Exploring gender can be exciting, affirming, and genuinely joyful. For many people, university is the first time they have the space to question, experiment, or put words to how they feel about their gender - and that’s completely normal.
Being trans or gender-diverse can also come with challenges. That might mean navigating names and pronouns, healthcare, coming out (or not), or dealing with uncertainty, dysphoria, or discrimination.
This page brings together information and support for trans and gender-diverse students at Imperial, whether you’re just starting to explore your gender, already know who you are, or are supporting someone else.
Information to support transitioning
Transitioning can involve different practical, social, and medical steps, and everyone’s path looks different. The sections below cover common questions and information students often need.
Transitioning admin
You can update your 'Legal name' and 'Preferred name' on My Imperial. Details and guidance to do this can be found on the Change of Name and Personal Details webpage. Some changes, such as a change to legal name, will need to be confirmed via official documentation.
When you change your name centrally, your department might not immediately get the updated information. Please contact your Department’s Education Office / Student Office and notify them that your personal details have been updated centrally and to ensure that it's reflected in departmental records.
You do not have to disclose any details about your transition. Imperial College Union's LGBTQ+ network [link to ICU LGBTQ Inst/ webpage] has some community resources on this.
Transitioning socially
- Who can I talk to about difficulties I'm experiencing with social transitioning at university?
- Where can I find gender-neutral bathrooms on campus?
The Student Counselling and Mental Health Advice Service has counsellors and mental health advisors who you can talk to about any issues you're experiencing related to gender and transitioning. You can contact the service via the referral form linked on their webpage.
Imperial's student LGBTQ+ Society, IQ, also have community resources with more information on support available to talk about any gender-related issues you're experiencing.
A map of gender neutral bathrooms on the South Kensington campus has been created to help you find a bathroom that you can use confidently. Click on icons at each building to get more information on the locations of facilities.
Transitioning medically and support from Imperial College Health Centre
- What can Imperial College Health Centre help me with?
- Will the Health Centre be able to support me find other specialist GPs?
- How can the Health Centre facilitate me to temporarily switch GPs?
- Can I talk to my GP about bridging hormones?
- How should I inform the Health Centre about my personal details when registering for the first time?
- I'm already registered with the Health Centre, how do I update my details with them?
All NHS general practices are happy to consult with students who are trans and non-binary, and all have experience in referring onto appropriate specialist services, both via the NHS and privately.
Mental health conditions can be more prevalent for students who are trans or non-binary. Imperial College Health Centre offers services to support the mental health of students more generally, including specialist mental health nurses and therapists, who work onsite. Make sure you are registered with the Health Centre or any other GP to be able to access healthcare.
The Health Centre will be able to signpost to specialist services, which will hopefully give you the best chance of finding a GP who will prescribe to patients who are not currently under a GIC (gender identity clinic).
If you switch to a GP who offers more specialist support that you wish to continue receiving, you will need to remain registered at the new GP for the duration of the treatment. You can re-register with Imperial's Health Centre at any point after, assuming you still meet the eligibility criteria.
Below are some nearby GP practices that provide information about specialist services at their practice:
GPs can talk through some of the risks of taking bridging hormones, but this is a complex area and not all GPs have specific expertise in initiation.
The Health Centre can discuss gamete preservation but they may not be able to help you access this service via the NHS as referrals tend to only be accepted and funded if you are under a gender identity clinic (GIC).
The Health Centre cannot fully advise on the implications of taking bridging hormones; this should be done within a specialist service.
The NHS registration form covers only the essential information for registering with a GP, a second supplementary questionnaire is sent afterwards but there may be additional information you want to share with the Health Centre. If this is the case you can either email the information to imperialcollege.hc@nhs.net or call the administration team on 020 7584 6301. If you are emailing information, please ensure you provide your NHS Number (if known), full name, date of birth, and a contact number within the email.
The Health Centre are happy to support this if you email your updated information to imperialcollege.hc@nhs.net or call our administration team on 020 7584 6301. If you are emailing information, please ensure you provide your NHS Number (if known), full name (as per current records), date of birth, and a contact number within the email.
Rest assured that, due to data protection legislation, Imperial is not notified when you update your details with the Imperial College Health Centre or another GP.
More support information
Below you'll find some more information about support for issues related to gender and transitioning in general.
GEF and societies
Gender Expression Fund
Imperial College Union manages a Gender Expression Fund that exists to support transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse students at Imperial in accessing essential gender-affirming items. The fund aims to alleviate financial barriers by providing funding for products that aid one’s gender expression, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment. For more details on how to apply and what the fund covers, please visit Imperial College Union’s website.
Student societies and advocacy groups
There are two groups part of Imperial College Union that exist to support trans and other queer students at Imperial.
IQ is the student society for LGBTQ+ students at Imperial, and they run events for trans+ students.
The LGBTQ+ Network is run by students who identify as part of, or are allies of, the LGBTQ+ community. The main purpose is to represent and advocate for LGBTQ+ students at Imperial to create a safe space and community for members.
These groups have created a resource bank for students [waiting on this]
Harassment and external resources
Support with transphobia
Acts of bullying, harassment, and discrimination, including transphobia, are not acceptable. If you experience this, we encourage you to use the Report and Support tool to get in touch with specialist support staff at the university who can support you to deal with this experience. Whether this experience was with someone who is part of Imperial or not, they can provide emotional support and guide you through reporting options, should you want to report.
See the Bullying and Harassment webpage for more information about the support available.
External resources
The Student Counselling and Mental Health Advice Service have a list of external support resources that you can have a look at if you feel you need more support than what is available at Imperial. You can access this list on their Trans-Specific Care webpage.