Healthy Campuses

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 […]

Despite growing investment in university mental health initiatives, evidence on their effectiveness remains limited. Researchers from Deakin University evaluated the impact of the university’s Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy by comparing student survey data collected before (2019) and after (2022) its implementation. While overall mental health outcomes showed little improvement, the researchers noted that […]

University student mental health challenges are rising, yet many avoid traditional support due to stigma and accessibility barriers. Edith Cowan University trialled The Living Room, a low‑barrier, peer‑led service offering informal, appointment‑free support. Surveying 110 students during early rollout, the study found most sought help for mental health concerns (77%), academic stress (65%) and interpersonal […]

How can universities create environments where every student feels safe, respected and supported? RMIT University is taking a comprehensive approach to preventing bullying, discrimination and gender-based violence through a range of interconnected initiatives focused on education, leadership development, support services and community engagement. Grounded in national recommendations and frameworks addressing student safety and gender-based violence, […]

How do you prepare students to represent their university, support one another, and stay safe at a major multi-day sporting event? La Trobe University’s 2025 Uni Nationals Participant Training provides a strong example of how sport can be used as a platform for leadership, wellbeing, community responsibility and student safety. Designed for students representing Team […]