How to Get Help from Your University as a Postgraduate Student

Written by Maka Mutamiri

Most universities offer a wide range of support services to help students overcome challenges they face during their studies. These cover everything from academic stress to mental health, housing issues, money worries and more. They’re there to give you a fighting chance at success even when things go a bit pear-shaped.

Being a postgraduate student isn’t always easy. You might be dealing with tight deadlines, living away from home, or adjusting to a new country. Knowing when and how to ask for help can make a significant difference. This guide will walk you through how to find, access and make the most of, student support services, so you’re never left wondering who to turn to.

Why it’s ok (and smart) to ask for help What your university can help with How to get help: Step-by-step

Why it’s ok (and smart) to ask for help

Even the most organised postgrad can run into problems. And guess what? That’s completely normal. Universities expect this and have teams of people whose job is to help you deal with it.

But here's the catch: they won’t know you need help unless you ask. So whether you’re struggling with essays, money, stress or all three at once, don’t wait until it all becomes too much.

Student story: How student support services helped my life at King’s

Hear from Banking & Finance MSc student, Dharshini, on how they found and experienced support from the student support services at King's College London.

What your university can help with

Money problems

If you're running low on money (as many postgrads do), your university may be able to help with one-off emergency grants or support applying for hardship funds. You can also access budgeting advice to help you avoid living on beans and toast – though it still makes a top tier student meal.

Where to go: Student Finance or Welfare Team, or your Students’ Union.

Mental health and wellbeing

Postgraduate study can be stressful, but you don’t have to manage it alone. Most universities offer wellbeing drop-ins, one-to-one counselling, and workshops or support groups. Some also provide access to online mental health tools such as Togetherall, which you can use at any time, day or night.

Where to go: Wellbeing Service, Counselling Centre, or Student Health Team.

Academic support

If you're struggling to keep up or need help with specific study skills like academic writing, referencing, or managing your time, there is support available. You can book sessions with an academic skills team or speak to your personal tutor for course-specific concerns. If needed, you can also ask about deadline extensions or study adjustments.

Where to go: Academic Skills Centre, Department Office, or Skills Hub.

Housing issues

Whether you’re living in halls or renting privately, housing problems can crop up. Universities can offer advice on tenancy agreements, support with issues in university accommodation, or guidance on finding a new place to live.

Where to go: Accommodation Office or Students’ Union Housing Adviser.

International student support

If you’ve moved to the UK to study, your university will have a team dedicated to supporting international students. They can help with visa advice, registering with a GP, opening a bank account, and getting used to life in the UK. Many also run events to help you meet people and settle in socially.

Where to go: International Student Office or Global Student Support Team.

Disability or health condition support

If you have a disability, long-term health condition, or learning difficulty, you may be entitled to extra support. This can include exam or coursework adjustments, access to specialist equipment or software and help applying for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).

Where to go: Disability Services or Student Accessibility Team.

How to get help: Step-by-step

Work out what you need: Pin down the kind of support you’re after, whether it's money, mental health, academics, housing, or something else.
Visit your university’s website: Find the student support or wellbeing page for contact info and opening hours.
Get in touch: Email, call, or use online forms to contact the right team. Some offer drop-ins, others need appointments.
Be clear about your issue: Explain your situation simply so they can help you best.
Attend your appointment: Show up on time, and if you can’t, let them know.
Follow up if needed: If the problem isn’t solved, or things change, reach out again.
Explore extra resources: Ask your support team for other helpful services or tools you can use.

Tips from the author

Getting support from your university can make a huge difference, but sometimes it feels a bit awkward to ask. My advice? Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed. Reach out early and be honest about what’s going on. Universities have plenty of experience helping students through tough patches and they want you to succeed.

When I needed help looking for an internship during my Masters, I visited the Careers and Employment Service team and asked them to look at my CV and tell if they knew of any good job boards. They actually had a weekly mailing list, which they told me to sign up for. While my Masters internship wasn’t on that job board, I did use the same job board and mailing list to secure an internship after graduating.

No matter what you need or questions you have, make use of every support service available, even if it feels like a small issue. Often, sorting out little problems early prevents them from becoming big ones later.

And remember, you’re not alone in this. Most postgrads juggle a lot, so be kind to yourself and accept that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Finally, try to enjoy your postgraduate journey as much as possible. With the right support, you’ll get through the challenges and come out the other side better prepared and proud of what you’ve achieved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access support anonymously?

Most universities require you to identify yourself to offer personalised support, but some mental health platforms and advice services allow anonymous use. Staff usually keep your information private unless there’s a serious risk to your safety or someone else’s. You’ll be informed if information needs to be shared.

Are there costs involved in using support services?

Generally, university support services are free for enrolled students. Some specialised services outside the university might charge fees.

Can I get support if I’m studying part-time or remotely?

Yes. Many universities provide online and phone support options for part-time and distance learners.

What should I do if I’m unhappy with the support I receive?

Start by giving feedback to the service or speak to your Student' Union. Universities often have formal complaints procedures if issues aren’t resolved informally.

Ready to apply for a Masters?

Find out what Masters courses are currently available with our FindAMasters listings.

How to Get Help from Your University as a Postgraduate Student

Contents

Why it’s ok (and smart) to ask for help

Student story: How student support services helped my life at King’s