The thoughts of all ESN UK volunteers are with the people of Ukraine, especially our ESN volunteers and their friends and family. We hope you and your families are safe.

ESN UK is here to support all students, regardless of their nationality or background. Whether Ukrainian, Russian or a neighbouring country, we realise that the ongoing crisis in Ukraine will be affecting many local and international students alike, and distressing for many in our international community.

We are students helping students, and we are here for you.

If you find yourself in the UK and in need of support for any reason, please reach out to any of our volunteers, nationally or section based, and we will do what we can.

We have gathered some helpful resources and advice for our local, international, and Ukrainian students who may be affected:

Ukrainian students

  • Find out more about the latest visa concession update, announced on 25 February, in this government guidance. Note that Ukrainians that are on work, study or visitor visas in the UK will have them temporarily extended or able to switch to a different visa route (the visa situation is constantly updating and changing so keep following the updated guidance on the gov.uk website.
  • You may be able to access free UK immigration advice from the Ukraine Advice Project UK
  • Use the UKCISA website or student helpline if you need advice on anything and are not sure where to look or understand on +442077889214, open Monday to Friday 1pm to 4pm. Please note this helpline is restricted to enquiries on student and graduate route visa queries.

Students with Financial Struggles Tied to Russia

  • If your finances are in Russian Rubles and you cannot access it, contact your university regarding a hardship fund or alternative financial support (each university will have its own financial support schemes in place).
  • Speak with your university about any concerns you may have about paying fees asap so that a solution can be found quickly.

ALL International Students

  • Contact your local ESN section to find likeminded people to find out how you can help your section work to support students that are suffering as a result of the conflict and see what safe spaces there are to come together as a community.
  • Contact your university for studies support, financial support, and counselling services.
  • If stuck in a country and trying to get back to the UK, contact your home and host university to arrange transport ASAP.

  • Visit Student Space for information and advice, and one-to-one support via email, phone, webchat, or text message. 

  • Reach out to friends and colleagues who may be struggling during this time and be there for them if possible.

All students and volunteers

Keep supporting ALL students, and be there for any student that is affected by this conflict. We are aware that it is not just one group of students being affected, and as time goes on, the groups affected are increasing. Keep an open mind, remember that individuals are not reflective of their country’s political situation, and support your classmates and colleagues.

Keep organising events and safe spaces where everyone can feel welcome. There is a lot going on in the world, and some people may be relying on having a sense of normality, or having an environment where they will not feel judged or discriminated against, something we can provide and facilitate in events that we organise within our sections.

Have a look at the linktree created by ESN Ukraine that is full of resources of how to support our students and their families and friends during this time: https://linktr.ee/ESNUkraine

Please do share this with your student communities and friends.