The survey, run in August, asked RMIT students in Australia about their own positive mental wellbeing, and how engaged or exhausted their study made them feel.
It also asked what they thought about RMIT’s psychosocial safety climate (PSC) – the University’s general approach to supporting mental wellbeing – and certain psychosocial risk factors that may put mental health and wellbeing at risk.
Overall, the survey found that among our students, mental wellbeing has improved considerably since 2021, with rates of low mental wellbeing down from 26 per cent to 18 per cent overall.
It’s even better news for international students. Last year’s survey showed this group were at high risk of low PSC due to the isolation and other pressures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
But this year this group recorded far better levels of positive PSC, exhaustion and mental wellbeing – and were actually outperforming domestic students on these measures.
“These results are very encouraging,” said Dr Bronwyn Gresham, Program Lead, Mental Wellbeing Initiatives.
“It is especially good to see that the significant investment RMIT has made in supporting international students – a particularly vulnerable group – has benefited that community.”
However, there were still some areas of concern. Certain respondents, including LGBTIQ+ and gender-diverse students, and those with lived experience of disability, reported lower wellbeing than the average student. Students with lived experience of disability also reported higher PSC risk and higher exhaustion, on average.
“We are working hard towards a healthier work and learning environment for everyone in our community, but we acknowledge that there is still more to be done,” said Bronwyn.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who took part in the survey. It gives us useful information that can help us plan programs and activities that will really make a difference to our students in the years ahead.”
Bronwyn’s top tips for students to improve wellbeing:
- Learn how to care for your own and others’ mental wellbeing – consider completing the Mental Wellbeing Essentials Canvas module.
- Take part in health and wellbeing events and activities. They’re listed on the student website.
- Weave the Five Ways to Wellbeing into your daily routine.
- Make sure you know where to get support for yourself or others when needed. Find details on the student website.
Find out how RMIT is supporting mental health and wellbeing.
