Support we offer
At university, every student’s journey is different, and sometimes extra guidance or tailored resources can make all the difference. Our specialist support services are designed to provide that additional help, whether you’re navigating personal challenges, balancing caring responsibilities, or seeking a welcoming community. Explore the areas of support available to find the right resources and connections for you.
We welcome, support, and celebrate students who are in recovery from addiction. We value the unique contribution you bring to university life and are committed to providing a supportive environment where you can reach your full potential.
We’ve partnered with Recovery Connections to sign a pledge that shows our commitment to being a recovery-friendly university. Together, we aim to:
- Raise awareness about recovery
- Challenge stigma and promote understanding
- Celebrate recovery and make it visible on campus
- Run recovery-friendly events
- Remove barriers to Higher Education for people in recovery
- Create opportunities for students to support one another
- Provide a Recovery Hub – a safe space to connect and build community
- Make sure our Wellbeing and Student Support teams have the right knowledge and referral pathways
- Ensure our accommodation meets the needs of students in recovery
- Recognise and support the needs of families and loved ones of people in recovery.
If you’re recovering from an addiction to alcohol, substances, or another behavioural addiction, we’re here to help. You can email studentsupport@recoveryconnections.org.uk or visit us on-campus. Alternatively, visit the Recovery Connections website.
If you’ve served in the UK Armed Forces, we offer a tailored support programme to help you transition successfully to university and apply your existing skills to enhance your future career. Whether you're seeking support with your application, finances, or need some post-graduation advice, we're here to help.
We're 10th in Europe and 2nd in the UK for International Student Diversity (QS World University Rankings Europe, 2025) and we're proud of our vibrant, diverse community.
We support and celebrate students from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, and we recognise that extra barriers can sometimes exist. That’s why we provide training, wellbeing support, and reporting schemes to make sure you feel safe, respected, and able to thrive here.
There are lots of ways to get involved and connect with others:
- Joining one of our many cultural, faith, and belief societies, which are a brilliant way to meet new people and feel part of university life. See the full list of societies here.
- Taking part in events that celebrate different cultures and traditions, such as Black History Month, the Global Food Festival, Lunar New Year, and more
- Accessing support from our Chaplaincy team who play an important role in student wellbeing and are here for everyone – whether you follow a faith, want to explore spiritual questions, or simply need someone to talk to.
Whatever your background, you’re a valued part of our community, and we’re here to make sure your time at Sunderland is positive, inclusive, and full of opportunities.
We aim to make sure that anyone leaving care has the same full, immersive, and enjoyable time studying at university as any other student, and our dedicated We Care Team is here to help you as and when you need us. Whether you want us to liaise with your support worker or carer, would like some assistance on moving-in day, or need some financial support, you won't be alone.
Are you thinking of living at home while studying? Whether you want to save some cash or just love your home comforts, we can support you when commuting to university. Sunderland has great public transport links and lots of opportunities to meet new people. Hear from our students and read some of our top tips on our commuting to university page.
If you have (or think you might have) a condition that affects your studies, our Disability Support team helps all students reach their full potential. We offer confidential guidance and support for any disability or condition affecting your learning, ensuring you can thrive at university.
Starting university is an exciting time, but it can feel overwhelming without the support of your family. If you're an estranged student with no contact with your parents or carers, our We Care Team is here to support you every step of the way. From helping you apply and settle in to offering exam support and careers advice, you'll always have someone to turn to.
Our Chaplaincy team supports all students, whatever your faith or belief, offering a welcoming and confidential space for guidance, reflection, and personal support. We can provide:
- A friendly listening ear for both students and staff
- Space to explore religious, spiritual, or ethical questions
- Information on local places of worship and faith communities
- Connections between the University and the wider community.
At the heart of our work is the belief that every individual deserves to be valued with dignity, fairness, and respect.
Muslim students have access to excellent prayer facilities on the ground floor of Helen McArdle House at City Campus. We also work with Sunderland Minster to host events and activities, such as friendship evenings, wellbeing walks, positive pebble painting, and Thursday night prayer.
Joining a faith or religious society is a great way to meet others, build friendships, and share your experiences. You can explore all of our faith and belief societies here.
Our Coordinating Chaplain, Chris Howson, is at the heart of our student community. Alongside Chris, our Chaplaincy includes Muslim, Catholic, Sikh, Buddhist, and other faith representatives, here to support you throughout your time at Sunderland.
You can get in touch with Chris via email at chris.howson@sunderland.ac.uk, or call Student Support on 0191 515 2933.
Book of Remembrance
Our Chaplaincy cares for the Book of Remembrance, which celebrates and honours the lives of students and staff who've passed away during their time at the University. It offers a space for friends, family, and colleagues to reflect, mourn, and remember.
For many students, university is an important part of their lives – a place where friendships are formed and achievements celebrated. The Book gives loved ones a meaningful way to remember them.
For staff, the University may have been a long-term workplace and community. The Book allows colleagues and families to recognise their contribution and ensure they’re never forgotten.
The Book of Remembrance is displayed at the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's, and new names are added each year. To arrange a viewing, please contact our Chaplain by emailing chris.howson@sunderland.ac.uk.
We want to make sure that all students have equal opportunities while studying at university. As a GTRSB student, you may have specific questions, and our We Care Team is here to support you. Whether it's accompanying you to events, offering personal support, or simply meeting up for a chat, we're just an email or phone call away.
We’re proud to celebrate equality, diversity, and inclusion, and we want every student who identifies as LGBTQI+ to feel supported, safe, and able to be themselves here.
On-campus support
There are lots of ways to get involved, connect with others, and celebrate who you are. Some of the things we do include:
- Supporting Sunderland Pride and other local festivals
- Celebrating LGBTQI+ History Month
- Working with the Students' Union (SU) and the local community to raise awareness about LGBTQI+ issues
- Having an LGBTQI+ Officer to represent students in the SU
- Organising a range of events throughout the year
- Running the LGBTQI+ Society where you can make new friends
- Demonstrating our commitment to LGBTQI+ support by having Progress Pride Flag crossings on both our campuses.
Joining these activities is a fantastic way to meet new people and feel part of a welcoming community.
We know that being LGBTQI+ can sometimes come with extra worries about discrimination or abuse. Our Wellbeing team is here to support you with free, confidential advice whenever you need it. Find out more about wellbeing.
Off-campus support
You'll also find a variety of external support services in Sunderland and across the north-east including:
- MESMAC – offers free sexual health and counselling services for the LGBTQI+ community. They also connect people to local, regional, and national LGBTQI+ groups, covering everything from sports and the arts to social and support networks.
- Pride Radio – a radio station dedicated to LGBTQI+ voices, music, and culture
- Faith-based LGBTQI+ support – whether you're Muslim, Sikh, Christian, or from another faith, there are organisations that offer advice and guidance. At the University, our Chaplain is here to provide support, but there's also the Northern Lights Metropolitan Community Church in Newcastle. This is an inclusive church part of an international Christian denomination, founded in, and reaching beyond the LGBT communities.
We recognise the commitment it takes to balance university life with caring for someone else. If you’re a carer – whether for a family member, partner, or friend – we want you to know that you’re not alone. We’re here to make sure you have the support you need to succeed in your studies while looking after your loved one.
Here are some of the ways we can help:
- Dedicated support from our Wellbeing team – offering confidential advice and guidance tailored to your circumstances
- Flexible study support – so you can better manage your academic commitments alongside your caring role
- Practical advice on finance and funding – helping you access any additional support you may be entitled to.
We know every caring role is different, so our support is flexible and shaped around your individual needs.
If you’d like to talk to someone, please reach out to our Student Support team by calling 0191 515 2933 or emailing studentsupport@sunderland.ac.uk.