Student Wellbeing

During your studies at RMIT UP,  there may be times when you need help or support. Our goal is to welcome and support students by encouraging positive mental health practice, identifying problems early and focussing on building your character strengths to overcome challenges.

If you need counselling support, please contact Student Wellbeing at RMIT UP on email wellbeing@rmit.edu.au or call (03) 9925 8172. If you require urgent assistance outside business hours, please contact RMIT Urgent mental health support call 1300 305 737 or text 0488 884 162.

Counselling services

Counselling at RMIT UP is a free and confidential service available to all students. Our counsellors are available for appointments Monday to Friday via telephone, video call and/or face-to-face.

Our qualified Counsellors support students who are:

adjusting to study and/or life in Melbourne
needing emotional or academic support
feeling worried, upset, sad, unsafe, nervous, lonely or missing family and friends

dealing with disappointment or challenges
trying to balance daily life (study, work, life)
negotiating conflict (with housemates, work colleagues, friends, partners, or others)

The earlier you seek help and ask for support, the better the outcome can be for you. There is no problem too big and no question too small.

Appointments

Counselling appointments are available Monday to Friday via telephone, video conferencing and face-to-face. To make a counselling appointment please email: wellbeing@rmit.edu.au. You can find the Wellbeing team on Level 9 in Building 85. Remember, support is available - stay positive and ask for help when you need it.

Counselling gives you the opportunity to:

share your story
talk about personal problems or concerns
learn different ways to manage your mental health
strengthen your sense of mental, physical and social wellbeing
receive referrals to additional support available internally or externally to RMIT

The benefits of speaking with a Counsellor include:

gaining awareness and understanding of your thoughts, feelings and behaviours
finding your emotional balance
improving connections with yourself and others
finding acceptance

Book an appointment

Email: wellbeing@rmit.edu.au
Phone: 03 9925 8172
On campus support: RMIT Building 85, Level 9 Student Lounge

Book an appointment

Confidentiality and privacy

All counselling sessions and attendance are strictly confidential. Disclosure may only occur if there is a perceived risk to the safety of you or others or if information is required for legal purposes in accordance with professional responsibilities and guidelines. Where possible, we will seek your approval before information is shared.

Referrals

The Wellbeing Service can refer you to other specialist services both internal and external to RMIT if:

You request help with finding a specialist
After some discussion, counselling is not thought to be the most suitable service for you
There are other forms of professional support that may better meet your needs.

We will always discuss the referral with you and will continue to support you as appropriate.

What is Mental Health?

Your mental health is important. Mental health refers to the balance of psychological, social, emotional and behavioural aspects of your life. Good mental health is important for your studies and maintaining your physical health, relationships, work and personal interests.

If you or a friend experience any of the following, we encourage you to seek help from the Wellbeing Service:

Feeling sad, depressed, angry, lonely, worried, stressed, guilty, worthless, hopeless, overwhelmed or frustrated
Sudden changes in mood
Lack of motivation or loss of interest in activities or study (staying in bed, missing classes)
Problems with sleep
Loss and/or change of appetite

Physical stress (headaches, stomach aches, muscle aches, trembling or shaking)
Excessive use of alcohol or recreational/prescription drugs
Withdrawing or isolating from others (staying home or avoiding social situations)
Easily distracted or unable to concentrate

Medical and health cover

Finding a doctor in Australia

Doctors provide you with advice when you are feeling sick or unwell. The Australian medical system may be different from what you’re used to, so when searching for a doctor, there are a few important things to remember.

Health services in Australia

General Practitioner (GP)

A General Practitioner (GP) is a medical doctor who can help you in-person or remotely, when you:

Feel sick or unwell
Need help diagnosing a personal problem
Need a referral to a specialist

Specialist Doctors

Specialist doctors diagnose and treat specific conditions that they have had extra training for. eye and ear problems, heart and lung problems, skin problems, mental health problems as well as many others. You always need a referral from a GP to see a specialist.

Emergency assistance

If you need emergency assistance, please call 000 immediately. Remember, emergency departments are for emergencies only. For non-emergency treatment, book with a GP to avoid long wait times and potential fees.

Need to book a doctor’s appointment?

Book an appointment with the Medical Hub @ RMIT.

Contact Medical Hub

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provides basic cover to student visa holders. You can use your OSHC to:

See a doctor
Go to the hospital

Call for an ambulance (In an emergency situation)

Depending on your OSHC insurance, you will be able to claim all of the fees back, some of the fees or you may not be covered for some services. You can check your coverage with your OSHC insurer directly.

When you arrive in Australia, you must activate your OSHC membership.

Medibank is RMIT University’s OSHC partner:

Email: oshc@medibank.com.au

Phone: 13 41 48

Supporting you if you have a medical condition

RMIT is committed to equal opportunities for everyone. If you have a medical condition and require academic support, contact RMIT Equitable Learning Services (ELS). ELS supports students who have physical disabilities, vision or hearing impairment, intellectual or learning disabilities and mental health or medical conditions. The team will meet with you to create an individual learning plan which can be shared with your teachers.

For more information or begin the registration process please visit Equitable Learning Services. 

Equitable Learning Services

Personal safety

RMIT UP takes your safety seriously. If you are feeling unsafe on campus, please speak to a staff member immediately or go to security on Level 2 (you can call Security on 9925 3333). We recommend students download the Safe Zone app which connects you instantly to campus security, First Aid, or emergency support if you need it. The app also has a button to connect directly to emergency services (fire, ambulance, police), or you can dial 000.

Melbourne is considered a safe city to live in, but it’s important to know what actions you can take to protect yourself. Here are a few personal safety tips to remember.

Familiarise yourself with your surroundings

If you are going out at night, tell someone you trust where you’re going and when you plan to return. Stay alert and walk with other people in areas that have good lighting and are well populated.
Keep your valuables out of sight and be mindful if you are wearing headphones to not have the music too loud.
Public transport is very safe. There are Protective Service Officers (PSOs) at most train stations and you can speak to them if you’re feeling threatened. Trains have emergency intercom buttons that allow you to speak directly with the driver in case of emergency.

Protecting yourself from scams

International students can be particularly vulnerable to scams. A scam is where criminals try to trick people into giving them money. They might tell you that they are from the government and your visa will be cancelled unless you pay them. Here are a few tips to keep you safe online:

Never tell anyone the PIN for your cards, even if they say they are from the bank
Be careful of requests (e.g. Facebook friend requests from people you don’t know)
Think before you upload and share photos

Block anyone who makes you feel unsafe
Don’t trust people who want personal information even if they come from your own country

Protective Services Officers on public transport

Learn about Protective Service Officers and what they do to keep us safe on public transport.

RMIT Safer Community

Safer Community provides support and advice to students and staff concerned about threatening or inappropriate behaviour. Call: 9925 2396, email or visit the website.

Visit RMIT Safer Community site

Frequently asked questions

RMIT has an Urgent Support Line that you can call 1300 305 737 or text 0488 884 162.  

The Medical Hub @ RMIT at the RMIT University City Campus has great doctors you can visit. Or view our list of other doctors in and around Melbourne.

The easiest way is to email wellbeing@rmit.edu.au or visit the Level 3 information desk.

You can use the counselling service at RMIT UP for as long as you need.

That’s okay. Just let us know as soon as you can by phone or email. We are here to support you. If we don’t hear from you, we will follow up with you to make sure you are ok.

You can contact Medibank by phone or email:

Phone: 13 41 48

Email: oshc@Medibank.com.au

You can visit Medibank on Campus at RMIT University.

The Study Success team can support you in achieving your academic goals. The Study Success team provides online coaching, student peer mentoring and workshops. To make an online booking with the Study Success team, please visit the RMIT UP Pathways Study Success Canvas or email study.success@rmit.edu.au. Remember Studiosity is available 24/7 for your academic and English language support needs. Visit www.studiosity.com to begin receiving online support from a tutor. 

Speaking to your class and homegroup teachers is a great place to start. There may be a range of academic support options available to you. Applying for an extension for an assessment task or Special Consideration may be something you need to explore, depending on your situation.  

REW students can find more information about Special Consideration through this link. 

Special Consideration information for Foundation Studies students can be found here. 

The RMIT Equitable Learning Service supports students who may have a physical disability, vision or hearing impairment, intellectual or learning disability, mental health or medical condition. The team will meet with you to create an individual learning plan which can be shared with your teachers. For more information or begin the registration process please visit Equitable Learning Services. 

Please let your teacher know when you will be absent from class, you can email your teacher directly or email rewstudent.services@rmit.edu.au (for REW students) or foundationstudies@rmit.edu.au (for Foundation Studies students). 

If you attend a medical appointment and are absent from class, please ask for a medical certificate and email it to student services.  

Remember, RMIT has a Medical Hub, for more information or to book an appointment with a Doctor please visit Medical Hub@RMIT. 

Money problems can cause a lot of stress. For more information, please visit Financial Support for Students or RMIT Financial Support and Assistance. 

Accommodation and housing options as well as rental advice and support can be found through our accommodation page. 

RMIT has a Legal Service that can provide guidance and support on legal matters, please visit RMIT Student Legal Service for more information and to book an appointment. 

Our Wellbeing Team

Elise Fraser

Director of Wellbeing & Student Experience: is a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist with many years of experience with international students.

Vincent Viggiano

Wellbeing Coordinator & Counsellor: has worked in the education sector supporting students for more than a decade.

Amanda Yap

Student Services Wellbeing Assistant: is always ready to assist you with finding information and making appointments.

Helpful external services and resources

Lifeline - 13 11 14

24 hours a day, 7 days a week free and confidential telephone counselling line and referral service .

Beyondblue - 1300 22 46 36

24 hours a day, 7 days a week free and confidential telephone counselling crisis line and referral service.

Headspace

Provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people aged 12 to 25 years old

Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800

24 hours a day, 7 days a week free and confidential telephone counselling line and referral service for young people aged 12 and 25 years.

SuicideLine - 1300 651 251

24 hours a day, 7 days a week free and confidential telephone counselling crisis line and referral service.

SANE Helpline - 1800 18 72 63

Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm helpline for people affected by mental illness.

Study Melbourne - 1800 056 449

Provides support and information to the international student community in Victoria.

Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) & Sexual Assault Crisis Line-1800 806 292

Proactive leader in supporting, advocating and providing support for people who have experienced sexual assault.

RMIT UP Therapy Dog

RMIT UP has a therapy dog named Ziggy. Ziggy is a Groodle - a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle – and an accredited therapy dog through the Delta Society. Therapy dogs help with reducing stress by offering companionship and providing a sense of connection in difficult situations. Ziggy visits Building 85 regularly throughout the year, providing students with social and emotional support. Make sure you come and visit Ziggy when you are on campus.

Tip Sheet PDF Downloads

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Information for new students

Everything you need to know for your first few weeks at RMIT including enrolment information, timetables and orientation.

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Student support

Explore the services, activities and support available to you as a student.

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Campus tour

Do you want to see where you could be studying? We have put together a virtual campus tour.

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Contact the Wellbeing Team

Email: wellbeing@rmit.edu.au
Phone: 9925 8172
On campus support: RMIT Building 85, Level 9 Student Lounge

If you need urgent support

Contact: RMIT Urgent mental health support: call 1300 305 737 or text 0488 884 162

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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Acknowledgement of Country

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Student Wellbeing