Uni Mental Health Day: You don’t have to do uni alone
Between study sessions, deadlines, work, life admin and trying to remember when you last had a proper meal, it can be easy to feel like you’re doing uni on your own.
This University Mental Health Day, is another reminder and spotlight on something we all need, even if we don’t always realise it: human connection.
Deakin recognises University Mental Health Day on 9 October during National Mental Health Month and leading into the global World Mental Health Day on 10 October. This year’s University Mental Health Day theme, Human connection, encourages us all to think about how relationships, belonging and community can support our mental health and wellbeing.
And with exams and end-of-trimester assessments happening around this time of year, it’s a pretty timely reminder.
Why connection matters
University can be a place where you meet some of your favourite people – but it can also sometimes feel lonely.
You might be living away from home, balancing uni with work, feeling disconnected from your course or simply finding it hard to make time for people when your to-do list seems never-ending.
Research into Australian university students has found that academic workload, academic stress and social interactions are among the factors students identify as influencing their wellbeing. Academic workload can also have a flow-on effect, making it harder to maintain a healthy balance between study, social life and everything else going on.
In other words, when uni gets busy, connection can be one of the first things to slip. But staying connected doesn’t have to mean adding another big commitment to your calendar.
Connection can be surprisingly small
Human connection isn’t always a deep conversation over coffee or a full day spent with friends. Sometimes, it’s much simpler.
It could be:
- Sending a friend a “how are you actually going?” text.
- Studying alongside someone – even if you barely speak.
- Calling home while you walk to class, commute or take a break.
- Saying hello to someone you usually see around uni, work or your regular routine.
- Taking a break from study and grabbing lunch or a coffee with someone.
- Joining a club, society, event or activity, even if you only stay for a little while.
- Asking someone if they want to catch up after an exam.
- Letting someone know when you’re having a rough day instead of trying to push through it alone.
You don’t need to become the most social person around. You just need to find the kinds of connection that work for you.
And if you’re someone who finds social situations difficult, remember that connection can look different for everyone. Online chats, shared interests, familiar faces, one-on-one conversations or simply being around other people can all help you feel a little less alone.
Find your people at Deakin
Connection doesn’t have to mean having a huge friendship group or being the most social person on campus. Sometimes, it’s simply finding a space where you feel comfortable, meeting people who share your interests or having a reason to step away from your usual study routine.
There are plenty of ways to find those moments at Deakin:
- Join a club or play sport
DUSA Clubs and DUSA Sport are great ways to meet people, try something new or spend time doing something you actually enjoy. And yes, you’re allowed to turn up without knowing anyone. - Connect with other students
If you’re an international student, the International Student Connect program can help you meet other students, build friendships and feel more at home at Deakin. - Keep an eye on what’s happening on campus
From social activities to workshops and wellbeing events, there are plenty of opportunities to step away from your study routine, meet others and do something different.
Don’t wait until you’re struggling
Connection can be particularly important when things aren’t going well.
If you’re stressed, overwhelmed or struggling to keep up with uni, reaching out can feel like one more thing you need to do. You might worry about bothering someone, not know what to say or think you should be able to handle things yourself.
You don’t need to have the perfect words. Try starting with something as simple as, “I’ve had a pretty rough week. Can I talk to you?” You might be surprised how many people understand exactly what you mean.
And you don’t have to rely only on your friends or family. Deakin has support available if you’d like to talk to someone outside your usual circle.
You can access free and confidential counselling through Deakin, explore wellbeing resources on topics such as anxiety, homesickness and stress, or listen to podcasts about things like social anxiety and perfectionism. The DeakinWELLBEING app also has tools and activities to help you manage stress, build resilience and develop healthy habits.
If you’re not sure what kind of support you need, that’s okay too. You can start by talking to someone and figuring it out from there.
Explore support and resources on our Mental Health Month webpage
