Student support

Student in discussion with a student support officer.

Looking after your health and wellbeing at university is important. Taking on a five-year professional degree like Medicine brings with it not only a great deal of enjoyment and satisfaction but also times when you may require additional support. The University has a broad range of support available for all our students, more information is available on the University webpages at  Health and wellbeing - University of Birmingham

 

The College of Medicine and Health has its own dedicated Student Services space which is open to all students studying with us. CMH Student Services provides a help desk which is open throughout the week for general queries and signposting. There is also a suite of four confidential consultation rooms where you can meet with a variety of support services including the College Wellbeing Team and Careers Network. The space also hosts drop-ins and pop-ups throughout the academic year from a variety of other services for students.

 

“I speak to my Wellbeing Officer regularly, they are so lovely and really supportive and give me kind and realistic advice!!! I always feel so much better after chatting to them, so thank you very much!”

person on screen with speech bubble

Current MBChB student

College Wellbeing Team

The College Wellbeing team are a confidential, non-judgemental, and inclusive service for you to access throughout the duration of your studies. You can access your College Wellbeing Team in person and online. 

All students can book 30-minute wellbeing appointments through their College.

During this appointment, Wellbeing Officers will have a conversation with you to explore potential causes and concerns that may be harming your wellbeing. Wellbeing Officers will provide you with tailored and sensitive signposting to specialist services both internally and external to UoB.

The support provided by Wellbeing Officers will always be relevant to your academic environment as the officers work closely with academic and Education Support teams to ensure the advice given is appropriate to your specific situation. 

Wellbeing Officers will always aim to encourage and empower you to take ownership of your studies and their guidance will be reflective of that approach, this includes enabling you to identify ways for you to be a contributing member of the university community.  

Alongside emotional support, Wellbeing Officers will also provide you with practical advice and guidance that will help you to progress through key milestones during your studies, such as enrolment and Welcome, assessments, course progression, and end of studies.

Examples of practical advice and guidance include:  

  • Events and support resources that cover topics such as time management, low level stress awareness, mindfulness etc.
  • Explanations of Codes of Practice and University processes; empowering you to take necessary actions relevant to your circumstances and your course requirements.
  • Tailored signposting and referrals to specialist advice and services, both internal and external to the university, this can include referrals to the Guild of Students.

Health on professional courses

Maintaining good health while studying a demanding professional degree like Medicine is essential for both academic success and long-term wellbeing. Prioritising physical health, mental wellbeing, and a balanced lifestyle helps students stay focused, build resilience, and avoid burnout.

Some students worry that telling us they are unwell will mean they cannot become a doctor. This is absolutely not true. We encourage students to talk to us and seek the support they need so that they can be happy and healthy students, and become successful future doctors.