or organisations outside the College system, Student Support Tutors on your campus will try to help you.
Equalities, human rights and inclusion
SRUC is committed to valuing diversity, advancing equality of opportunity and respecting human rights in all aspects of our activities. All employees and students, in everything they do, must understand, recognise and accept their individual duties and responsibility in this regard. Discriminating, harassing or victimising others, whether intentionally or not, will not be tolerated and corrective action will be taken if the need arises. The protected characteristics of age, sex, race, disability, marriage and civil partnership, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, and religion or belief are the grounds upon which SRUC is fully committed to tackling discrimination, harassment and victimisation. We believe in advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.
You might also be interested in:
Back to student supportStudent support assessment form
All students, whether you have (or suspect) a disability or not are encouraged to fill out our student support form. We will send it to the student support team at your campus who will use it to make sure you get any support you need.
Education support
We are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive study environment where everyone gets the support they need.
IT Support
Shared Service Delivery (SSD) can help students with a wide range of issues. Email us on sidssd@sruc.ac.uk or call 0131 535 4444
Career services
The courses offered at SRUC are very varied and open up a huge range of possible career paths.
Financial Support
International student support
Studying in a foreign country means there will be some different customs and culture; or even a lot. With a little preparation and knowledge this can be an exciting opportunity to learn and grow and be part of something new!
Explore more:
Find and apply for your course
Explore our academic and training course catalogues, check out our virtual experience, request a prospectus, find out how to apply to study with us, learn about fees and funding opportunities, and more.
Study Options
Explore all the ways you can learn at SRUC. From entry-level to Master's degree and beyond, full or part time study, distance learning, apprenticeships, mature students and courses for schools. We're here to help you and your business thrive.