Good Careers Guide
  • Courses
  • Rankings
  • Institutions
  • Scholarships
  • Studying in Australia
  • Blogs
  • Events
    1. Home
    2. Blog
    3. Study tips
    4. Looking after your wellbeing as a student

    Looking after your wellbeing as a student



    Moving to Australia to study can be extremely exciting! You may encounter a new culture, make new friends and be studying something that excites you. However, studying can also come with its challenges: homesickness, juggling work and assignments and managing your mental health. Whether you’ve just arrived and are settling in or are a couple of few years into your course, there are certain areas of your life to keep in check to ensure your overall wellbeing is at its best.

    Relationships

    You will be exposed to many new people at university, from tutors and lecturers to fellow students, and develop connections that may well extend beyond your days on campus. Whether new or established, the people in your life can have a profound impact on your mental health.

    Make a point of maintaining your relationships with friends and family back home no matter how tricky the time difference is — they form the basis for your support network.

    Finances

    There are many costs associated with a university education aside from the obvious tuition fees, and textbooks. Depending on where you live, the cost of living will vary for things like rent, bills, transport and sometimes groceries.

    Staying on top of your finances is key, as failure to do so can cause significant stress at a time when earning substantial money in a hurry is challenging. Being fiscally savvy and sticking to a budget is a good strategy for avoiding these types of scenarios.

    Finding a balance

    Outside of all the socialising that university entails, you need to make time for study — it’s easy to fall behind while you’re still making the adjustment to a new life. Equally, you need to factor in employment – many students take up part-time jobs to make ends meet, and striking the balance between work, study and time for yourself is key to maintaining a good state of mind.

    Physical health

    Staying active is an easy way to boost your mood and relieve stress. Playing a team sport, working out at the gym or just going for a jog will be a big help for your general health and can help improve your self-esteem and confidence.

    Self-worth

    With such a big change in moving countries and starting a course, how you view yourself may change at university, and if that shift is negative you can be in for a tough time. Surrounding yourself with people you love and respect is ideal in these scenarios, as having someone to speak to is integral to your overall wellbeing.

    Mental health

    Mental health issues can be amplified in the university environment, especially for first-year students.

    If you find yourself struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out for professional help. Your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) covers visits to a general practitioner, which should be your first step to getting help.

    For crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services across Australia, call Lifeline on 131 114.


    Useful links:

    • Four-point plan to beat homesickness
    • Survival tips for first-year international uni students
    • Looking after your health in Australia
    • Support services

    Related blogs

    An international student's guide to self-isolation


    30 Apr 2020

    read more

    Can't go home? 5 things to do during your break


    26 Nov 2020

    read more

    Four-point plan to beat homesickness


    10 Oct 2018

    read more

    Categories
    • Australian education news 91
    • Life after study 59
    • Study tips 90
    • About Australia 129
    Tags
    homesicknessstudying abroadhealth

    Subscribe to our newsletter

    Join the conversation

    Universities in Australia

    • Universities in Canberra/ACT
    • Universities in Sydney/NSW
    • Universities in Brisbane/QLD
    • Universities in Adelaide/SA
    • Universities in Hobart/TAS
    • Universities in Melbourne/VIC
    • Universities in Perth/WA

    Scholarships in Australia

    • Scholarships in Canberra/ACT
    • Scholarships in Sydney/NSW
    • Scholarships in Brisbane/QLD
    • Scholarships in Adelaide/SA
    • Scholarships in Hobart/TAS
    • Scholarships in Melbourne/VIC
    • Scholarships in Perth/WA

    Courses in Australia

    • Courses in Canberra/ACT
    • Courses in Sydney/NSW
    • Courses in Brisbane/QLD
    • Courses in Adelaide/SA
    • Courses in Hobart/TAS
    • Courses in Melbourne/VIC
    • Courses in Perth/WA
    © 2025 Studies in Australia
    About us | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Enquire now!
    Good Education GroupAbout | Contact | Bookshop
    Good Universities GuideGood Schools GuideStudies in AustraliaACIR