This portal will be regularly updated and expanded by the UQLS Diversity and Wellbeing Portfolio to include the latest information about wellbeing and financial support.

If there is anything more you believe the UQLS can do to support our students in this difficult time, we encourage you to get in touch at diversityandwellbeing@uqls.com or at president@uqls.com.

Last Update: 2nd March, 2022

We would love to hear from you if you have found any new and informative resources. Please submit these here: COVID-19 Resource Portal Submissions.

Keeping Informed

There is a lot of contradicting and frequently updated information about the COVID-19 pandemic. While it is important to stay up to date with new requirements, information and precautions, over-exposure to news coverage is likely to induce increased stress and anxiety. There is also an abundance of poorly informed information and speculation being shared through social media.

The most up-to-date and accurate information comes from the Australian Government’s Department of Health, which is also available through their app (available on the App Store and Google Play) and their dedicated WhatsApp channel. The best source of information for how the pandemic will impact your studies is UQ’s Frequently Asked Questions page.

Important resources for the QLD community

  • Ensure you keep updated on COVID-19 in QLD, particularly Check your eligibility for your COVID-19 booster shot, and register your interest to be notified when one is available for you.

  • As COVID 19 is now rapidly spreading across Queensland, it is also important to follow the health advice when it comes to testing requirements in order to remain vigilant and keep everyone around you safe. 

  • The best place to go to find testing sites near you is through the Queensland Government website and although finding a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) may be difficult, there are some websites that are dedicated to helping people get access to RATs like Findarat.com. Commonwealth concession card holders are eligible for 10 free RATs.

Keeping Well

Wellbeing Support Resources Specifically for UQ Students

Updates specific to the UQ community are provided on the University’s COVID-19 portal, which is updated regularly. You may start here for a clear centralisation of information and a large number of assembled support resources, or by consulting this info-graphic for a summary of support services available to you. All UQ students are given 10 free counselling sessions per year through Student Services, and there is also the UQ Health Centre which you may contact via the following landline: 3365 6210. There is also the UQ Psychology Clinic, who charge $40 for a 60-minute session and the free service (run by UQ postgraduate students under the supervision of qualified psychologists), more information may be found at: UQ With You. In a crisis, however, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Dony Rodriguez, the Law, Life and Wellbeing Officer within the Law School, is also here to support law students in a number of ways, whether that be via opportunities to get to know your peers, additional study support or an avenue to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Dony can be contacted here. More generally, UQ provides a number of resources in order to support students’ health and wellbeing and the School of Law also provides some resources through its Law Life and Wellbeing Portal.

Wellbeing Support Resources Beyond UQ

Beyond Blue and The University of Queensland have created pages dedicated to taking care of your mental health during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

You may also be eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which will entitle you to medicare rebates for up to 20 counselling sessions. More information on what a Mental Health Treatment Plan entails and how to obtain one can be found here.

The Australian Government Department of Health has also developed the “Head to Health” website with resources aimed at promoting mental wellbeing, and which can connect you with support if required. Dieticians Australia have also provided nutrition tips and advice during COVID-19 for your perusal. You may also wish to consult the application ‘Headspace’ which is a guide to mindfulness for your everyday life.

Financial & Other Support

We understand that many students are facing financial challenges as overwhelmingly casual workers, with many in the retail and hospitality sectors. If your employment has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Fair Work Ombudsman has a dedicated portal explaining the rights you are entitled to as an employee. Caxton Legal Centre has also put together a series of videos addressing common legal and financial issues arising due to the pandemic. If you are renting, Tenants Queensland has created an information sheet which details your entitlements and rights.

If you are finding yourself in a financially challenging position, there are several avenues offering financial support outlined below.

Government Information

Work and financial support available from the Australian Government, including information about the COVID-19 Disaster Payment, is available here and on the Department of Treasury website.

You may also wish to check your eligibility for certain payments from Services Australia using the online tool on the Centrelink website.

More information on the accessibility of subsidised mental health resources can be found here.

Resources Specifically for UQ Students

UQ financial hardship assistance may be available to you, so take the time to see if you meet the eligibility criteria. The UQ Union can also provide support and advice on financial matters through appointments with its financial advisors.

UQ has increased the amount of funding available for interest-free loans or hardship grants, and you might also wish to consider applying for relevant scholarships (as there is a significant surplus of supply over demand).

For further resources or support from UQ (including with accommodation, among other things), contact Student Services who can refer you on to the correct team. 

Library and Exam Resources

If you are having difficulty accessing a textbook or materials for a particular course, please contact the course coordinator and they can advise you of your options. Otherwise we invite you to visit the UQLS NotePool resource page for course notes, as well as joining the UQLS Education Space for information regarding your study and assessment.

UQLS Events

Subject to mask and vaccine requirements, we are committed to maintaining the accessibility of our events to all our members. Therefore, the UQLS is still holding events for 2022. We are working to make UQLS events, especially those in the area of Diversity & Wellbeing, accessible to international and external students. Please visit the individual event pages via our UQLS Facebook page for up to date information on specific event changes.