By Beds SU
Monday, 23 March 2026
Facing homelessness or the risk of losing your home is an incredibly stressful situation, and no student should have to deal with it alone. The most important thing to know is that support is available, and your first step is to reach out. This blog outlines the help you can get from the University and from external organisations, so you know what to expect and where to turn.
The following information offers support for both home and international students with relevant links to support both inside and outside the university.
🚨 IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS RIGHT NOW:
Your first and most important step is to contact University Student Support immediately!
SID- In person
• Luton Campus
Location: University Square - Level 2.
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 – 18:00
• Bedford Campus
Location: Gateway Building, G1.01, First Floor.
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 – 17:00 and Friday 9:00 – 16:30
Note: Timing of the office hours may change.
Click here for full SID contact info.
Q: Why contact the University Student Support team first?
A: Because they can provide immediate and specific support available for your situation.
External Support:
If you need help outside the above office hours, below is link detailing support available:
Click here for a list of external support services.
If you want to know what support is available to you based on whether you are a home student or an international student. See the information provided below:
Support Available:
The level of support differs both within and outside the University. It is based on whether you are a home or an international student.
I am a Home Student:
Within the University
• Accommodation Support:
The support provided by the university will depend on your accommodation circumstances.
Click here to read about what support the University of Bedfordshire provides to students facing homelessness.
• Access to Learning Funds (ALF) Support:
You can gain access to a hardship fund also known as the access to learning fund. Please note this can take 14 days from the day it is approved.
Click here to learn more about it.
• Necessities Support (Food and Toiletries):
For students who are in food crisis, or those who do not have food available to them, for a short-term solution you can arrange to visit the Beds SU community pantry.
Contact Beds SU at help@bedssu.co.uk
• Finding a Part time Job:
Beds Career builder is there to provide you with the support for a part time job if you find yourself without a job.
Click here for Beds Career team contact info
• Mental Health Support:
The University also provides you with mental health support if you need to talk to someone. Before you receive the support, your initial step would be to register with the team
Click here to register with the team.
Click here to access Student Mental Health Support contact
Outside the University (for Home Students)
• Worst case scenario Support:
If you are a Home Student and have exhausted the immediate support the university can provide, the next vital step is to contact your local council's housing department. The university support team can help refer you. Your local council has a legal duty to assess your situation and provide guidance and, in eligible cases, emergency housing. You may also be referred to a local charity.
These services are limited and require you to be eligible for public funds. You must have been a resident in the UK for at least 12 months to be considered eligible for the local council's support.
If you are unsure about your eligibility or need further clarification Click here to access Beds SU Advice contact.
I am an International Student:
Within the University
• Accommodation Support:
The support provided by the university will depend on your accommodation circumstances.
Click here to read about what support the University of Bedfordshire provides to students facing homelessness.
• Necessities Support (Food and Toiletries):
For students who are in food crisis, or those who do not have food available to them, for a short-term solution you can arrange to visit the Beds SU community pantry.
Contact Beds SU at help@bedssu.co.uk
• Finding a Part time Job:
Beds Career builder is there to provide you with the support for part-time job if you find yourself without a job.
Click her for full Beds Career contact info
• Mental Health Support:
The University also provides you with mental health support if you need to talk to someone. Before you receive the support, your initial step would be to register with the team
Click here to register with the team.
Click here to access Student Mental Health Support contact
Outside the University (for International Students)
• Worst case scenario support
For international students, a housing crisis can create serious worries about your academic progress and visa. Your safest and most important step is to seek expert guidance. Most external housing and financial support in the UK are classified as public funds, which your visa does not allow you to access. Because of this, your most critical action is to contact the University's International Student Support and the SU Advice Service immediately. They are your main port of call and will provide dedicated guidance to protect your studies and visa status.
The SU Advice Service and the International Student Support Team offer dedicated, confidential advice. They will work with you to explore all options, aiming to resolve your housing issues and ensure you can continue your studies successfully.
Beds SU Advice Triage session timings: Tuesdays 11:00-12:00 & Thursdays 14:00-15:00
Click here to access Beds SU Advice contact.
Click here to access international office contact
Important Note: Beds SU advice service does not provide Visa Advice. If you need advice specifically related to your visa, contact the international office.
Conclusion
This article illustrates the general process of support for homeless students both within and outside the university. I gathered this information for internal support through conducting a meeting with the Student Support team. For External support, I gathered the information via desk research and through contacting a few local charities. The information provided in the article is not set in stone and acts as a guide and starting point for students who want to understand the process. Students are encouraged and SHOULD also conduct their own research regarding homeless student support. I want to reiterate, if you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the university team with the information provided above.
Lastly, Hope this blog helps you to find all the information required when you need support if you are facing the risk or are a homeless student. If you need further information, Contact Beds SU team and they will assist you with your query.