University Mental Health Day is coming up on Wednesday 7 May, which is the perfect opportunity to reflect on how you can prioritise your mental health as a student.
While studying can be challenging, there are also many positive wellbeing outcomes associated with learning. Your time at uni can lead to increased self-efficacy, better social opportunities and higher chances of securing meaningful employment.
Luckily, there are some easy, practical steps you can take to improve these positive outcomes…
Easy ways to make the most of your uni experience
- Find balance. Try to schedule your semester to include study time (which might be more intense around assessment periods), social time (whether that’s on or off campus), work time and rest time.
- Go outside. A scoping review in 2020 found that even 10 minutes a day in natural settings (like parks, gardens or rural areas) can help improve how university students feel emotionally and socially. We have lots of incredible green spaces across our campuses, so why not make the most of them?
- Stay ready. Find time every 6 months to update your resume/CV and practise writing job application letters. It’s a good way to remind yourself of your achievements and your goals.
- Schedule smarter. Social time doesn’t have to have its own spot in your calendar! Grabbing a coffee with classmates or even grocery shopping with friends can give you a quick social fix when time is tight.
- Embrace the challenge. Study can come with challenges, and it’s inevitable that you’ll find some parts difficult. Your ability to acknowledge this and keep trying is still something to celebrate, and it helps you build resilience and self-esteem.
- Return to your ‘why’. Think about what motivated you to start this learning journey in the first place and reflect on how far you’ve already come.
- Actively look after yourself. Spend time considering your needs and responding. Do you need a day in bed? Great, do that. Finding it hard to concentrate, but don’t know why? Make an appointment with your GP. Got an ongoing disability, injury or illness that’s interrupting your studies? Make an appointment with ASK La Trobe to learn about your options.
Share your feedback on student wellbeing
This University Mental Health Day, we’re looking to hear about your wellbeing experiences at La Trobe.
Sign up to join one of our online focus groups on Thursday 8 May, and you’ll also receive a $50 Coles gift voucher for participating!
What’s on this University Mental Health Day
Another easy way to prioritise your mental health? Engage with the wellbeing activities offered at your campus!
If you’re at our Melbourne (Bundoora) or Albury-Wodonga campuses, join us to celebrate University Mental Health Day with free massages, yoga or pilates classes, snacks, craft activities, clubs and music.
Need extra support?
One of the best things you can do for your own wellbeing is recognising when you need help. If you’re having a tough time or need someone to talk to, there are a range of wellbeing services you can access as a student.
For mental health support outside of normal business hours (including public holidays), you can call our Out-of-hours University Crisis Line on 1300 146 307 or text 0488 884 100.