Resources

With the many demands of university study and life, it can sometimes be a struggle to stay focused and keep motivated.


It’s important you look after all aspects of your health – physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual – so that you can make the most of your life at uni.

We’ve put together these community and online resources to help you improve your wellbeing and maintain balance in your life.

Managing uni life

While studying at university is very rewarding, it can also bring challenges. Find ways to manage the challenges so you can get the most out of your time at Murdoch.

  • Stress and exams

    Stress is the way your body responds to the demands placed on it. Positive, or "good" stress can help you concentrate and focus. In some instances, it actually increases your ability to survive. These physical reactions can often make you more alert, give you more acute eyesight or greater strength. That's how your body gives you what you need to act.

    Ideally, your body automatically relaxes after you have handled the situation. Your physical responses normalize and you are able to return to a state of rest. This process allows you to gather physical and emotional energy which helps you deal with changes and challenges in your daily life.

    Your physical reaction to stress is the same for positive and negative stress, the difference is that with negative stress your body never returns to the "pre-stress" relaxed state. You remain tense or anxious which drains you of emotional and physical energy.

     What do top students do differently? Link to external site

  • Time management and procrastination

    Have you ever left an essay to the last minute because you didn’t know where to start? Or avoided writing your assignment by playing games on your phone?

    Procrastinating is when you delay starting a task because it seems too difficult, too overwhelming or just not enjoyable. Instead, you do something counterproductive. This can lead to poor time management.

     Procrastination and perfectionism Link to external site

  • Assertiveness

    Assertiveness means expressing your point of view in a clear and direct manner, while still respecting others.

    Communicating in an assertive manner can help you to have more positive relationships with family, friends and others. It can help to minimise conflict, to control anger and to have your point of view heard.

     Being assertive Link to external site

Mental health

It’s normal to feel a bit anxious or down at times. But if those feelings are frequent or impact your ability to enjoy life, there is help available. Our Counselling Service offers group workshops and one-on-one support if you are struggling with mental health challenges.

If you need mental health support in a crisis or outside of our operating hours, find out where else you can get help.

LGBTIQA+ health

We pride ourselves on offering inclusive services, with a highly experienced team of counselling and medical staff who provide support to all students. If you are struggling emotionally or socially, you can find support with our Counselling Service. If you have any questions or concerns about your physical health, our Medical Service can offer help and resources.

Sexual health and Parenting

It’s important to look after your physical and mental health in all sexual and romantic relationships. Remember, you can always speak to staff at our Counselling or Medical services about your sexual health, sexuality and relationships.

Domestic Violence and Respectful Relationships

If you find yourself questioning if you are in an unhealthy romantic or sexual relationship, there is help available. Remember, you can always speak to staff at our Counselling or Medical services about your relationships.

Physical health

Our Medical Service offers a range of services for students, including one-on-one consultations with qualified doctors and nurses, workshops and health promotion activities.

If you’re unsure whether you need to see a doctor or nurse you can use Health Direct’s symptom checker or call them on 1800 022 222 for advice over the phone.