Adjusting to university life can be difficult. It involves meeting new people, adopting new routines, learning new skills, and coping with extra expenses. These stresses are coupled with the demands of study and life outside university.

For enrolled students, VU Counselling provides professional services designed to support you in your personal, psychological, academic, and social development.

We also have a range of online and printable resources that may help you in your personal and university life.

Ease back into campus life & learning

Prior to 2020 – 'before COVID'– starting a new semester could feel a little uncomfortable as we changed our routine and reconnected with peers and teachers. But during lockdown we became used to studying or working at home, and connecting with others online rather than in person. Returning to campus after a pandemic lockdown creates new challenges for us all. 

In these circumstances, you may be feeling anxious or uneasy about returning to campus. In order to ease back into campus life, try some of the following tips, or reach out to us for help.

Tips & resources

  • Take a look at VU's information for staff and students returning to campus to learn how to stay safe. 
  • Develop your ability to cope with uncertainty, after a few uncertain years. To adapt to the new normal (PDF), try small things, such as not checking the weather forecast – or your phone at every buzz or beep. Try to focus on matters that are under your control, and challenge your need for certainty.
  • Connect with students who are going through the same experience. Finding a VU Student Mentor and sharing your lockdown experiences with them and other students will help you to establish friendships and feel more settled.
  • Go easy with yourself and be patient and kind to yourself and others. It may take time, and this is to be expected.
  • Talk to a counsellor. If you are feeling that your adjustment is taking longer than you would like, please contact the Student Wellbeing team and speak to one of our counsellors.

Counselling & wellbeing at VU

Counsellors are available for appointments on the phone for all students.

If you prefer to see a counsellor in person, you can do so at:

To make an appointment:

  • Call VU Counselling 9919 5400 to book a free confidential telephone counselling appointment (video counselling coming soon). VU Counselling can help you manage study and personal issues including the emotional impact of COVID-19.
  • Join VU Elevenses each weekday or on demand for ideas, support and 'mini interventions' to help through this difficult time.
  • Call 000 in an emergency.
  • Lifeline Phone:  13 11 14 for support if you are experiencing a personal crisis or have suicidal thoughts.  Operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
  • Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service Phone: 1800 512 348 for information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
  • Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 if you are under 25 years of age or younger.  Operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
  • Suicide Call Back Service: Phone: 1300 659 467 for immediate, professional 24/7 telephone and online counselling to people who are affected by suicide.  Operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
  • 1800Respect Phone:1800 737 732  if you are impacted by sexual assault or family violence and abuse. 
  • National Coronavirus Helpline 1800 020 080 if you are seeking information on COVID-19.

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Feedback & suggestions

We welcome feedback from students to help us improve our services. If you have any suggestions feel free to email [email protected] with your ideas.

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