De-stress for success

Events and resources to help you manage exam stress

Join us for free on campus and on demand events to help you relax and destress during exams.

With exams approaching and assignment deadlines just around the corner, we're here to help you take a moment to pause, breathe, and recharge.

De stress for success is about hitting pause on the daily study grind and prioritising your mental health & wellbeing. Find us on campus and online from Week 10 and onwards for a full line up of activities, freebies, and more to help you destress during exams.

De-stress with free dinners

Need a study break? The MQ Food Hub is providing free dinners for Macquarie University students. No registration required – simply drop by.

Monday to Thursday,  9 – 19 November  |  3:30pm – 6:30pm

Location:  Indoor Cafe,  10HA, Level 1

Note: this is for MQ students only - simply present your campus card and enjoy a free meal!

Make sure you bring your campus card on the day to show our staff members at check in.

Vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian and halal options will be available. While we make every effort to minimise cross-contamination, meals are prepared in a shared community kitchen and cannot be guaranteed allergen-free.

Other resources

Sensory Space – Waranara Library

Macquarie’s Sensory Space, located on Level 2 of the Waranara Library, is a dedicated place for students who may be feeling overwhelmed or anxious. It offers a calm environment to relax, decompress and manage sensory overload.

Please note that this space is available exclusively for Macquarie University students.

MindSpot Big 5

MindSpot are collaborating with Macquarie University Student Wellbeing to give students access to the Big 5, an online quiz and SMS based tool that helps you manage your mental health.

Try the Big 5 Quiz

The Big 5 Wellbeing Messages gives you daily SMS nudges Monday to Friday for 6 weeks to help you increase your Big 5 and manage your mental health through university life.

Access the Big 5 Wellbeing Messages

Also, check out the Big 5 Self-Assessment and Journal for more ideas on how to better manage your mental health.

Please note the Big 5 is not a treatment, if you need professional support please reach out to Student Wellbeing or your doctor.

Mental health check

When you’ve been stressed out and not feeling quite like yourself, it can be difficult to know what to do. Check your levels of stress, anxiety or low mood and see if you might benefit from learning specific tools to improve the way you feel with This Way Up’s free and anonymous Take-a-Test Tool.

Take a test

External Health & Wellbeing Resources

Managing university stress is easier when you support your body and mind with evidence-based habits. These free, trusted tools are funded by the Australian Government and national public health charities to help you find balance during high-pressure semesters:

Mental Wellbeing & Stress Management

Healthdirect: Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief — Learn practical, quick-acting strategies to calm your nervous system, including guided breathing exercises, visualization techniques, and progressive muscle relaxation. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief

Beyond Blue: Keeping Active & Mental Health — Explore the direct link between active movement and stress reduction, featuring tips to improve your sleep, sharpen your focus, and lower your risk of burnout. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/wellbeing/keeping-active

Physical Activity & Fitness Standards

Healthdirect: Fitness and Exercise Guide — A beginner-friendly starting block for running, swimming, walking for fitness, or joining low-impact community exercise groups safely. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/fitness-and-exercise

Department of Health: 24-Hour Movement Guidelines — Look up the official Australian scientific benchmarks for balancing daily cardiovascular movement, regular strength building, and minimizing sedentary sitting time. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity/24-hour-movement-guidelines-for-all-australians?language=en

Balanced Nutrition & Simple Cooking

LiveLighter Australia — Dive into an extensive library of fast, budget-conscious, and delicious recipes designed to help busy students skip the junk food and cook healthy meals with ease. https://livelighter.com.au/

Eat for Health Portal — The home of the official Australian Dietary Guidelines, offering nutritional calculators and clear advice on choosing foods that keep your energy levels steady while studying. https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/

Other helpful resources