Financial stress is something many students experience, and it can affect mental health, physical wellbeing, motivation, and academic performance. In this episode of The Counselling Armchair, Liz, Melissa and Plia are joined by Malcolm and Katie from Student Welfare to discuss why money stress is so common, how it shows up for students, and what practical steps and supports can help. The conversation covers budgeting, fees and debt, placement-related financial pressure, fines, scams, impulsive spending, and the importance of reaching out early for support. Students are reminded that they don’t need to be in crisis to ask for help, and that free, confidential support is available both within and outside the university.
RMIT Student Welfare – https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services/student-support/student-welfare
RMIT Connect – https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/connect
RMIT Financial Assistance & Hardship Grants – https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services/student-support/financial-support
RMIT Counselling Service – https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services/student-support/counselling
RMIT Study Support – https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support
Work and Development Permit (Victoria) – https://www.justice.vic.gov.au/fines/work-and-development-permits
Fines Victoria – https://online.fines.vic.gov.au
Centrelink (Youth Allowance, Austudy, Rent Assistance) – https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/students
Commonwealth Prac Payment – https://www.education.gov.au/commonwealth-prac-payment
National Debt Helpline (Free Financial Counselling) – https://ndh.org.au
Salvation Army MoneyCare – https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/moneycare
Ask Izzy (Food, housing, money help) – https://askizzy.org.au
Study Melbourne Hub (International Students) – https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Scamwatch – https://www.scamwatch.gov.au
