Moving to a new country is a life-changing, exhilarating, and memorable experience, though oftentimes not without its stresses and challenges. You’ll find yourself immersed in a completely new living environment, coping with a different climate, engaging with others in a language other than your native tongue, and enrolled in courses that may be structured or delivered differently than the ones at your previous university. It is therefore completely natural to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even exhausted at times. The most important thing for you to know is that you’re not alone. Many of your fellow students or colleagues are coping with similar challenges and experiences, and it can be very reassuring to approach them and openly ask them how they, themselves, are managing.
Support within the University
Throughout your studies at Hebrew University, we are here to support you in ensuring your overall well-being, including your physical and mental health, as well as your successful academic progress. Our team at the Office of Student Life is available around the clock, seven days a week, to provide support for students who seek it. During office hours, they can be reached at madrichimlife@savion.huji.ac.il or +972 54-882-0342. In cases of emergency, please don’t hesitate to contact them at any hour at +972 54-882-0217. The student madrichim (counselors) will help and advise you regarding who to contact for further professional and specialized support.
Students experiencing personal distress or other mental health-related issues are eligible for support through Hebrew University’s Student Counseling Services. Our team of trained professionals includes psychologists, social workers and psychiatrists who specialize in counseling students on campuses. They provide short-term therapy for crisis intervention, as well as long-term dynamic psychotherapy for mental health issues, pending availability.
To benefit from these services, please complete and submit the online application form. Within a few days, you’ll receive a questionnaire via e-mail. Once you complete and submit your questionnaire, a therapist from Counseling Services will contact you by phone to coordinate your first appointment. In this intake meeting, the counselor will ask you questions in order to identify your needs, and will then determine the best path of treatment to suit them.
Student Counseling Services is located on the Mt. Scopus campus in the Maiersdorf (Reznik) dormitory complex, Building 10, 2nd floor. You can reach Counseling Services from Sunday to Thursday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. at psyserv@mail.huji.ac.il.
Students who are in an acute situation and require immediate support can approach Counseling Services during work hours without making an appointment in advance. Should you require immediate support on a weekend or outside of the hours listed above, please contact the madrich-on-call at +972 54-882-0217.
All communication with the Counseling Services team is strictly confidential, and no information will be given to any person outside Counseling Services without your explicit consent.
For further details, please refer to this website.
Additional Sources of Support in Israel
ERAN Counseling Hotline
ERAN is a 24-hour confidential hotline offering emotional support to individuals experiencing distress, loneliness, anxiety, or a personal crisis. Support services are currently offered in Hebrew, Arabic, English, Russian, French, Spanish and Amharic. To receive support, please dial 1201.