How We Can Help
We are here to help you navigate your way through University informally and formally.
Please get in touch as soon as possible if you have questions or need advice.
Outside hours support
- Beyond Blue — offers 24/7 mental health support via 1300 224 636.
- Lifeline — offers 24/7 crisis support via 13 11 14.
- headspace — provides free or low-cost mental health and wellbeing services to people under 25.
- Suicide Call Back Service — free counselling for anyone affected by suicide. 24/7 1300 659 467.
Wellbeing
Stay connected!
Check-in with your peers, colleagues, friends and family, and aim for at least one conversation every day (even if it is something you might normally just send them in a message).
Mental Health
UniMelb
External
- headspace – mental health support resource for young people aged 18–25 years old. You can chat to a counsellor for free on 1800 650 890 or connect with them via online.
- Black Dog Institute – Resources for anxiety, stress and wellbeing.
- RUOK – Stay connected.
- Beyond Blue – Looking after your mental health.
- Lifeline offer free counselling via phone call on 13 11 14, or via text and online chat.
Physical Health
Look after yourself – Drink lots of water, eat balanced meals and get enough sleep.
General Wellbeing
Create a routine – Don’t burn yourself out! Set your study hours, and when they’re done, relax. Take "me" time.
Feeling unwell
- DO NOT COME TO CAMPUS IF YOU HAVE ANY COVID-19 SYMPTOMS, including a fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, or loss or change in sense of taste or smell – however mild, even if you have a negative rapid antigen test result. Bookmark this page for Unimelb students.
- Unimelb students please follow this guide about getting tested for COVID-19 and what to do if you or someone you know tests positive, including notifying the University for support and advice.
- Not Covid but still feeling unwell? Book a visit to your local GP for a check up.
Personal safety
It’s important to know that there is help available if you need to leave your home or accommodation to escape harm or violence. There may be financial pressure, tensions or a heightened sense of uncertainty and anxiety. No matter what the external stressors, violence should not be tolerated. You are not alone.
If you feel frightened or need advice, help or support, or a safe place to stay there are organisations that will provide assistance. If you are at immediate risk, call the police at 000. They are available 24/7.
Family violence courts are open and intervention orders are available. If you or a friend are suffering physical or sexual harm, please seek help or offer them support.
UniMelb Safety
External
International students
Studying in Melbourne can be a wonderful experience for international students. However, there are challenges when coming to a new country to study.
Friendships, Health and Welfare
Academic
Sometimes you may need support regarding University issues. Remember we have UMSU Education Public (who build activist campaigns fighting for your rights on and off-campus) and Education Academic (who are the link between students and the academic and policy processes of the University) to help you.
Exams
Exams can be incredibly stressful but remember, they are designed for you to demonstrate what you have learned throughout the year, not to catch you out.
Complaints
Academic Complaints
Bullying, Discrimination, Sexual Harassment:
Student Discipline
- Academic misconduct and general misconduct information here.
- If you receive notice of an allegation of misconduct, contact UMSU Advocacy immediately for support and assistance with responding to the matter. Contact us for advice.
Feeling lonely?
You can feel lonely anywhere and at any time – no matter how many people are physically around you. But if you’re tired of feeling solo and want to get connected, there are some things you can do.
Making Friends
Making new friends can be challenging, particularly if you are in a new city away from loved ones. Usually, the basis of making a friend is a shared experience around a similar passion or interest. Joining a group based on something you really love can be a great first step for finding new friendships.
- Join a Club: We have over 200 student clubs available for you to join. Check out Clubs and Societies you can join
- Join a Collective of like-minded peeps. Many of our student departments have collectives that run regularly. Check out our Events.
- Reach Out have some great tools and tips on making friends.
Financial Help
Sometimes you need support managing your finances. Knowing what options are available to you can help you with budgeting and living on a limited income whilst you are studying.
Food
There are a number of options for free food programs to support students. Remember if you are struggling for food, please reach out to our UMSU Welfare department.
Free food options
- Free Welfare breakfasts and and food bank.
- Cheap lunches and chill meeting spaces in the Ida Bar..
- Unimelb offer a number of free meal options.
- Priority food delivery – Woolworths are offering priority food delivery to seniors, people with disabilities or compromised immune systems. Sign up, or help out a friend or relative.
Need a job?
So you're looking for a casual job whilst you are studying? If you’re interested in working at UMSU the Casual Pool is the place for you.
Work and employability
Access UMSU and Unimelb job opportunities here, and the Victorian Government's Jobs Victoria online hub here.
Housing
There are lots of reasons why you might need emergency accommodation or help with housing from eviction to being flat broke to a relationship breakdown. If you don't have anywhere to live, or anywhere that is safe to live, there is help.
Need help with your living arrangements?
Legal and Advocacy Support
- Things go wrong at uni at the best of times, and UMSU’s Advocacy Service is here to help you navigate policies and procedures that govern how you and the University interact.
- UMSU Legal can help you with
- Renting
- Infringements / fines
- Minor criminal law
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Employment law including bullying
- Consumer law
- Family violence/personal safety intervention orders
- Discrimination
- Sexual harassment
Contact UMSU Legal here. If your request is urgent, please contact the UMSU Legal team at legal@union.unimelb.edu.au.