Six RMIT services that support our diverse student communities

Accessibility and equitable opportunities are one of RMIT’s highest priorities. It’s important to us that you feel comfortable and supported during your university journey.

There are sometimes barriers between what we want to achieve and achieving it. At RMIT, we aim to do something about that!

Beyond just having equitable access to learning, students should also feel engaged and excited about their university journey. The RMIT community is full of services to make that a reality, no matter what circumstances a student might have.

Here’s a glimpse at some of the support services that ensure our students have equitable access to study, community and new opportunities at RMIT.

Two RMIT Youth Work students sitting with two high school students

1. Equitable Learning Services

The Equitable Learning Services (ELS) team supports and creates equal opportunities for students with a disability, long-term illness and/or mental health condition. The team also provides assistance to primary carers of individuals with a disability.

It starts with students booking a chat or consultation with the ELS team, who will then work them to create a personalised plan so they can succeed at RMIT, no matter their circumstances. This is called an equitable learning plan, and they can cover anything from flexible study adjustments to assistive technology. Check out the ELS webpage for a full list of how the team supports students.

Visit the team at Open Day this year

2. Ngarara Willim Centre

The Ngarara Willim Centre supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students reach their potential through academic assistance, they also help students to stay connected with community and culture. It is their mission to ensure students are feeling support and encouraged throughout their studies.

There is a Ngarara Willim Centre at each of RMIT’s Melbourne campuses, filled with friendly staff, as well as private study spaces, access to computers, kitchens and more. The Ngarara Willim Centre is a place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can study, but it's also a hub for social and cultural activities, such as dedicated orientation programs, Indigenous career fairs, cultural camps and celebrations.

"The highlight of my time at RMIT was attending Ngarara Willim events, such as making damper with Mabu Mabu, and going to Gama-dji orientation each year. These events allowed me to have a yarn and listen to elders share their stories." - Ieisha Lyons, Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Visit them at the City campus Open Day this year

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Did you know that Ngarara Willim also help students with entry to RMIT?

The Indigenous Access Program is a priority access scheme which aims to support the increased participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants in RMIT vocational education and bachelor’s degree courses.

The scheme is designed to assess an applicant’s capacity to study at tertiary level in their preferred area of study through a non-ATAR and non-competitive selection process.

Learn more

3. Sensory friendly spaces

RMIT’s City campus has three designated sensor-friendly rooms where neurodivergent students who are looking to get a break from the hustle and bustle of the campus can enjoy a quiet, private space. These rooms are designed to reduce sensory overload and provide a safe and quiet environment for study and self-regulation. You’ll find the rooms in:

Building 12, Level 5, Room 104
Building 56, Level 4, Room 91 
Building 80, Level 3, Room 013

One of the RMIT City campuses sensory friendly spaces, with soft lighting and softer couches

One of the RMIT City campuses sensory friendly spaces, featuring an abundance of both peace and quiet

Use the sensory spaces at Open Day this year

4. Counselling and psychological services

It’s important for students to know that if they’re ever struggling with anxiety, depression or stress, we’re here to help.

RMIT students have access to free and confidential short-term professional counselling. This service can be delivered in person or as a video consultation where a counsellor can assist with mental health-related issues. Students don’t need to be in a crisis to go to see someone – our counsellors can provide them with skills on managing stress and anxiety if they’ve got concerns about the future.

The team also hosts a range of personal development, mental health and wellbeing workshops – all readily available and free to RMIT students. 

5. Peer mentoring and study support

At RMIT, students can also lean on fellow students for support. The RMIT Peer Mentoring service matches first year students with a peer mentor who is further along in their studies. They can assist with course content, share study skills and develop academic confidence as someone who understands exactly how it feels to be struggling with class work.

The best part is that students can access peer mentoring wherever they happen to be. The service can connect a peer mentor with a student through an app so they can talk, message or organise an in-person catch-up.

“I’ve enjoyed every bit of being a peer mentor for others. Not only does it allow me to refresh my knowledge on past courses, but more importantly provides me with a real sense of fulfilment by helping others.” - Shenelle Balasuriya, Bachelor of Business (Management)

An RMIT Jirrip student walking down a set of orange stairs

6. Kirrip

RMIT Kirrip is a means for students to connect and explore what RMIT and Melbourne have to offer. Think of Kirrip as a way that RMIT students can easily and quickly discover new friends and community. But it’s also so much more than that!

The team runs regular sessions with free food, opportunities to learn more about RMIT and nurture wellbeing. What’s more is that if an RMIT student is looking to give back to the community that helped them, they can become a Kirrip volunteer.

“I work with the Kirrip program as a volunteer, which is perhaps the best thing I could’ve possibly done since coming to Melbourne. I make it a point to attend as many events as I can, and have been involved in writing for Catalyst, the Uni magazine as well.” - Jai Vyankatesh Mudgerikar, Master of Communication Design

These services are just scratching the surface of what’s available at RMIT. There are even more that students will be thrilled to learn about, such as Inclusive sport at RMIT and the neurodivergent study sessions run by the RMIT Library.

No matter what your circumstances or which diverse community you belong to, RMIT is proud to be part of your study journey.

Story: Jacob Johnston

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Six RMIT services that support our diverse student communities