Please note that some of the resources on this page are available only in term time, not in the vacations.
JCR and MCR support
The JCR and MCR elect student officers to help other students, including Welfare Officers, and officers for ethnic minorities, women, people with disabilities, LGBQT+, international students, first generation students and others. Details are available on the JCR website and the MCR website, which are managed by the respective student committees independently of the College. Members of the JCR and MCR also volunteer as Peer Supporters to listen to Balliol members with problems such as stress, academic performance, sexuality, depression, homesickness, cultural barriers, and relationships: for further information, see the Wellbeing and Welfare team.
Oxford peer support: Coffee Chat Connect
Coffee Chat Connect is an initiative by students, for students and junior researchers, which offers free coffee chats with fellow students in local Oxford cafés — ‘so you can get a break from the library by grabbing company, coffee (or tea, or hot chocolate) and confidential conversation’. Its ambassadors, who are peer support trained, are ‘about helping you tap into everything and anything Oxford (or Oxford Uni) has to offer. From inspiration to support, from networks to friendships.’ Get in touch: oucoffeeambassadors@gmail.com
Oxford SU (Student Union)
Oxford SU represents, supports, and creates communities for all University of Oxford students, led by six Sabbatical Officers elected from the student body each year. They work closely with JCRs and MCRs with lobbying support, training, wellbeing products, and more. The Oxford SU Student Advice provides a confidential and impartial listening and advice service and welfare resources, including on bullying and harassment; on sexual violence and sexual harassment; and on substances and harm reduction.
University welfare support
The University offers a wide range of professional welfare support, including help for those with disabilities, support for those suffering harassment or sexual violence, advice on health issues, a counselling service, support for students from a care background, estranged students, student parents and much more.
See also Wellbeing Transition Resources, as list of University-wide services and self-help resources.
Wellbeing Roundabout
You can see a number of helpful resources in the Wellbeing Roundabout Balliol’s Wellbeing and Welfare Lead, Kate Pullen, presented at Freshers’ Week 2022.