Attending university is a big step. It can take time to settle in to your new life and it’s normal to experience a wide range of conflicting emotions – from excitement to fear. 

Here at the Counselling Service, our qualified counsellors/psychotherapy practitioners and those in training are here to support you. At a time of significant change, doing even the simplest of tasks or making what used to feel like straightforward decisions can suddenly feel overwhelming. Whether you’re just embarking on university life or you’re further along with your studies, we can help work through whatever’s troubling you. 

Common concerns include: 

  • Being away from home and family and friends.  
  • Living independently – taking care of yourself, managing daily tasks, being responsible for your own finances, shopping, washing and cooking.  
  • Adjusting to living in a new place, meeting new people and trying to make friends  
  • Attending lectures and staying on top of the demands of academic life. 
  • University life not turning out as you’d hoped or expected. 
  • An unexpected event like the break-up of a relationship or problems at home throwing you off track, affecting your ability to concentrate on your studies. 

Our counselling/psychotherapy sessions offer a safe, confidential space to explore what’s happening in your life. You will be respected and not judged. Your counsellor/psychotherapy practitioner will listen to you, help you gain greater clarity about your problems and help you work out how to move forward. 

Who are we? 

Counselling staff are experienced in supporting students with a wide range of issues including anxiety, academic stress, low mood and depression, relationship difficulties, and bereavement.  We offer a range of counselling approaches, including Person-Centred Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.  

The work undertaken by the Counselling staff is time-sensitive, (i.e. we will not keep you in counselling for longer than you need), brief counselling, which is particularly suitable for students.  You will be signposted to self-help resources and referred to further specialist services should you need them.  

We also provide workshops on a range of issues relevant to students, and act as a point of reference within the University for those who have concerns about the well-being of students. 

Out partners at the Mental Health & Wellbeing Service also offer services via Mental Health Specialists (Registered Mental Health Nurses), who co-ordinate specialist support for students with longer term mental health conditions and assist in crisis situations during working hours. 

Where are we based? 

The Counselling Team is based in the James Watt Building (B2) within Aston Student Village.

The Mental Health & Wellbeing Team is based in Aston University's Main Building (MB G21)

Contact us

While the Student Welfare Support Request Form should be used in the first instance, you can also contact us via the below methods.

Phone

0121 204 5100

Email

studentwelfare@aston.ac.uk

Distance learners and students on placement

We want all students who are registered with the University to be able to benefit from the Counselling Service. If you are away from the University and residing in the UK, you are able to access the on-line service that we offer. Instead of meeting with  a counsellor/psychotherapy practitioner face-to face, you would have a regular on-line correspondence with them.

Whilst Aston University Counselling Service cannot serve students living outside of the UK, you can seek external Counselling support via the Global Student Assistance Programme (SAP).
 

 

In an emergency

The Counselling Service is not an emergency service. If you are at immediate risk of serious harm, or are with someone who you feel is, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.  

If you are on campus, please call Aston Security on 0121 359 2922 (external extension 2222).   

The closest NHS Walk in Centre is Halcyon Medical, Unit 8, 24 Martineau Place, Birmingham B2 4 UH, and is open: 

  • 8am–6:30pm, Monday to Friday 
  • 10am–2pm, Saturday 
  • 11am–2pm, Sunday 

The closest Accident and Emergency Centre to campus is Birmingham City Hospital, Dudley Road, B18 7QH. 

Our Mental Health & Wellbeing Service may be able to help you during office hours (Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm) and support you in accessing the most appropriate service. Either visit in person at The Hub Reception Desk, Upper Ground Floor, Main Building, or call 0121 204 5100 (5100 from an internal phone).