What can UC do for you?

UC has a range of services dedicated to all aspects of your health and wellbeing, including support specifically for international students.

The UC Medical and Counselling Centre provides general practitioner, nurse and psychological services. It’s your first point of contact if you are unwell, injured or need emotional or psychological assistance.

UC health clinics offer allied health services to UC students, staff and the broader community. These services include counselling, psychology, nutrition and dietetics, exercise physiology, physiotherapy and optometry.

InclusionUC is a service that supports students with disabilities or ongoing health conditions. It focuses on providing confidential support to enable you to participate successfully in your study journey at UC.

UC also has a team of social workers and community and wellbeing support officers who can help you work through any challenges you might encounter in life. All support is free and confidential. You can also contact Legal Aid ACT for free legal advice.

UC Thrive provides a range of targeted events, programs and mentoring initiatives to help you settle into and participate in university life, particularly at the beginning of your study journey.

We’re committed to providing a safe UC campus for all our students. To keep you safe, we provide campus security, CCTV monitoring, sensor lighting and safe walking tracks. We also participate in national campaigns like Respect. Now. Always. and Consent Can’t Wait.

UC also prioritises students’ menstrual wellbeing by providing free menstrual products in selected bathrooms across campus.

We’re also committed to caring for students’ spiritual and cultural wellbeing. Our Multifaith Centre provides a safe environment for worship, prayer and religious practices from around the globe. UC also offers pastoral care, provided by two accredited chaplains and one Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Elder.

What can you do for yourself?

There are many things you can do yourself to look after your wellbeing while you study.

Take a mental health day

A mental health day is a day off from study and work to look after your own mental health and wellbeing. It’s not a reward you earn, but a necessity! Days like this are a great tool to relieve stress and prevent burnout in the future.

A mental health day can involve anything you like – the key thing is that you do things that nourish you and make you feel good. Think yummy food, gentle exercise (or rest if you need it!), a comforting movie, getting out in nature, hanging out with friends, self-care activities like a manicure or face mask, a luxurious bath, or something creative like drawing or journaling.

The only important thing is that you don’t work or study – take the time off to recharge!

Connect with others

One of the absolute best things you can do for your wellbeing is connect with other people. Get in touch with friends and family back home to organise a Zoom chat or a phone call. Reach out to new friends in Canberra to organise a visit or an outing. Or look into some of the social events, clubs and societies at UC – get out there and make some new friends!

Go somewhere green

There’s a direct correlation between being in nature and feeling more relaxed. Research shows that just 20 minutes in nature can reduce stress levels.

Canberra is the perfect place to find somewhere green. The city is full of parks within walking distance, or you could visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens or one of the nearby nature reserves, such as Black Mountain Nature Reserve or Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve.

Visit our Student Wellbeing page to find out more about how UC can support you.