UCLcares

Due to a recent spike in cases of measles in London, UCLH are delivering a free MMR vaccine for anyone aged over 12, who hasn’t previously had two vaccinations. The vaccine protects you against measles, mumps and rubella.

The service will be held in the Atrium, University College London Hospital, 235 Euston Road, NW1 2BU, Monday to Friday, 9am – 4:45pm until 28th June.

You can walk-in or book your appointment - [email protected]/s/D2A6fnU-J0aDaw3t7rSFaA2" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://outlook.office365.com/book/[email protected]/s/D2A6fnU-J0aDaw3t7rSFaA2

If you haven’t had the vaccine, remember that it’s never too late to be vaccinated.

Going to be away on 4th July?

• Vote even if you are away on General Election day
• Ask a trusted person to vote on your behalf by applying for a proxy vote - https://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote
• Ensure that you are already registered to vote
• Your proxy must be also registered to vote and allowed to vote in the election taking place
• They must vote in the polling station stated on your polling card
• Proxy vote application deadline is 26th June

Going to be away on 4th July?

• Vote even if you are away on General Election day
• Ensure that you are already registered to vote
• Request a postal vote if you can’t make it to the Polling Station by applying for a postal vote - https://www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote
• Postal vote application deadline is 19th June

How to vote in the upcoming UK General Election on 4th July

You must register to vote by 18th June
You can vote:
• In person on polling day at your designated polling station (7am until 10pm)
• By proxy – application deadline 26th June
• By postal vote– application deadline 19th June

You can vote in UK General Elections if you are British, Irish or from some Commonwealth countries.

Voter registration deadline is the 18th June.

Registration is easy and only takes five minutes online.

Have your National Insurance number handy (although you can register to vote without one)

www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

There will be a General Election (to the UK Parliament) on 4th July 2024. 🗳️

1) Who can vote?

To vote in a general election you must:
• be registered to vote - https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
• be 18 or over on the day of the election (‘polling day’)
• be a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen
• be resident at an address in the UK or living abroad and registered as an overseas voter - https://www.gov.uk/voting-when-abroad
• not be legally excluded from voting

2) How do I register to vote?

• Visit the official government website.
• Registering online takes just five minutes – have your • National Insurance number handy. https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/who-can-vote/register-vote
• If you don't have a National Insurance number, you can still register.
• Make sure to do it soon to ensure your voice is heard!

3) What to expect from the election?

• The UK has a long-established tradition of peaceful and democratic elections, with very few instances of political violence.
• The process for a change of government is well-established and orderly.
• Rest assured, the upcoming elections will be conducted safely and smoothly, ensuring your security while you focus on your time at university.

Happy Spring Break!

UCL will be closed from 5:30pm on Wednesday 27 March 2024 to 9:00am on Thursday 4 April 2024. You will still have access to plenty of support during this period.

Please search 'UCL Closure Period Support' to find our webpage on the support available during the spring break 2024 closure:

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/support-and-wellbeing/spring-break-2024-support-and-services

For further information about the closure period, feel free to read this blog:

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2024/mar/easter-closure-2024-everything-you-need-know

We hope that everybody has a restful break, and we look forward to seeing you all next term!

Do you enjoy studying at UCL so much that you would like to work with us too?

Apply for the UCL Welcome Ambassador Programme and be paid to provide students with top-notch service during the Welcome Period. Help out in a variety of different ways:

🚶 Host campus tours
🪪 Assist with ID and BRP card collection
👋 Help out at the Student Health and Wellbeing Hub

The applications are open from 15/03/2024 to 05/04/2024.

For more information, please see below:

Information page - https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/news/2024/mar/ucl-welcome-ambassador-programme-20242025

Application form - https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=_oivH5ipW0yTySEKEdmlwmuTbP5rhxxOqrG_DiFCX1BUQ1hQUUxBVllJN1FEMkNNWlcxNFo3WkFYSi4u

Job description -https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/sites/students/files/welcome_ambassador_job_description_2024-2025.pdf

Join Mary McHarg, UCL’s Students’ Union President in conversation with the United States Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, to discuss the importance of relationships in maintaining our wellbeing at university.

About the event:

19 March 2024, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm

During the event Dr. Murthy and Mary McHarg will discuss the importance of building relationships and maintaining social connections to improve our wellbeing. The event brings together highly acclaimed speakers to discuss why just like exercise and diet, relationships are a key component of our overall health and wellbeing.

The event will examine how we can better communicate our feelings as a collective, build connections and identify what resources are available to those experiencing feelings of loneliness at UCL.

Programme:

15:45 - Registration opens and guests take their seats
16:00 - Welcome and opening remarks
16:10 - Fireside chat with Dr. Vivek Murthy
16:40 - Q&A with pre-submitted audience questions
17:00 - Event closes, followed by a Wellbeing Cuppa with light refreshments

Please submit your questions for Dr. Vivek Murthy prior to the event using sli.do.

Find out more and book your place here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/events/events/2024/mar/connecting-wellbeing-audience-us-surgeon-general-dr-murthy

Please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Due to a recent spike in cases of measles in London, UCLH are delivering a free MMR vaccine for anyone under the age of 26. The MMR vaccine protects you against measles, mumps and rubella.

The service will be held in the Student Centre on the Mezzanine Level (facing the Japanese Garden), from 10am-7pm on Wednesday 6th March (insert QR code) and Thursday 14th March. To book your vaccination, please complete the following form:

[email protected]/bookings/s/errLIeinCEelyMo2iVvNcw2" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/[email protected]/bookings/s/errLIeinCEelyMo2iVvNcw2

Ridgmount Practice will be in attendance for any student looking to register with a GP. Walk-ins are available on the day. However, we recommend downloading the NHS app to see your vaccination record and to avoid a long wait on the day.

Students born between 1998-2004 are less likely to be vaccinated against measles. If you have not had the vaccine, remember that it is never too late to be vaccinated.

One week to go until our Exam Season Toolkit! 📚

Take time out from revision and exams to get ready, get set and go forth into a successful assessment season 🫶

Across March, April and May, Student Support and Wellbeing will be hosting a range of events to help you de-stress, try different hobbies and make new friends. Join us for...

☕ Free Drinks Tokens
🌄 7am Walking Club
👋 Haldane Hangouts
🏃 Project Active Fitness Classes
🦙 Wellbeing Alpacas
🚶‍♂️ Men's Health Active Walk and Talk
💤 Sleep School Webinars
🐶 Therapy Dogs
🎪 Circus Skills Tasters
💃 Dancing and Salsa Tasters
🎭 Musical Theatre Tasters
🧘 Gong Baths
..and more!

The QR code takes you to our SSW Events webpage, where you can book your spot at these activities!

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/support-and-wellbeing/events-and-activities/exam-season-toolkit

Student Support and Wellbeing will be celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Day on Tuesday 27th February 2024. Join us at Nunn Hall in the IOE for...

🫶 1.30pm-2.15pm: Introduction to Compassion

🧘 2.30pm-3.15pm: Mini Mindfulness Workshop

Visit 'February additional events' on the SSW Events webpage to sign up!

This year, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week runs from Monday 5th - Sunday 11th February 2024.

We all have a part to play in ending the normalisation of gender-based violence every day. Join the conversation to raise awareness and, if you need support, we are always here to help.

You can contact the Student Support and Wellbeing Phone Line on +44 (0) 20 3108 8836 from:

- 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays
- 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm on Thursdays

For in-the-moment support in 35+ languages, including sign, you can call the UCL 24/7 Student Support Line on +44 (0) 808 238 0077

If you’ve been thinking about seeking support for your disability and/or long-term health conditions, make sure that you contact the Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing team as soon as possible 🫶

For some types of support, we have yearly deadlines that align with central exam preparations or Disabled Students’ Allowance.

🩵 To apply for a SoRA to get adjustments for your central exams, you must have an approved SoRA by Wednesday 27th March 2024.

💜 For last year UG students, you must return your SpLD screening by Wednesday 14th February 2024.

Search ‘UCL SoRA’ for more info about how to apply for reasonable adjustments.
Search ‘UCL SpLD’ to learn more about SpLD screenings at UCL.

Prepare for an unforgettable night of laughter and good vibes! 🌟 Join us at Comedy Night, proudly presented by Student Support and Wellbeing in collaboration with UCL Comedy Club. Secure your spot now for an evening packed with giggles and good times. Act fast —last year's event sold out! As part of the Beat the January Blues campaign, your ticket also includes a complimentary drink, making this a perfect way to start the new year on a high note. Don't miss out on the fun – reserve your ticket and let the laughter flow! 😄🎙️

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bloomsbury-theatre/events/2024/jan/ssw-beat-january-blues-comedy-night-su-comedy-club

Winter blues are real, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects many during the colder months. Join SSW for our 'Beat the January Blues' campaign, where we unite to lift moods and brighten winter days. Together, let's boost our mood with cosy events and activities. ❄️🙌

Wishing all UCL students a happy and restful festive period! UCL is closed from 5.30pm Friday 22nd December 2023 to 9am Tuesday 2nd January 2024 ⛄

Operating hours may change during this period, but there is still plenty of support available to you at UCL throughout the break 🫶

Visit this webpage for contact details and operating hours:

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/support-and-wellbeing/winter-break-2023-support-and-services

Spending the winter break in London? 🌃

Head to our UCLcares Blog to read our article on 'Making the most of London this winter break':

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/news/2023/dec/making-most-london-winter-break

It's one month until Beat the January Blues! ❄️

Gather, giggle and get outside for ten days in January (Monday 22nd - Wednesday 31st January 2024). Our activities will boost your mood and help you forget about the winter weather 🫶

Meet new people and develop new skills at our...

🚶 Winter Walks
🎲🀩 Games and Puzzles with and
🧶 Knitting and Crochet Workshops
🧵 Embroidery Drop-in
🧘 Gong Siesta Sound Baths
🖼️ Paint-by-numbers Drop-in
🕯️ Candle Making with
🎭 Comedy Night with

The QR code takes you to our SSW Events webpage, where you can book your spot at these activities!

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/support-and-wellbeing/events-and-activities/beat-january-blues

Did you know you can increase your focus and sense of wellbeing with just ten minutes of mindfulness per day? We recommend signing up to the 10 Minute Mind course 🫶

If you want to learn how to be in control of your anxiety so it does not control you, sign up for the Anxiety: Beat It and Regain Peace course 🙌

Both of these courses are free to access to currently enrolled UCL students. Our testimonials prove just how helpful these courses can be 🩵

Scan the QR codes or follow the links in this post to access the courses!

Ready for your SSW 2023 Wrapped?

It's been a year of amazing growth for Student Support and Wellbeing. The success of our walks, talks, workshops and activities is all down to you. We'd like to thank everyone who attended our wellbeing events in 2023 🫶

Kicking off 2024 is Beat the January Blues, a campaign of cosy events designed to warm up the winter days and improve your mood. We can't wait to see you there ❄️

Got any ideas for future Student Support and Wellbeing events? Drop your suggestions in the comments below ⬇️

Do you know what a SpLD – “Splud” – is? Hint: it isn’t a type of potato.

Specific learning differences are a range of different neurological conditions, which essentially means information is processed in a different way. SpLDs are:

- ADHD
- dyslexia
- dyscalculia
- dyspraxia
- dysgraphia

To learn more about how UCL supports learning needs for students who suspect they may have dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia or ADHD, check out our dedicated SpLD info page:

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/support-and-wellbeing/disability-support/specific-learning-differences-splds

Thank you for joining our 'Your Guide to Thrive' events. We hope you enjoyed them as much as we did, as well as helping to develop good self-care practices, building confidence and thriving at UCL. 🙋🏽

If you missed any of these amazing events, do not worry. We will be running more events during Term 2 as part of ‘Beat the January Blues’ (Monday 22nd - Wednesday 31st January 2024). This will be a fun packed 10 days, aimed to light up January with games, crafting, winter walks, therapy dogs and many more. 🧩❄️🐶

Follow the link below to check out the upcoming events.

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/support-and-wellbeing/events-and-activities/beat-january-blues

A huge thank you to for your brilliant talk and Q&A, we learnt so much about obstacles to sleep, repaying sleep debt, top tips for healthy sleep and so much more! We hope everyone in attendance enjoyed Dr Guy Meadow's talk as much as we did 💤

If you missed our in-person talk, you can join Guy's webinar today 12pm-1pm by signing up on our SSW Events and activities website 💭

Can't make it today? Keep an eye out for future Sleep School events and join other Your Guide to Thrive events this week 🫶

A big thank you to for yesterday's inspiring Self-worth Sessions on Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome. We learnt so much and hope everyone in attendance enjoyed these talks too 🫶

Follow the link below for the rest of our Your Guide to Thrive events this week. Tickets are selling fast, and some events don't need tickets - just turn up!

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/support-and-wellbeing/events-and-activities/your-guide-thrive

Friday 1st December is International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023, raising awareness of global disability rights, issues and dignity 🫶

To celebrate International Day of Persons with Disability 2023, we are hosting an online conference with presentations led by the Eugenics Legacy Education Project (ELEP), and

This event will have a BSL interpreter, as well as live captioning overlays. A subtitled version of the recording will be made available soon after the event 💻

Sign up to the conference on our December Additional events webpage!

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/support-and-wellbeing/events-and-activities/additional-ssw-events/december-2023

It's one month until Your Guide to Thrive! 🫶

This fun-packed week in Term 1 (Monday 20th - Friday 24th November 2023) is designed to help you develop good self-care practices, build confidence and thrive at UCL 🩵

Join our talks, walks and workshops to develop your...

💪 Self-worth and belief
💳 Budgeting skills
🛌 Sleep habits
📚 Library skills
✍️ Academic writing
📱 Personal safety
💂 Knowledge and appreciation of London

Meet the dogs, or drop by our Tea and Talk with UCL SU to speak to a member of staff

The QR code takes you to our SSW Events webpage, where you can book your spot at these activities!

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/support-and-wellbeing/events-and-activities/your-guide-thrive

📢 Calling all students! This event is for YOU! 📢 Inspired by the 'City of Women London' project, join Living London for a unique wandering tour of Camden on Saturday 7 & 21 October!

The project arose to challenge the tendency for women and non-binary people to be erased from urban histories through the convention of naming city streets and stations after powerful, white men.

The first version reimagined the New York subway map, highlighting the city’s remarkable female figures. Expanding to London, the City of Women London map renames tube stops after significant women and non-binary people, as you can see in the image above.

Celebrating the lives and achievements of women and non-binary people (past and present) in London, the walk starts at the on UCL Main Campus and joins up the hidden gems around Camden.

The walks will be led by Saira Niazi; writer, guide and founder of Living London.

🚶 Sat 7 Oct & Sat 21 Oct, 11am start, walk lasts 2.5 hours. 🚶‍♀️

This event is for new and returning UCL students. Book your free space on a tour here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/culture/whats-on/student-event-city-women-london-camden-wanderings-living-london



Alt text: Detail from an alternative digital tube map of London. Set on a lilac background, the tube stops have been renamed after women and non-binary people and there is a title in the bottom left corner reading ‘City of Women London’.

Would you like help to adjust to university life? Is a mental health issue impacting your studies?

Our Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing Mentoring Group starts tomorrow Tuesday 10th October and runs for 8 weeks 📅

The group is designed to help students with no registered disability or diagnosed mental health condition, but are struggling at university 🫶

You can request to join the group by raising an enquiry on askUCL 💻

Scan the QR code for our October and November additional events webpages to find more information on eligibility and referrals:

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/support-and-wellbeing/events-and-activities/additional-ssw-events

Are you wondering how to access disability support at UCL? 🤔

We love this pre-freshers list from (D&A) 📋✅

Follow this link to learn more about Disability Support within Student Support and Wellbeing: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/support-and-wellbeing/support-disabled-students

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown today and ends at nightfall on Sunday 17th September 2023.

Happy Rosh Hashanah to those who celebrate! 🍎🍯

UCL recognises the Sunflower Lanyard scheme, which helps to discretely indicate that someone has an invisible disability and may require additional assistance when out in public 🌻

Any new or existing staff or student with an invisible disability can wear their own sunflower lanyard or collect one from the UCL Andrew Huxley building, the IOE Library, Main Library, Science Library or Cruciform Hub 🤗

You can find more info at: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/estates/bloomsbury-campus/accessible-campus/sunflower-lanyard-invisible-disability-scheme

Are you moving back home after university? 🧳💒

Relationships can change while students are away, and it can be difficult to pick up where you left off with friends and family back home 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧

You may feel like you've grown and changed, and this can lead to a sense of disconnect for some people.

To help you cope:
✔️stay connected with the friends and colleagues you met while studying at uni
✔️join your university’s alumni society and participate in their events
✔️seek out career resources to help navigate the challenges of entering the job market back home

If you need support before returning home, contact our wellbeing advisers via askUCL.