Health, Wellness and Welfare

Reuben College welcomes diversity amongst its students, staff and visitors, recognising the particular contributions to the achievement of the College’s mission that can be made by individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. The College’s Equality Policy, to be read in conjunction with its Equalities Action Plan, sets out the aims and actions of the College in relation to the protected characteristics described in the Equality Act 2010.

When you arrive, we will provide a comprehensive induction programme to introduce you to College life and help you find out about all different resources and services you can access as a student at Oxford. You should also refer to the Welfare page in the Student Handbook.

We have a dedicated welfare team to support all aspects of your health and wellbeing whilst you are studying here to help you reach your academic potential, navigate any problems you encounter in the most helpful ways and make the most of your time here at Oxford.

You can see our Welfare Organisation Chart here.

You can find out more information about who to contact in case of emergency here.

Welfare Dean

Kirren Mahmood

Our Welfare Dean, Kirren Mahmood, serves as the first point of contact for students dealing with any issues related to welfare or wellbeing and support is tailored to the specific needs of each student.

This may include:

  • Just being a friendly face and having an informal chat when you need it
  • Offering a reflective space and actively listening to your problems
  • Developing a shared understanding of the presenting problem/s with the student
  • Psychoeducation and raising awareness of other significant issues including remits/criteria for relevant services
  • Sharing self-help resources and information
  • Supported signposting (directing our students to the most relevant services/ professionals for their needs)
  • Offering preliminary evidence-based interventions for mild to moderate difficulties such as low mood, anxiety, stress and feeling overwhelmed

Kirren is also one of the College's Harassment Advisors and oversees the student Peer Supporters (trained by the University Counselling Service).

Peer Supporters

Peer Supporters are student volunteers that are trained by the University to provide an informal and supportive space to talk about any problems (big or small). They offer confidential and non-judgemental support to any student, and can also suggest resources and referrals for additional support. You can find out more about the Peer Supporters in the handbook.

To contact our peer supporters, email them at peer.support@reuben.ox.ac.uk.

Learn more about our Peer Supporters here.

College Doctor

The College is linked to a GP Practice, Dr Leaver & Partners at the Jericho Health Centre that provide NHS medical services and all students are strongly encouraged to register with the practice upon arrival. For further information please visit https://www.leaverandpartnersjericho.nhs.uk/

Other Welfare Services

Reuben also has a University Counselling Service representative linked to the College. The University has an excellent counselling service that offers individual counselling, workshops, short courses, group counselling, self-help resources and podcasts. You can discover more about the Counselling Service and the services they offer on their website.

The University Disability Advisory Service (known as DAS) are also available to help create an accessible and inclusive students. The College's Disability Coordinator is responsible for advising students about provision and support available for a wide range of disabilities, seen or unseen, and can help you with any reasonable adjustments you may require to have the full experience of what this college and university has to offer. This includes exam adjustments such as extra time, assistive technology, breaks, etc. See our resources and advice for students with disabilities for further information on the help we can offer.

There will be different college-led and student-led events throughout the year to celebrate diversity, including events for different faiths or nationalities, and an opportunity to welcome family members of students. For example, we hosted an Iftar during Ramadan 2022 for all our students and fellows. Early in Michaelmas Term, the College will a session on ‘Life in the UK’ led by students and the Academic Office for international students. The College will also provide informal drop-in sessions in the common room for students who want to have a friendly face to talk about how they are adapting to student life in Oxford.  

The Graduate Common Room includes Equality and Diversity representatives who help champion ways to ensure Reuben College resources, events and initiatives are inclusive and accessible to all our students. 

All staff, Fellows and Senior Officers of the College are obliged to complete annual training on Implicit Bias and Equality and Diversity as part of their continuous professional development and to embed inclusivity in their day-to-day work. 

University Provision

The University offers a range of welfare provision and services for its students.  

The Oxford Student Union can also offer advice, guidance and support for students' welfare and well-being.

Other Resources

The Wellbeing Thesis has a range of resources specifically designed to support the mental health and wellbeing experience of postgraduate research students. There's a series of programmes to help students develop their researcher identity by exploring uncertainties, celebrating wins and understanding the balance of freedom and responsibilities as part of their postgraduate journey. 

All our students and staff can access Togetherall 24/7 at no cost, for mental health and wellbeing support. This is an anonymous and confidential space providing tools, courses and a supportive community to help everyone to look after themselves, along with plenty of resources to explore. All you need is a university email address to enter.