University Health Promotion Program

Healthier students, healthier communities

Juggling study, work and a social life can be both fun and challenging when you're at university. Looking after your physical, mental, social, and sexual wellbeing is important. Watch the video below for some advice from current students here at the University of Melbourne.

About the Health Promotion Program

The University of Melbourne Health Promotion Program is here to improve and support students' health and wellbeing. We do this by leading evidence-based campaigns and activities on campus, and helping students to be aware of the wellbeing support and services available at the University.

Why is health and wellbeing important?

There are many reasons for taking care of your health and wellbeing. Here's some of what we know:

  • 64.2% of university students described academic experiences as ‘very’ or ‘extremely stressful’ (National Tertiary Student Wellbeing Survey 2016)
  • 80% of both local and international students report feeling at least a little concerned about their current mental or emotional state (Towards a Health Promoting University, 2020)
  • 75% of chlamydia rates are among people aged 15-29 years (Kirby Institute, 2018)
  • 1 in 7 university students experience food insecurity, and 1 in 4 Indigenous university students experience hunger (Universities Australia, 2018)

Wellbeing is about maintaining a positive state of mind and attitude towards yourself, relationships and experiences at and beyond university. It’s about looking after important aspects of your life that help you to live, feel, and study well - including healthy eating, mental health, and sexual health. Studies have shown that positive student wellbeing has been linked with improved academic performance and outcomes (Ansari & Stock, 2010).

To see an overview of the Health Promotion Program's Action Plan 2023-2025, click here.

The team

We're a team of students and staff who work towards greater health and wellbeing across the student community at the University of Melbourne.

Are you passionate about student wellbeing and healthy lifestyles? Interested in raising awareness about health and wellbeing services on campus? Want to work with a group of other amazing Peer Health Advocates (PHA's)?  As a PHA, you will contribute to designing and delivering health-related campaigns, events, and activities across the University. Click here to learn more about the role, the requirements, and what you’ll get out of it.

Volunteer PHA's are recruited annually at the start of each calendar year. Applications for 2023 PHAs are now closed, please keep an eye out for further volunteering opportunities. To get in contact please e-mail us at health-promotion@unimelb.edu.au

Peer Health Advocates (PHAs)

Peer Health Advocates (PHAs) are a group of students from a variety of faculties who share a passion for health and wellness.

  • About the PHA role

    The PHAs aim to:

    • Promote healthy, active lifestyles in a positive, fun and engaging way
    • Raise awareness about the UoM health and wellbeing services
    • Plan health and wellbeing events and projects
    • Attend training, such as Mental Health First Aid
    • Learn about the latest health information, initiatives and services.

    You'll catch the PHAs at a range of events and campaigns such as O-Week, R U OK Day, Mental Health Week, SWOTVAC Wellbeing and many more!

  • Click a picture to read about our PHAs
    Carley
    Celeste
    Grace
    Manas
    Priyasha
    Remi
    Leanne
    Julia
    Elizabeth (Liz)

Watch past workshops and webinars

WebinarDescriptionLink
Healthy cooking demonstrationA one-minute guide on how to make a basic healthy meal, brought to you by the University of Melbourne Health Promotion Program (HPP) and the Healthy Eating and Nutrition Society (HENS).Watch recording
Women's Health Week Q&A (2022)Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis is a General Practitioner, government health advisor, board director, primary care researcher with the University of Melbourne, and a leading women's health expert and advocate.Watch recording