Healthy Campus Projects

Adapting to university life can be socially and emotionally challenging for all students, at times affecting mental health and academic performance. Recent research from a leading Chinese university surveyed 809 students to investigate how physical activity supports social adaptation. Key findings outline that students who exercised more frequently reported higher self-esteem and stronger student connections, […]

University students are increasingly grappling with mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, often exacerbated by academic pressures and lifestyle changes. This research recognises the potential of physical activity as a mitigating factor and found a strong link between higher physical activity levels and improved mental health outcomes – including lower levels of anxiety/depression, and […]

University students face elevated stress levels and are prone to engaging in health risk behaviours such as poor diet, physical inactivity, substance use, and inadequate sleep, all modifiable factors contributing to mental health disorders. A recent systematic review of 22 international studies found that while many health interventions aimed to address these issues, only a […]

UniSport Australia was proud to be a part of a historic milestone in university sport last week, as we welcomed FISU’s first-ever in-person Healthy Campus Auditor Workshop to Adelaide. Held on 19 May alongside our National Conference, the six-hour workshop was co-led by Fernando Parente, FISU’s Director of Development and Healthy Campus, and Martin Doulton, […]

Drunkorexia is a concerning blend of disordered eating and alcohol misuse and is emerging as a significant issue among young women at university. Characterised by behaviours such as meal skipping, excessive exercise, or purging to compensate for alcohol calories, it is often driven by body image pressures and social drinking culture. Recent Australian research found […]

The habits formed during university years often shape long-term health outcomes, making this a critical period for establishing positive behaviours. However, this period is also marked by shifts in movement-related behaviours (such as physical activity and sedentary time) and increased substance use, often in unhealthy directions. Physical inactivity, prolonged sedentary behaviour, and alcohol use are […]

Since the iPhone’s launch in 2007, smartphones have shifted from being a luxury to a daily necessity. However, growing overdependence on technology—particularly smartphones—may carry health risks. A recent systematic review spanning 12 countries examined the relationship between smartphone addiction and physical activity among university students. The findings revealed a clear inverse relationship: students with higher […]

The Victorian International Student Sports Festival (VISSF) returned for its second year, bringing vibrant culture and energetic competition to life at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre last Saturday. The festival welcomed 470 international students from 26 nations and 12 universities for an action-packed day of badminton, basketball, and table tennis. Hosted by UniSport Australia […]

The University of Melbourne Supporting established programs and providing new and emerging activities: Water Safety Program When Lucy arrived in Melbourne from Beijing to begin her Master of Marketing and Communications, she didn’t know a single person. Everything was unfamiliar, from the language to the lifestyle, and while it was exciting, it was also overwhelming. […]

Research on campus green spaces emphasises their important role in supporting student health and well-being. These spaces provide restorative benefits, offering students a chance to disconnect from academic pressures, recover from mental fatigue, reduce stress, and improve concentration. Access to nature helps maintain a balanced lifestyle by supporting both physical and mental well-being. Additionally, green […]