Thrive: Active living & wellness

Our thrive* program goes beyond improving your physical fitness – providing opportunities to meet fellow students, expand your skillset and improve your mental wellbeing.

Unwind at yoga. Workout in the gym. Join a social activity. Find a cause to support. Learn a new skill.

Discover how you can thrive at VU, with new events added each week.

Upcoming events

Outdoor group exercise class on the oval with people on mats.

Lunchtime yoga & pilates by the river

Self-defence courses for women

Regular events & programs

Lunchtime yoga at Footscray Park

Gym goers holding up kettlebells during a training session at Footscray Park Campus gym.

Join a VU fitness centre for just $5 a week

three young adult swimmers learning to swim using flutter boards

Free beginners' swimming lessons for VU students

VU students playing table tennis.

Lunchtime social sports

Hand holding small black cards with white question marks on it.

A student holding a small plant pot in one hand while grabbing dirt with their other hand.

A group of people doing the same squatting exercise in a gym.

Free exercises at City Tower

small yellow native Australian flowers

Volunteer at a native-plant nursery

Bulldogs player raises a victory fist on the field

Western Bulldogs membership offer

Upcoming workshops

Explore leadership and development workshops for VU students (VU login required).

LEAD workshops

2023 Leadership conference attendees

LEAD Program: Communication for Leaders

Students at a table. One is responding to a teacher. Another student is looking at the speaking student.

Leadership Masterclass: Coaching to Empower

Students at a table. One is responding to a teacher. Another student is looking at the speaking student.

LEAD Program: Your Leadership Journey

Attendees at Student Leadership Conference grouped around a table.

LEAD Program: Introduction to Conflict Management

A group of young people in semi-formal clothes laugh around tables while attending a workshop

LEAD Program: Working in Teams

Own your story: Building unshakeable confidence in a world that’s always changing

Group support session, person leading with outstretched hands.

Leadership Snack: Courageous Conversations

Get involved

thrive* participants playing barefoot balls.

Check out the number of competitions you can join as a team or an individual and explore a range of free on campus lunchtime sport events.

Gym goers are coached on the TRX at the Footscray Park Campus Fitness Centre.

Workout at a fitness centre

Get active at one of our on-campus fitness centres. We offer a range of facilities and programs including group exercise classes.

Pool at Footscray Park Campus Fitness & Acquatic Centre

Our experienced, qualified teachers conduct swimming lessons at Footscray Park Aquatic & Fitness Centre for a variety of ages and skill levels.

VU Sport basketball representatives after winning a game.

Represent VU in sport

Discover how you can represent VU in the University Basketball League Australia or UniSport Nationals.

Enrich your social and learning opportunities with events and opportunities both on and off campus.

VU clubs group photo of members of different clubs.

Join a student club or group – it's a great way to meet people who study your course or share similar interests.

Sport clubs at VU

Joining a VU sport club will help keep you fit while doing something you love.

Two women planting trees at the community tree planting day 2022

We offer many opportunities for you to volunteer both within the University and in the community.

Advice & support

We have a range of services available to help you thrive while you study.

Student support

Students attend a VU Leadership conference.

The Learning Hub

The Learning Hub is the go-to place for academic and study skills and support, for all VU students.

A remedial massage therapist giving a neck and shoulder massage in the clinic.

Visit a VU Student Health Clinic

Our clinics provide services to maintain and improve your health, and improve your performance in everyday life.

students at a leadership workshop

Join VU Careers Hub at a series of online employability workshops, tailored to enhance your skillset and expand your career opportunities, both during your time at university and after graduation.

A student mentor smiles welcomingly at a student

Connect with a Student Mentor

Enjoy personalised 1-1 support sessions, engaging group sessions, and fun, interactive workshops designed to help you succeed.

Join the action

Spin class at Footscray Park Fitness & Aquatic Centre

Two people swimming in the pool at Footscray Park Fitness & Aquatic Centre

Boxing class at Footscray Park Fitness Centre

Two people play table tennis. One is wearing a thrive* shirt.

Participants using the rowing machine during a team training session at Footscray Park Fitness & Aquatic Centre