Wherever you will be spending the break, we understand that you may need advice and support. This page lists the support available to all students, information about campus opening times, and what to do in an emergency.
Student wellbeing and mental health support during the break
You can access a 24/7 out of hours mental health support line via our partner, Spectrum.Life. All calls are answered by clinically trained counsellors or psychotherapists. You can talk to them about anything, including stress, anxiety, low mood, financial worries, loss and grief, relationship problems, and substance abuse issues.
Contacting Spectrum.Life out of hours support
Please note Spectrum.Life will ask for some basic details to ensure you're eligible to use the service. All services provided through Spectrum.Life are done so in total confidence. The identity of individuals and personal details will always be protected.
Getting support - other key services
Academic support
If you have academic concerns, there are a range of support available to you over the break.
- Find out about School-wide support
- LSE LIFE Study Advisers are here to support you assessments, preparing for exams and conducting research - you can book your appointment via the Student Hub
- Contact your department - your programme administrator or programme manager are available to support you over the break.
LSE operates a closure period from 6 - 12 April inclusive. If you need support during this period, there are lots of academic resources available to you:
Financial support
If you do not have a computer at home or are experiencing unforeseen financial difficulties, you can apply to the LSESU Hardship Fund (means-tested).
LSE's Financial Support Office can also assist students with financial difficulties.
Accessing medical care
Please check with your General Practitioner (GP) surgery directly for opening hours.
If you need to access medical care, visit the NHS services webpage to find local GP, Urgent Care, Hospital and Dentist provision.
Access to LSE buildings
Find out more about access to campus buildings and facilities over the bank holidays.
View the campus and building opening hours
Emergencies on and off campus
If you experience an emergency on campus, Security maintain a reduced service throughout the School closure period. They can be contacted by telephone: 020 7955 6555 or internal extension 666.
Contact the UK Emergency Services (Fire / Police / Ambulance / Lifeboats) by dialling 999 from any telephone. Non-emergency medical advice can be sought by dialling 111 and the police non-emergency number is 101.
For information about what to do in a mental health emergency, visit the Student Counselling Service's Emergencies / feeling suicidal webpage.
If you are staying in an LSE-owned hall of residence over the break, there will be staff from the Warden's team on site throughout. You can contact them in the same way as you do during term time.
Further information
Find additional information about support and opening hours at LSE over the break in the sections below.
For full information about SSC counter opening times, please see the SSC webpage. The counter is closed during public holidays and LSE school closure days - please see the Term Dates webpage for details.
If you require any urgent documentation, please request it in advance of weekends or any closure periods, allowing for at least 3-5 working days.
IT resources and support
Visit the DTS webpage for information about Student Help Desk opening hours and how to access help during the closure.
Catering
Visit the catering outlets webpage to find out when LSE catering outlets will be open during the closure.
Library
The Library will remain open during the break. Visit the Library opening hours webpage for information.
Travel guidance will vary from country to country, so do check the requirements in advance and plan ahead. Read the UK Government guidance regularly about travelling abroad from England, as this can be subject to change.
Visa information for travelling overseas
If you are planning to travel outside the UK, it is a good idea to take photocopies of your passport, visa and a copy of your Certificate of Registration with you when you travel.
International students are also strongly advised to review the Student Advice and Engagement Team's information on travelling during your studies.
You should always check to see if you need a visa for the country you are travelling to and review visa application instructions carefully. UKCISA provides guidance on Schengen visas for travel in Europe.
You can also find further information on the UK Council for International Student Affairs website. You will need a letter from LSE, so be sure to plan ahead and request it in advance, because the Student Services Centre operates reduced opening hours in December and is closed for the Christmas closure.
Keep your passport and visa safe
If you have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), this is your visa and you will need to carry it with you while you travel to prove your entitlement to return to the UK. Store it safely and don’t risk travelling without it.
If your passport/visa is lost or stolen whilst travelling, please read the information online and contact the Student Advice and Engagement Team for advice if required.
Travel insurance
Don’t forget to arrange travel insurance as your NHS cover will not apply outside the UK. You should be careful to choose insurance which is suitable for international students. If it is only suitable for permanent UK residents, you will not be able to make a claim if anything happens.
Specialist visa advice
For information about visa advice drop-in sessions and live chat, please see the visa advice FAQs webpage. Please note that this service will be closed over the bank holidays. Emails will not be monitored during this time.
Emergencies abroad
In case of emergency while travelling, please contact your Embassy in the country you are travelling in. You can also contact the following organisations:
You can also contact the Student Advice and Engagement team but please note that emails will not be picked up until Tuesday 3 January.