First semester 101: Looking after your mental health and wellbeing

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First semester 101: Looking after your mental health and wellbeing

Starting uni is a big shift. You will have days where everything feels exciting and days where things wobble a bit. Both are normal. Support is here for all of it.

This guide shows where to find help, how to take care of yourself and how to settle into uni life this semester.

Need support now and not sure where to start

If something is weighing on you, reach out early for support. You can book or drop in to chat with a Welfare Advisor, who can advise on university processes, refer you to the service you need, or just talk things through. Find out more on the Student Welfare webpage.

If you need urgent mental health support, visit Emergency and crisis support, call 1300 305 737, or text 0488 884 162.

Free mental health services and support

Talk to a trained professional

RMIT Counselling and Psychological Services offer free and confidential short-term counselling for stress, anxiety, low mood and study pressures. Throughout the semester, you can join free mental health and wellbeing webinars that provide tools, practices and knowledge to help you manage stress, tackle procrastination, improve time management and build social confidence.

Get confidential support when you are not feeling safe

Safer Community offers confidential support if you have experienced violence, sexual harm or behaviour that feels unsafe, uncomfortable or threatening. You can contact the team for yourself or if you are worried about someone else.

Build a routine that supports your wellbeing

Small habits can make study feel more manageable. RMIT offers easy drop-in activities that help you reset during the semester.

Join a free meditation session

Come along to guided meditation sessions led by RMIT’s Buddhist Chaplain to help you relax and refocus. Sessions run throughout semester and no experience is needed.

Get active through sport

Moving your body is one of the simplest ways to boost your mood and ease study stress. At RMIT, you can join social sport on campus or explore club teams if you prefer more structured training or competition. It is an easy way to switch off, build routine and stay connected with others.

Find out more on the sport and fitness webpage.

Talk with people who get it

Feeling connected is one of the strongest supports for mental health. Try what feels right for you.

Chat with a Peer Supporter

Peer chats connect you with a trained student who understands the ups and downs of uni life. It is a friendly way to ask questions or chat through something on your mind.

Visit the Multifaith and Wellbeing Centre

The Centre is a welcoming space where you can access quiet rooms for prayer or reflection and talk with multifaith staff who offer confidential guidance and support.

Worried about finances?

Money stress can affect your mental health and it is important to know you can ask for support or make arrangements when you are in a tough spot.

Talk to a Welfare Advisor

Student Welfare Advisors can talk through budgeting, financial assistance or emergency accommodation so you understand your options. They can also help you navigate university processes and connect you with other services when needed.

Stretch your dollar when on campus

Find affordable and free food near your campus and make use of student card discounts to help ease day-to-day costs.

Find study support to help reduce stress

Study pressure can take a toll on your wellbeing. The right academic support can make things feel more manageable.

Get one-to-one study support

Drop into the Study Support Hub for help unpacking assignment instructions, planning your work, improving writing or strengthening maths and science skills. Advisors and librarians are there to guide you.

Get neuro-friendly study support

The Skills for Neurodivergent Students workshops help you build practical skills that support your wellbeing and set you up to thrive at university and in future workplaces.

Explore ways the Library can support you

You don’t have to wait until things feel hard

Support is free, confidential and available whenever you need it. If you are unsure where to begin, reach out to Student Connect and let them help you choose the next step that suits you.

24 March 2026

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures