Skip to main content

Support and wellbeing

Whatever you need during your time with us – from wellbeing and financial support to academic guidance and specialist services – our friendly teams are here 24/7 to help you feel confident and supported.

Two students enjoying a coffee in the CitySpace cafe

Support during Clearing

As a top 10 university for student support services (Daily Mail University Guide 2026), we're here to help you through the Clearing process.

This year, we're offering a support package that includes:

  • One-to-one support from a member of our Clearing Helpline Team. They'll be with you at every stage of the Clearing process and will give you advice tailored to your situation
  • A printed guide designed to clear the noise, delivered to your door (UK residents only)
  • Clear guidance on the courses you can study and your steps to join us.
Sign up for support

What happens when you call the Clearing Helpline?

When you call us on 0191 515 3000, you'll connect to a member of our Clearing Helpline team. The person on the other end of the phone is a member of our University community – someone who knows us well and can give you honest answers.

On results day, many of the team will have volunteered their own time to take your call. So, they'll be enthusiastic and looking forward to speaking with you. Don't worry if you're feeling nervous – we're in this together.

The person you speak to will ask you some questions. These include:

  • Personal details (such as your full name, email address, and phone number)
  • Your grades – Level 3 qualifications (such as A Levels) and your Maths and English GCSEs (or equivalent)
  • The course you want to study
  • Whether you need extra support of any kind. This could include support with a disability or if you're a care experienced or estranged student.

If you meet the grades of the course you want to study, you'll get a verbal offer on the spot. Your call handler will submit your application to UCAS on your behalf so you can add us as a Clearing choice.

Now's your opportunity to ask any questions you may have. The team can tell you about the University, accommodation, and the city. Or, they can transfer you through to an academic if you have any specific questions about your chosen course.

And that's that! Your call's all done and you're on your way to university. If you need to know anything else about the University or your application, just give us a call back.

Student Enquiries

The Student Enquiries team is your first point of contact for student support and questions about university life. Whether you’ve got a quick question or need more in-depth advice, our friendly team is here to help.You’ll find enquiry desks on both campuses, as well as online support. Our desks are based at Gateway Building on City Campus and Prospect Building at the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's.

Opening hours:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30am-5pm
  • Wednesday: 10am-5pm.

Find out more about the different support we can provide below, as well as all the important contact information you might need.

Fees and funding support

We're here to help you with all things finance, whether you're looking for guidance on paying your tuition fees, seeking information on scholarships, or require cost of living or employability support.

Two smiling students
Someone tapping their card on a contactless card machine
Students relaxing in CitySpace

Career development and employability support

Our Employability and Enterprise Hub can support you with your next steps, both during your studies and after graduation. Our team offers guidance on everything from CV writing and job searching to preparing for placements and starting your own business venture.

By activating and completing your profile on the Hub, you’ll get access to tailored advice, resources, and opportunities to help you feel confident about your future.

Three students chatting outside the Employability and Enterprise Hub entrance at The Gateway
A graduate in cap and gown with arms in the air facing the lighthouse on Roker Beach
A smiling student sitting on the floor in front of a bookshelf in the library, opposite another student holding a book
Two smiling students in front of the Your SU neon sign and flower wall

Students' Union

The Students’ Union (SU) is run by students, for students, and is here to help you make the most of university life. Whether you want to join a society, share your views through our Student Reps, or get involved in volunteering, the SU is here to support and empower you.

Explore the Your SU website(opens in new tab)
Lynn Ord

The support I’ve received from the staff at the University has been outstanding and I can honestly say it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made to come and study here.

Lynn Ord

Read Lynn Ord's story

Contact us

You can contact our Student Support team by calling 0191 515 2933 or emailing studentsupport@sunderland.ac.uk. If you're a current student, you can also fill out our Student Support Referral Form where we'll connect you with the right support as quickly as possible.

If you want to come and see us in person, our team is based at Edinburgh Building Level 1, City Campus.

We pride ourselves on offering 24/7 support whenever you need it. Our out of hours wellbeing support is available between 6:30pm and 6:30am, seven nights a week. You can call our on-campus advisers on 0191 515 2451.