Healthy Campuses

Depression, anxiety and stress are common among university students, highlighting the need for accessible strategies that support mental health alongside existing services. Researchers conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of 25 international randomised controlled trials involving 2,127 university students to compare different forms of exercise. Overall, exercise significantly reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety and […]

Growing demand for student mental health support often exceeds the capacity of traditional university services. Researchers from UNSW Sydney’s Black Dog Institute evaluated the ‘Vibe Up’ program with 1,282 Australian university students experiencing psychological distress. After an initial monitoring phase, students received brief smartphone‑based interventions focused on physical activity, sleep, mindfulness or symptom tracking. Across […]

University students experiencing mental health challenges may benefit from physical activity, but structured exercise programs remain underused within university mental health services. The University of Western Australia examined 93 students participating in ‘Stride’, a 12-week, on-campus exercise program for students experiencing mental distress. Students were referred through university support services or health professionals and participated […]

Forty-seven university representatives from across Australia and New Zealand came together online on Tuesday 28 July for the latest UniSport Healthy Campus Community of Practice, which explored practical ways to advance mental health and wellbeing through the FISU Healthy Campus program.   Mental health and wellbeing continue to be a key focus for universities globally, with […]

Physical activity initiatives offer universities an opportunity to improve student wellbeing while encouraging conversations about mental health. The University of Melbourne evaluated The Push-Up Challenge, a national program combining a month-long physical activity challenge with daily mental health education, self-care messages and help-seeking information. Tracking more than 29,000 participants, the study found improvements in wellbeing, […]

Poor sleep, low physical activity and other unhealthy behaviours are common among university students and are closely linked to poorer mental health. Yet the most effective intervention approaches remain uncertain. A systematic review by the University of Newcastle examined 22 randomised controlled trials targeting sleep, physical activity, healthy eating, alcohol use and other behaviours. While […]

University students experience high rates of psychological distress, highlighting the need for practical, preventative approaches that promote both mental and physical wellbeing. The University of Queensland evaluated ‘Sharper Minds’, a six-week mental health promotion package co-designed with students that combines a weekly self-monitoring tool with short, evidence-based courses (covering physical activity, sleep, healthy eating, social […]

CQUniversity is leading the pack for health and wellbeing across its campuses and in its communities, with fresh international support for its unique regional role.  CQU has been named an International University Sports Federation (FISU) Healthy Campus, joining forces with more than 200 universities globally driving inclusive health and physical activity in higher education.  UniSport […]

Forty-seven university representatives from across Australia and New Zealand came together online on Tuesday 28 July for the latest UniSport Healthy Campus Community of Practice, which explored practical ways to advance mental health and wellbeing through the FISU Healthy Campus program.  The session focused on FISU Healthy Campus Criteria 82–89, with presenters sharing practical implementation strategies, whole-of-university approaches and initiatives designed to support the wellbeing of students and staff.  The session […]

University students face growing demand for accessible mental health support, but questions remain about whether digital services can deliver meaningful outcomes in routine care. Macquarie University evaluated an internet‑delivered cognitive behavioural therapy program offered through the university’s counselling service for students experiencing anxiety and depression. Over five years, the study found significant reductions in both […]