Support for LGBT+ students
An outline of the support available for LGBT+ students within and outside the University.
Mental health and wellbeing
Student Mental Health, Counselling and Therapies Service
If you need support with your mental health at any point during your studies, support is available through our Student Mental Health, Counselling and Therapies Service.
Student Wellbeing service
f you’re feeling down, overwhelmed, or struggling to adjust to student life, our Student Wellbeing Service can offer tailored one-to-one support to help you manage and make sense of what you’re experiencing.
They also run Wellbeing drop-in events to give you space to speak with a wellbeing advisor, share any concerns, debrief after a day of studying or find out more about the Wellbeing Service.
Support from outside the University
Support and resources for LGBTQ+ students.
Emotional wellbeing support for LGBTQ+ young people in Sheffield.
Support for LGBT people who have experienced abuse and violence.
A transgender-specific helpline who you can contact if you need immediate help or support with your mental health or otherwise.
Health services
University Health Service
Our University Health Service (UHS) is a National Health Service (NHS) General Practice, focused on student health.
They’re trained to deal with sexual health issues, no matter your sexual orientation or gender identity.
They also provide specific information about gender dysphoria, including how to amend your medical record and the NHS screening programmes available for transgender and non-binary people in the UK.
NHS Gender Identity Clinic
Sheffield has a Gender Identity Clinic which you can contact for specialist healthcare and related support.
The waiting times are currently very long, but through this clinic you can access surgical and other longer term interventions.
Speak to your GP or contact the University Health Service for information about this, and/or a referral to other NHS clinics (some places in the UK currently have shorter waiting times than Sheffield)
UHS can discuss the support offered to you whilst you are on the waiting list from these clinics (for example the Peer Support Worker scheme) or from primary care.
Financial support
Trans+ fund
We recognise that being trans+ can result in additional financial costs as you begin or continue your transition at university.
We’re currently piloting a Trans+ Fund, in collaboration with the Students’ Union, to provide financial assistance towards these additional expenses.
For more information, visit:
If you’re estranged from your parents
We also recognise that LGBT+ students may experience hardship in their familial relationships as a result of their LGBT+ identity.
We offer an estranged students' bursary and accommodation scholarships for students who are estranged from their parents for whatever reason.
Support from our Students’ Union
Students’ Union (SU) Officers
Our LGBT+ Officer, Liberation Officer, Trans+ Welfare Officer, and Women's Officer can all offer support to LGBT+ students.
LGBT+ support from the Students’ Union
Students’ Union LGBT+ Committee
The SU LGBT+ Committee represents students of minority gender identities / sexual orientations and provides welfare support, social opportunities, and campaigning platforms for all LGBT+ students.
Contact your LGBT+ representative committee
LGBT+ lounge, Students’ Union
The LGBT+ Lounge is the SU LGBT+ Committee’s designated space in the SU, situated in the Gallery Terrace.
LGBT+ accommodation
We aim to ensure that all of our accommodation is a safe, welcoming and inclusive place for everyone.
Some students find it helpful to live in accommodation specifically for LGBT+ students, along with people who may have shared life experiences.
When applying for accommodation with us, we offer you the option of selecting LGBT+ accommodation.
Reporting concerns
Hate crimes
Harassment directed towards an individual as a result of their transgender identity or sexual orientation is considered a hate crime within the UK.
We have a zero-tolerance policy towards hate crimes and strive to ensure every member of our University community feels safe on our campus.
If you've experienced or witnessed a hate crime, report it to University Security in the first instance on +44 114 222 4085.
In an emergency, call +44 114 222 4444.
Bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct
You can inform us of any form of bullying, harassment, discrimination or sexual misconduct at the University through Report and Support.
If you tell us something you get to decide what happens next, including whether you want to make a formal report to the University.
You’ll also receive confidential support, signposting to relevant services and information about the next steps.
Inform us via Report and Support
If you’re going abroad
If you’re travelling abroad as part of your studies, the page below provides advice, and guidance, such as where to seek support and how to stay safe abroad.
Gender-neutral and Universal toilet provision on campus
A map showing gender-neutral and Universal toilets on the University of Sheffield campus is available at the page below:
Gender-neutral and Universal toilets
Changing your personal details on your student record
If you need to change your:
- Name
- Next of kin
- Date of birth
- Passport/visa information
- your email address
- your home and mobile telephone number
- your addresses (home, term and correspondence)
- your remote study status
Change your personal details (student login required)
If you need to change the gender stated on your record as a prospective, current or existing student:
Staff allyship scheme (Open@TUoS)
Some of our staff members are part of Open@TUoS, which aims to empower all staff to help create an open, inclusive environment for LGBT+ colleagues and students through allyship.
If you see staff on campus wearing a rainbow lanyard, it means they're part of the allyship and have chosen to wear it.