Research

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 […]

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 […]

Sexual violence remains a critical risk to student safety and wellbeing, and this Australian study demonstrates the potential of scalable digital interventions to address it. Led by researchers at The University of Queensland, the study evaluated a university-wide online module focused on consent, bystander intervention, and responding to disclosures. The results showed meaningful improvements in […]

Australian university students are at a life stage where sexual health risks are higher, yet many are not accessing the services designed to support them. This large Australian study, led by researchers from The University of Queensland with collaboration from multiple institutions, surveyed 4,291 students across five universities to understand how and why students use […]

Alcohol advertising on social media is a constant presence for young Australian university students, raising concerns about how online environments may normalise drinking and influence risky alcohol behaviours. In a University of Queensland study, 125 students aged 17–24 scrolled Facebook or Instagram for 30 minutes and recorded every alcohol ad they saw. On average, students […]

Students are at an increased risk of experiencing mental health challenges during the transition to university, a period that can also negatively impact their diet quality. This systematic review, inclusive of existing international studies, aimed to investigate the relationship between student eating habits and their mental wellbeing. The findings reported that students with healthier diets […]