How institutions are supporting international students’ wellbeing
October 08, 2026
International students can often face extreme pressures when they study abroad: culture shock, navigating new systems, being far from friends and family, and the pressures of both study and the UK cost of living.
For this year's World Mental Health Day, we look at some ways that institutions are supporting students’ wellbeing, with examples from #WeAreInternational award-winning institutions 2025 and our #WeAreInternational Student Ambassadors.
Getting to know students and what they need
The #WeAreInternational Student Charter encourages institutions to involve students in decision-making, from service creation to evaluation. The University of Sunderland in London’s international support team developed a comprehensive programme to support more than 1,500 Nepali students, helping them feel welcomed, empowered and engaged with university life in the UK. From travelling to Nepal to meet prospective students and their families, to creating a dedicated Nepali Student Support Group, the initiative was designed to support students academically, socially and emotionally throughout their transition to life in London.
Making services available and accessible from the start
The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine provides early wellbeing meetings to help students settle into their studies, build trust and proactively raise awareness of available services. This ensures key information, such as LSTM counselling, GP registration and other NHS services, is clearly understood.
Running regular wellbeing activities
Providing activities throughout the year, including holiday periods when campuses are quieter, can particularly support international students, who may not be able to travel during breaks and postgraduates working throughout the year.
UCL has mental health awareness weeks and events to support student wellbeing, as well as therapy dog sessions where we can pet dogs! Serin Baek, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, University College London, South Korea,
During the summer, campuses can become much quieter while postgraduate students may still be working intensively on their dissertations. That can make an already stressful period feel especially isolating. More regular check-ins, wellbeing activities, or opportunities for students to connect during that period could make a real difference. Saba Movahed Nia, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, Queen Mary University of London, Iran
Providing one-to-one support
Ensuring that there is accessible, timely, one-to-one support from wellbeing and counselling services.
I have really valued having access to the university’s wellbeing team. Being able to book an appointment and have someone follow up with you and support your case can make the experience feel much less isolating. Knowing that there is someone you can speak, rather than navigating a difficult period entirely on your own, can be very reassuring. Saba Movahed Nia
Working in partnership with all staff
Collaborating across university departments can help staff better understand the challenges students face and break down barriers to access support. The University of Warwick created an International Student Experience Advisory Board to help foster a global, inclusive community. This Board features international student themselves, but also includes stakeholders from across their university, from academics to professional services colleagues. By working together, staff gain greater insight into the challenges international students face and can develop more joined-up approaches to supporting student wellbeing and belonging.
Creating proactive support
Providing proactive support at different times of year, or periods where certain students may feel distress, can ensure services are clearly available when they may be needed most.
One thing I really appreciated was when the Students’ Union and the university reached out to me directly regarding the conflict happening in Iran. Although messages like these can sometimes be part of a wider formal support process, even a small acknowledgement can mean a lot. It reminds students that what is happening in their home country, and how it may be affecting them, has not gone unnoticed. Saba Movahed Nia
This article was written from information and experiences from UKCISA’s #WeAreInternational Student Ambassadors and our 2025 #WeAreInternational Award winning institutions.
Read more on supporting international students’ mental health and wellbeing:
- University support services should clearly communicate that helping hands are located across campus
- Top tips from students for students to support mental health and wellbeing
