7 ways you can look after your mental health while studying

While studying on campus can be an exciting adventure, it’s likely you’ve felt a little at sea from time to time – especially if you’re a first-year student.

No matter whether you moved from another state to attend uni or you’re a local student, it can sometimes be easy to find yourself feeling isolated or overwhelmed.

Each year more than 200,000 university students aged 18–25 will experience mental ill health.  We recognise that young people, both on or off campus, may need help and resources.

Victoria University has a range of support options, and there are also many external options and strategies that will allow you to look after your mental health while studying – read on to find what’s right for you.

There are several ways you can access individual mental health and crisis support.

Lifeline

If you need urgent help, Lifeline is there to offer it, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, on 13 11 14.

VU has established a five-year partnership with Lifeline that will see the organisation set up its first crisis support centre in Victoria on a university campus.

The centre will open at our St Albans Campus in November. In addition to offering support to anyone who needs it, it will provide VU students with real-world opportunities to train as crisis support workers, and deliver improved access to much-needed service for the communities of Melbourne’s west.

VU Counselling

VU offers all enrolled students professional counselling services to help you in transitioning to uni campus life, course load, social life, or whatever area you may need support in.

Counselling is individual, free, and totally confidential – to book an appointment for any campus, or just for some more information, call  9919 5400 .

VU Psychology Clinic

As a student, staff, or member of the general public, you can also access our VU Psychology Clinic, where postgraduate psychology students offer services fully supervised by experienced psychologists.

You can join a five-week group program, or opt for individual treatment – find out more on the webpage for the clinic.

Connection with other people is an important step in tackling feelings of isolation and loneliness. Don’t forget that if you’re a first-year student, everyone in your class is probably feeling a little overwhelmed and alone too.

Forging new relationships and bonds with others can be tricky – sometimes having something in common can be that all-important ice breaker.

Consider joining a club or group activity, such as one of our sport clubs, or one of the many and varied student clubs that are run across our campuses.

It sounds simple, but sometimes it’s hard to remember to look after ourselves properly when we’re not feeling well – and physical health and mental health are incredibly closely linked.

Make sure you’re drinking enough water and giving yourself the benefit of consistent meals. Cereal for dinner once in a while is fine, but your body needs some regular square meals to feel its best.

We’re here to help: you can access our SecondBite free meal service on Wednesday afternoons, and pick yourself up some healthy frozen meals to eat at home.

Getting active is also a great way to boost your mental health. Check out our campus gyms and fitness centres or get involved in campus social sports to get those feel-good chemicals flowing. 

Check out some of our free online resources to help support your wellbeing.

Wellbeing Hub on the VU App

Download the VU App if you haven’t already: it has a brand-new addition of the Wellbeing Hub. You can connect with strategies to benefit your own wellbeing and positive mental health.

Take a look at this video, which gives you a rundown of the benefits of the Hub.

VU Elevenses video series

The VU Elevenses project is a unique, meaningful and easily accessible way of connecting and looking after your mental health in small bites.

Initially started in March 2020 during the first stages of the pandemic, the video content is now available on demand from our YouTube channel.

Short sessions mean that they are doable at any time of day, whenever you can find 15 minutes to take a break and focus on your wellbeing.

More resources

You can also access a list of external online wellbeing resources for students, pulled together by VU Counselling and helping target your emotional, physical and psychological health and wellbeing.

It’s hard to remember when deadlines are looming and study seems endless, but screen breaks are important for both mental and physical health. Rest your eyes and brain by taking short breaks from your computer.

Refreshing yourself might save you a headache and fatigue, or just keep those feelings of overwhelm at bay.

Stretch your legs, and look at something analogue instead of digital for a few minutes. It might be worth considering one of these free apps which remind you to take a break.

If you live on campus, don’t forget to stay in touch with your external support networks – especially if you’re in your first-year transition out of home period.

Support on campus is crucial, but so are your networks and formational relationships, which offer a place to turn when you need them. Plus, your parents probably want to hear all about campus life.

Everyone has bad days and weeks, and it can be gruelling trying to hide your internal experiences and feelings. Be kind and gentle on yourself: take the time off you need, don’t begrudge yourself a day spent not getting much done, and don’t feel bad about binging that TV show if that’s what you require.

Be as honest with your teachers as you can – and you’ll find every human is understanding of the need for a little bit of support.

If you need help and support right now, call 000 in an emergency.

• Lifeline: Operates 24 hours a day. Call 13 11 14.
• beyondblue: Chat on the phone or online to someone, 24 hours a day.
• Kids Helpline: If you are 25 years of age or younger. Operates 24 hours per day. Call 1800 551 800.
• Suicide Call Back Service: For immediate, professional 24/7 telephone and online counselling to people who are affected by suicide. Operates 24 hours per day. Call 1300 659 467.