It asked RMIT students in Australia to share their views – anonymously – on how they were feeling, and what they thought of how RMIT supports mental wellbeing. Staff could also take part.
The survey was run in partnership with the University of South Australia (UniSA) and is part of a broader effort to improve mental wellbeing at RMIT. The aim is to repeat it every year to track progress.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate. Your responses are helping to shape initiatives to improve mental wellbeing across the RMIT community.
Learn more about mental wellbeing at RMIT.
What were students asked?
The survey asked students about three things:
- their own positive mental wellbeing, i.e. not symptoms of mental ill-health like depression, anxiety or distress
- how engaged or exhausted their work or study made them feel
- what they thought about RMIT's general approach to supporting mental wellbeing.
What were the results?
In summary, students told us:
- mental wellbeing was low – around 30% of students reported low wellbeing, with social wellbeing (sense of belonging, connection, and contribution etc) being of greatest concern
- exhaustion was high
- about 50% of students thought RMIT was doing a good job in protecting their mental wellbeing, but about 50% felt we could do better
- students with certain lived experiences (LGBTIQ+, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, disability, culturally and linguistically diverse) were at increased risk and reported lower wellbeing than the average student.
RMIT’s response to the survey
The survey results were not unexpected. Remote learning and lockdowns have taken a toll on students’ mental wellbeing. However, RMIT’s Mental Wellbeing team is confident that as the university returns to face-to-face teaching, people will begin to experience the benefits of connection again.
The university already has detailed plans in place to boost student and staff wellbeing. You can read more about those in the Mental Wellbeing Annual Report 2021, available here.
The survey results will inform future activities, including:
- targeted wellbeing interventions to vulnerable students and
- ways to increase opportunities for social connection as students return to campus.
Looking after yourself
There’s lots you can do to take care of your own mental wellbeing. A good place to start is the Health, Safety and Wellbeing page, which lists support services, advice and events to help you boost your mental health.
Get support
If you need support, visit the Health, Safety and Wellbeing page to find information on counselling, health services and more.
