Stress and Coping
Every academic programme in UCD has a dedicated Student Adviser who can offer you time and space to explore any issues of concern you may have. There is also a specific Student Adviser for Postgraduate Research Students.
Student Advisers can help you find pathways to deal with personal, social and emotional issues and can advise you about appropriate UCD policies, procedures and services. They work closely with academic and administrative staff as well as other student support staff to help you stay on track or get back on track when you are experiencing personal difficulties.
College can sometimes be stressful. In addition to managing your study you may also be trying to balance a number of other things such as living away from home, cooking, managing your finances, commuting and caring responsibilities – just to name a few. There may also be family expectations and other pressures to succeed.
It is normal to feel anxiety in certain situations such as starting university or sitting your exams. However, if your anxiety begins to interfere with your coursework or your ability to partake in your usual activities, it may be time to seek extra help. If this feels like you, then please reach out to your Student Adviser or other Student Supports available to you.
Some unforeseen circumstances may fall under the Extenuating Circumstances policy. A Student Guide to Extenuating Circumstances can be found here.
Emergency?
UCD Student Advisers are not an emergency service. In an emergency, please call 999 or 112 in Ireland. If you are on UCD campus, please dial 01 716 7999.
Other useful UCD Services:
- UCD Help for Current Students
- UCD Student Health Service
- UCD Student Counselling Service
- UCD Chaplaincy
- UCD Dignity and Respect
You may also find the following information useful:
- (opens in a new window)Togetherall is a safe, anonymous, online community for mental health support which is now FREE to all UCD students.
- (opens in a new window)Spunout.ie provides a useful guide on six steps you can take to manage stress.
- Useful tips on balancing a healthy lifestyle, including managing stress are available on the Healthy UCD website.
- Supports While Studying
- (opens in a new window)Samaritans is a free, 24/7 helpline: Phone 116 123
- (opens in a new window)Text About It 50808 is a free, 24/7 text service that may help individuals with a range of issues.
- (opens in a new window)Pieta House, 24-hour helpline: freephone 1800 247 347 or text HELP to 51444.
- (opens in a new window)Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, 24-hour helpline: freephone 1800 778 888.
- (opens in a new window)Women's Aid, 24-hour helpline: freephone 1800 341 900 ((opens in a new window)see also the Still Here Campaign).
- (opens in a new window)Men's Aid: helpline 01 554 3811
The UCD Student Help page has lots of additional information on how to seek help.