Let’s be honest; Week 1 of exams can feel like being hit by a truck full of deadlines, lecture slides, and existential dread. Whether it’s the 2AM cram sessions or that creeping sense that everyone else has it together except you (spoiler: they don’t), the pressure can pile up fast. But if you’ve found yourself on the verge of a mini meltdown, you’re not alone, and more importantly, you don’t have to deal with it alone.
At NUS, mental health isn’t just a footnote. There are several layers of support available for students, and knowing where to go can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking for professional help, a listening ear, or just someone who gets it, here are three main resources you can turn to:
- University Counselling Services (UCS)
Sometimes, what you really need is someone trained to help untangle the mental mess. The University Counselling Services offers free, confidential counselling for all full-time NUS students. Whether you’re struggling with academic stress, anxiety, personal worries, or just feeling overwhelmed, UCS provides a safe and private space to talk things through.
Meeting with a counsellor can help you clarify your goals and explore options for achieving them. As skilled listeners, counsellors give you an objective perspective and can help you make sense of the emotional weight you’re carrying. The aim? Not just to deal with immediate concerns, but to help you build long-term personal growth and resilience.
You can request an appointment through this link: https://www.nus.edu.sg/hwb/ucs
Operating hours:
- Monday: 9:30am to 6:00pm (last walk-in: 5:30pm)
- Tuesday to Thursday: 8:30am to 6:00pm (last walk-in: 5:30pm)
- Friday: 8:30am to 5:30pm (last walk-in: 5:00pm)
- Closed on weekends, public holidays, and NUS holidays
- Intellect App
Need support outside of office hours? NUS students now have access to professional services through the Intellect app, which complements UCS by offering flexible, accessible mental health tools and counselling.
Here’s what you can do through Intellect:
- After-office hours counselling with a counsellor.
- Unlimited messaging with a counsellor at any time of day.
- Book personalised coaching sessions through the app.
- Access self-care tools to help you cope with everyday stress.
These are just some of the features available on the app to all NUS students! Simply download the Intellect app on Play Store or App Store and log in with your NUS email.
- Peer Student Supporters (PSS)
Sometimes, what you really need isn’t a therapist: it’s someone who just gets it. That’s where Peer Student Supporters (PSS) come in. These are fellow NUS students trained in mental health first aid, here to lend a listening ear when things get a little too much.
Whether you’re feeling stressed, stuck, or just need someone to talk to, chatting with a peer can make a world of difference. It’s low-pressure, confidential, and judgement-free; more like talking to a friend who knows how to help.
You can find them at Pitstop@UTown (Mon–Fri, 1–5pm) for in-person chats. Can’t make it down? No problem, simply reach out through the PSS chat on the uNivUS app or email studentwellness@nus.edu.sg to schedule a session.
“Peer Student Support” Option in uNivUS App
What’s more, PSS also hosts wellness events throughout the year to help you unwind, connect, and take a breather from the grind. Stay updated by following them on Instagram @nus.pss or joining their Telegram channel @NUSPSS!
- Faculty Student Support Managers (SSMs)
When your mental health starts to affect your academic performance, or vice versa, Student Support Managers (SSMs) are the ones to talk to. Every faculty has SSMs who can help you explore options like coursework extensions, Leave of Absence, and referrals to other services.
They’re supportive, approachable, and understand the unique pressures of student life. If you don’t know where to start or who to speak to, your faculty SSM is a great first point of contact.
To find the contact details for your faculty’s SSM, head over to https://osa.nus.edu.sg/wellness/nus-student-support-directory/
In a place as fast-paced and high-achieving as NUS, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have to “just push through”. But that’s not sustainable, and more importantly, it’s not true. Taking care of your mental health is part of taking care of your whole self.
So if the pressure feels like too much, take that first brave step. Help is here, and it’s a lot closer than you think.
