University is a great opportunity to learn, make new friends, and discover who you truly are, but it is full of noise, busy schedules, new people, and demanding curricula. It can be an overwhelming experience, and many students end up struggling with their mental health as a result. If you ever feel like you need support to cope with university stress, difficult challenges, or mental illness, the University of Pretoria has a variety of student counselling services you can use. Some of these include trained psychologists, crisis lines, support for victims of gender-based violence, peer support groups, and more.
You can access these resources via the student portal on the UP website by following these steps:
- Log into your student portal.
- Click on the “Student Matters” tab at the top of the page.
- On the drop down menu that appears, click on “Student Health and Wellness” to see all of the resources you can access.
To access psychological counseling, click on the “Student Counseling” tab. In the form that comes up, select “Psychotherapy with a psychologist” under the options for what services you require. This will allow you to speak to a registered psychologist about any mental health struggles you may have, completely free of charge. This will allow you to work through your challenges with a professional in a safe space and learn how to effectively care for your mental health in the long run. Alternatively, you can select “Mental health consultation with a counsellor” for something more short-term like situational struggles or coping strategies for academic stress or motivation.
These services are completely confidential and free for registered UP students. Whether you choose to speak to a psychologist or a counsellor, or even make use of any of the other available resources, your sessions are conducted in a safe, judgement-free environment. Seeking support will not appear on your academic record and it will not affect your studies in any way.
If you are going through a mental health crisis or feel that you need urgent support, you can call 0800 747 747 – the 24/7 emergency care line. You will be connected to a trained SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) counsellor who will provide immediate support and advise you on the best way forward.
UP also offers peer support groups for those who feel more comfortable discussing their struggles with other students or feel like they need supplementary support in addition to counselling. These groups address a range of mental health challenges and provide a safe space where students can feel understood and supported. You can enquire about available support groups by emailing the counselling unit at studentcounselling@up.ac.za or calling the 24/7 helpline.
If you would like to visit the Student Counselling Unit (SCU) in-person – whether to ask questions, attend a counselling session, or learn more about available services – you can do so at any SCU on a UP campus. On Hatfield campus, the centre is located next to TuksFM and the Student Centre. At Prinshof, it can be found in room 3-12 of the Tshwelopele Building. Groenkloof students can visit room 1-28 in the Letlotlo Building, while Mamelodi students can access services through the Health Clinic. At Onderstepoort, the centre is located in room 1-51 of the Student Health Clinic.
It can be easy to neglect our mental health or dismiss our struggles as manageable, but mental health challenges, big or small, always deserve support. Asking for help is never a sign of weakness; it is something everyone needs at one time or another. No matter how it may feel, you are not alone. Support is always available.
Visual: Mpho Makwela
