As we launch into Semester 1, 2025 and welcome new and returning students, staff may be wondering how counselling services could help and what’s available at Gatton campus?
The fact is, that as well as being an exciting opportunity for learning and growth, studying at university is stressful. Add in transitioning from interstate, overseas, adjusting to a share house or UQ Res, independence and adulting, making new friends, financial pressures, academic stress… well, they’ve got a lot going on! And not everyone has the same inbuilt confidence, resilience or network of supports to draw on.
Student Support and Wellbeing Services SSWS provide 10 sessions of free and confidential counselling each year, to all UQ students currently enrolled and located in Australia. Our professional counsellors are a unique team of social workers, counsellors, and psychologists who provide a safe space to listen non judgementally, offer new perspectives as well as skills and strategies for positive change.
I’ve been part of the UQ Counselling Team based at Gatton, since 2017, supporting students to navigate personal and relationship challenges to optimise their mental health, wellbeing and study success. In the past I’ve collaborated with the School of Veterinary Science, Vets Peer Support Network, HDR Liaison Officers, SAFS, UQ Skills, UQ Res, and the Science faculty Admin team for the common purpose of helping students gain the skills they need to enjoy Uni life.
Many of our students are from rural, regional and remote Australia and, having lived in small country towns from NSW and Tassie myself (even raised a few cattle) I understand the appeal as well as the challenges of life on the land. I also particularly admire the courage of our international students as they adjust to cultural changes to pursue their academic and research dreams.
Students can see any of our 14 counsellors, however for face-to face appointments at Gatton in 2025, I will be at Student Central Gatton, at the N.W. Briton Building, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday during the teaching weeks each semester. Students can be assisted to find all the right support through the Science Administration team and may also like to access the Zen Zone there for some quiet downtime. For non-urgent counselling students can call or book online through Student Central .
All of us can play a role in supporting students on campus. A person in distress will often approach someone they know first for help. Even if you’re not a counsellor there are still ways you can help. You can be guided how to support a distressed student here. If you are concerned about a student, you can be directed here to the appropriate UQ crisis support
If professional or academic staff believe it would benefit students for me attend one of your events, classes or tutorials in an informal way, to reduce barriers to help-seeking, then, please don’t hesitate to reach out on Teams, email or have a chat at the coffee cart. Wishing everyone on campus a happy and successful year.
Letitia Norton
Counsellor
Student Support and Wellbeing
