As part of her placement with the Flinders Wellbeing Working Group and BetterU, Public Health student Akon spoke with students about mental health and wellbeing, uncovering key themes and recommendations to improve support at the university.
As part of my placement with the Flinders Wellbeing Working Group, I recently spoke with a small group of peers, both international and domestic students, about their experiences with mental health, wellbeing support, and life at Flinders University.
Although this wasn’t a large study, these conversations offered valuable insights into how students are feeling right now. Students shared both positive experiences and areas where important gaps remain. Three major themes stood out. I’ve included existing supports and opportunities for each of the themes.
🌍 Theme 1: Cultural Awareness — Support That Feels Safe and Inclusive
Students told me that cultural safety matters. International students spoke about the challenges of navigating mental health support that doesn’t always reflect their cultural backgrounds and lived experiences. While there have been improvements in multicultural representation and support services, students are still looking for:
- Services that acknowledge cultural differences and provide culturally safe spaces.
- Staff who understand and respect diverse backgrounds.
- Mental health resources tailored to international students, not just one-size-fits-all solutions.
Relevant Support:
International Student Services: ISS hosts events, workshops, and initiatives designed to support international students and create culturally inclusive spaces.
🗣️ Theme 2: Student Voice — Being Included in Wellbeing Decisions
Students want a stronger role in shaping wellbeing initiatives. Many expressed frustration at not knowing how to get involved or feeling like their input wasn’t valued. They suggested:
- More transparent opportunities to join wellbeing projects or working groups.
- Clearer communication about how to participate in decision-making.
- Paid student roles in wellbeing initiatives.
Relevant Opportunities:
Get involved – Flinders University Students: Many of the various ways you can get involved are covered at this site.
BetterU: BetterU is the online student wellbeing hub and has multiple ways to get involved. If you’d like to do a placement or volunteer with BetterU, speak with gareth.furber@flinders.edu.au
Volunteer at Oasis: Oasis is the Student Wellbeing Centre and you can volunteer with them and shape future wellbeing events and activities.
💡 Theme 3: Social Determinants — Stressors and Their Supports
Students highlighted that mental health challenges often stem from broader social pressures, not just individual stress. The most common stressors (and the supports available at Flinders) are:
Financial Pressure – Balancing study with work and managing living costs is a major source of stress.
Support: Explore financial assistance and scholarships
Housing Instability – Many students struggle to find affordable housing or secure accommodation.
Support: Student Housing Service via FUSA
Food Insecurity – Some students find it difficult to afford basic living expenses, including food.
Support: Flinders Community Market
These pressures are particularly acute for international students, mature-age students, and students from minority backgrounds.
📢 What Students Are Saying: Recommendations
Students shared some specific ideas for improvement. Here’s how we’re responding, and how you can help:
1. More Visible and Accessible Support 🔍
Students want mental health services to be easier to find and understand. They suggested clearer communication and more presence on platforms they use every day.
We will do: Review and improve communications about support services. For example, the BetterU newsletter currently goes out via email but students have suggested we explore social media channels instead.
You can do: Share the Support Page with friends and peers. This remains the most comprehensive list of support services at the university.
2. Early Intervention 🤝
Students stressed the importance of identifying wellbeing issues early, before they become crises.
We will do: Include more low-intensity wellbeing options on BetterU, so you can start investing in your wellbeing at the first sign of troubles.
You can do: Look out for your mates. If you notice a friend or peer might be having trouble, ask if they’re OK. If not, help them connect with the right support service using the Support Page.
3. Wellbeing in the Classroom 📚
Students appreciate when lecturers acknowledge the pressures they face and want wellbeing integrated into learning environments.
We will do: The Student Success Committee is exploring better ways to integrate wellbeing into teaching.
You can do: Be a BetterU subscriber and bring anything you find interesting from the site into your classroom discussions.
4. Improved External Partnerships 🌐
Students value external services like Headspace and want stronger connections between Flinders and these providers.
We will do: Explore partnerships with external services in 2026 to offer a wider range of programs to students.
You can do: Tell us which external resources have helped you, we want to know what works. Feel free to email gareth.furber@flinders.edu.au.
🚀 What’s Next? How You Can Be Part of It
These insights are shaping the future of Flinders University’s Wellbeing Strategy. Your experiences matter, and your voice continues to influence how the university approaches student wellbeing.
If you want to get involved and share your ideas, consider sending an email to betteru@flinders.edu.au. You don’t have to have your idea or suggestion perfectly formed to share it.
And remember, by actively contributing, even in small ways like some of the suggestions above, you can help ensure that Flinders continues to improve its approach to supporting the wellbeing of all students.
