University life can be incredibly stressful. Whether you’re working on an assignment, gearing up for placement, or trying to balance work, social life, and your degree, it’s important to prioritise your mental health and give yourself time to pause and reflect. It might not seem like much, but allowing just ten minutes a day to sit and connect with yourself and your surroundings can make a big difference. It can help lower stress levels or even kickstart your brain to conceptualise new ideas!
The University of Newcastle has plenty of spaces around campus that are perfect for reflection and meditation. On your next break between lectures, consider grabbing your favourite beverage and exploring either your campus or an off-campus location to find some peace and quiet.
As a student at NUspace, I’m spoilt for choice when it comes to relaxing around campus and Newcastle’s CBD. NUspace has plenty of outdoor seating, and I love grabbing a coffee and treat from The Press Coffee and Book House before sitting down on the benches outside. If you and your friends need a brain break, you can book a secluded room on levels 6 and up – talk about a great view! You can also book a study room on the first floor via this link.
When I feel like moving my body and connecting with nature, one of my favourite ways to relax between classes is to take the light rail to Newcastle Beach and walk along Nobby’s break wall. Sitting on the rocks overlooking the ocean is the perfect way to connect with yourself and your mind. You might even spot a seal sunning itself near the rocks! Another great option is the wharf outside Q Building, where there are plenty of seats along the waterfront to relax and enjoy the sunshine.
Callaghan Campus takes advantage of its wetland location to create beautiful purpose-built reflection spaces. Have you visited the glorious Wetlands Pavilion? It’s one of the only spaces designed specifically for reflection. Refurbished in 2023, it’s open for use from 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. The Pavilion offers a serene environment for personal reflection or spiritual practice. As it’s Callaghan, no visit would be complete without mosquito repellent – so don’t forget to bring some! Campus security ensures the Wetlands Pavilion is opened and locked each day.
If you need a quiet space to get back to nature, Ourimbah also has plenty of options with the campus nestled amongst beautiful bushlands. Stroll across the bridge and into the Forest Walk, taking in the surrounding trees and lush greenery. If you listen closely, you can hear the local wildlife singing. You can also check out the nganggali ngara ngura, or yarning circle, a perfect place to sit and reflect or have a much-needed yarn. One of our Ourimbah students, Georgia, said she loves the space outside of the science labs, on the way to classrooms south. Here you’ll find an abundance of trees that reflect the current season so nicely.
For many students who study online and don’t come to campus, it’s important to create a calming study space at home or in nature. One tip is to use the ‘Do Not Disturb’ feature on your phone to limit distractions. Most iPhones even allow you to create a specific ‘work’ mode that blocks social media but still lets important texts through.
If you’re like me and enjoy relaxing in nature, AllTrails is a great site to find walking or cycling routes nearby. These are rated by difficulty, length, and time. If you’re short on time, the Headspace app offers 5-minute meditations you can do anywhere with enough space to sit or lie down.
Taking time for yourself to pause and reflect is essential for looking after your mental wellbeing. I cannot encourage students enough to explore everything their campuses and surrounding areas have to offer! Whether you have an hour or just five minutes, the University of Newcastle has a space for you. Or be creative and find or create your own!
There are a range of academic and personal support services available, including chaplains, TalkCampus, peer mentors, and counselling and psychological services. These resources can help you manage stress and enhance your relaxation and meditation practices. Remember, you’re not alone.
Cover image by Kaitlin Dykstra