Frequently Asked Questions

All Oxford students will be sent an email by the study's research team on October 22^nd 2020. This will contain a link to find out more details about the study and to complete the survey.

We hope that the findings will help us to better understand the health needs of university students, and which factors are associated with academic success. This information will help us to improve resources and services to support students.

If you complete the October survey, you can choose to enter a draw to win one of five iPads. Winners will be drawn randomly shortly after the close of the October survey.

If you complete the Trinity survey, you can choose to enter a draw to win one of five iPads. Winners will be drawn randomly shortly after the close of the Trinity survey.

If you decide to take part, you will be asked to complete an online survey. The survey asks about your background, past emotional experiences, lifestyle, physical and mental health, and school/ university experience. There are also some questions about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on your wellbeing and academic life. The survey should take approximately 10 -15 minutes to complete. If you took part in our previous U-Flourish student survey, you will receive a shorter version of the survey.

As an important part of the U-Flourish study, we would like to compare how you feel at the beginning and end of the academic year. Therefore, if you complete this survey, we will send you the link to a brief follow-up survey in May. The follow-up survey will ask about your experiences during the year, focusing on wellbeing, academic experience and barriers to care. The follow-up survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Because the aim of this study is to understand the association between health, lifestyle, and academic outcomes, your survey responses will be linked to specific academic data such as your results in university exams for the duration of your course. Please be assured that your survey answers and academic data are strictly confidential. No individual’s answers will be identifiable.

We are funded to collect survey data for the next two years, therefore we will contact you again in October 2021. If you choose to complete this survey, you are under no obligation to complete any of our future surveys. Your participation in this study is voluntary.

If you are concerned about your mental health, here are some contacts that you might find useful...

IN AN EMERGENCY: If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts and think that you might be unable to keep yourself safe, visit your nearest Accident and Emergency department or call 999.

University Based Support

Your GP: Book an appointment with your GP. They can offer advice or refer you to other more specific services to get help. Each college at the University of Oxford is linked to a GP, known as a ‘college doctor’. Alternatively, you can register with an external medical practice if you prefer.

College specific welfare support: Colleges offer their own welfare support. Check your college website to find the support offered by your college.

University Counselling Service: The Service offers free and confidential support, but it is not an emergency service.

Disability Advisory Service: Provide information, advice, guidance and assistance with organising disability-related study support. Call 01865 280459 or visit their website. 

Harassment Advisor Network: Information on support available to students who feel they have been harassed or bullied.

Oxford SU Student Advice: Provides a confidential and impartial listening and advice service.

The Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service: For students of any gender who have been affected by sexual harassment or violence. They provide free support and advice, along with a safe place to be heard independent of your college or department.

General External Support

Talking Space: A NHS service that offers a range of free talking therapies for mental health problems in the Oxford area.

MIND: Mind is a mental health charity. To ask about mental health or mental health services, or to find out more about a particular Mind service, phone the MIND Information Line on 01865 263730. Trained staff and volunteers will be able to give you details of services in your area and talk through options with you.

Oxford Nightline: A completely independent listening, support and information service run for and by students of Oxford and Oxford Brookes universities.

Students Against Depression: A website offering information, blogs and resources to help students find their way forward from low mood or depression.

Student Minds: A national student mental health charity working to encourage peer interventions for student mental health.

The Samaritans: Trained volunteers are able to listen to you any time day or night. They can help you talk through whatever is troubling you. Call on: 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. 

Alcohol/ Substance use

Alcoholics Anonymous: They offer telephone, online and face-to-face help and advice related to alcohol or a drinking problem.

FRANK: For friendly, confidential drugs advice, call FRANK on: 0300 123 6600. Or, you can access their website.

Bereavement

Cruse Oxfordshire: Offer counselling for those who are experiencing bereavement.

Eating Problems

Beat: The UK’s leading eating disorder charity. It provides helplines which are open 365 days a year. These can be freely accessed on 0808 801 0677.

Sexual Violence & Domestic Abuse

Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre: Offer free and confidential support to women and girls who are dealing with the effects of sexual violence, including abuse, rape, domestic abuse, and harassment. 

The Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service: For students of any gender who have been affected by sexual harassment or violence. They provide free support and advice, along with a safe place to be heard independent of your college or department.

Women’s Aid: offer information and support to those experiencing domestic abuse.