Student Wellbeing Service (SWS)
SWS brings together two key student facing services; the Disability and Wellbeing Service (DWS) and the Student Counselling Service (SCS). SWS also facilitates the Peer Supporter Scheme. SWS aims to provide you with a single integrated source of help and assistance.
SCS provides a professional, free and confidential service to help you with any problems that you may be experiencing. You can speak to them about academic stresses, as well as personal and emotional difficulties. Visit lse.ac.uk/counselling to book an individual appointment, read about drop-in appointments or find out about groups and workshops.
DWS is the first point of contact for students with disabilities, long term medical and mental health conditions, and Specific Learning Difficulties such as dyslexia. DWS can create an Inclusion Plan with you, which is a way of putting in place agreed “reasonable adjustments” to support your studies. Visit lse.ac.uk/disability to find out more.
Peer Supporters give you the opportunity to talk to fellow students about anything that is worrying you. Peer Supporters are trained to offer confidential emotional support, help and reassurance. You can find out more about the scheme and arrange a chat with a Peer Supporter at lse.ac.uk/peerSupport
Health Care in the UK
You are likely to need to access medical care while you are at LSE, even if this is just for routine appointments. In the UK most health care is provided through the National Health Service (NHS).
You are typically eligible for free treatment on the NHS if you fall into one of the following categories:
- You are a UK resident
- You have a Tier 4 visa and have paid the immigration health surcharge
- You are an EU/EEA student with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
This list is not exhaustive and was correct at the time of print. The UK Council for International Student Affairs maintains an up-to-date listing on their website - www.ukcisa.org.uk.
If you are unfamiliar with the NHS search for “NHS Services explained” to find out more. You are usually required to register with a local General Practitioner’s (GP) surgery before you can book an appointment. You should register as soon as possible and not wait until you are unwell. The nearest GP surgery is St. Philips Medical Centre who are based on the second floor of Tower 3. This surgery will register most LSE students. For more information about the services offered and how to register please visit www.stphilipsmedicalcentre.co.uk or call 020 7611 5131.
As well as dispensing medicines, pharmacies can also offer advice on common health problems. You do not need to make an appointment, just visit a pharmacy and ask to speak to the duty pharmacists. In an emergency you should dial 999 to call an ambulance. You can also visit your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department at your local hospital or visit an Urgent Care Centre.
There is lots more information about Health Care, including details about dentists and opticians, available at lse.ac.uk/studentHealth.
LSE Faith Centre
The Faith Centre is open to students of all faiths and none. It is a space for prayer, worship and quiet reflection.
The Faith Centre provides a space for student faith societies to meet and worship. The Faith Centre produces a Religion and Belief Guide each year which provides information and contact details for faith groups, you can collect a copy from the Faith Centre reception on the second floor of the Saw Swee Hock Student Centre.
The Faith Centre host a range of wellbeing activities including Mindfulness, Yoga, Ashtanga Aoga and Tai Chi. Class details can be found online at lse.ac.uk/faithCentre. The Cave in the Faith Centre is available to all LSE staff and students who need a quiet place for reflection. This space cannot be booked but is open throughout the week.
The Faith Centre runs three acclaimed interfaith leadership programmes which are your chance to explore, question and challenge religious differences and provide a unique opportunity to build relationships and challenge assumptions across faiths. Find out more by visiting the “Programmes” page at lse.ac.uk/faithCentre.
The Faith Centre Director and Chaplain to the LSE, Reverend Dr James Walters, can be contacted on
j.walters2@lse.ac.uk for confidential support regardless of religious affiliation. Contact details for our team of Associate Chaplains can be found at
lse.ac.uk/faithCentre.