Relationship issues
Sometimes relationships need work to keep them on track, and sometimes it's time to move on.
Deciding whether you want a relationship
You'll meet lots of new people while you're at uni. Some of these meetings will grow into friendships and others may develop into romantic relationships.
You may decide not to start relationships while you're at uni because it's already such a busy time. That's OK. It can give you extra time to hang out with friends, study or do other activities such as sport.
If you decide you would like to be in a relationship, there are some things to think about first. This includes whether you're ready for a relationship and what's important to you in a relationship. For example, what value do you place on:
- honesty and trust
- having similar interests
- physical attraction
- mutual respect
- finding someone you just like hanging out with?
When a relationship isn't working
It's normal for a relationship to change over time. It may grow and become deeper as you get to know each other better, or you may find that it's just not meant to be. This can be for a number of reasons:
- you're not on the same track
- you're hurtful to each other
- you're not a good match
- your feelings have changed.
Keep in mind that having problems in a relationship doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to break up. Depending on the situation, you may decide to work together to fix the issues. As long as the relationship isn't dangerous (emotionally or physically), you can take your time to think about what you want. Often it's a process that people work through in their own time.
Surviving a relationship break-up
You can experience a range of emotions during and after a break-up.
If you ended the relationship, you may feel relief and satisfaction. You may also experience feelings of guilt, concern, worry, loneliness, loss and uncertainty about whether you've done the right thing.
If someone broke up with you, you may experience feelings of anger, rejection, sadness, embarrassment, loneliness, loss, surprise or fear that you won't find another partner. You may also feel relieved.
If you're experiencing negative thoughts about yourself after a break-up, there are techniques that can help you manage some of those thoughts.
Student counselling services
If you are having a personal crisis and need to speak to someone urgently, contact the UQ Counselling and Crisis line:
If you call 1300 851 998 between 8am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, our trained staff will connect you to the right support. Outside of these hours, a trained crisis counsellor will answer for immediate assistance.
You can also text 0488 884 115 between 4:30pm and 8am to chat with a crisis counsellor.
Book a confidential appointment with our counsellors for personal support:
Step one:
Complete the counselling intake form. This form must be completed prior to your first appointment.
Step two:
Book a counselling appointment
Note: For students at Gatton and Herston campuses, please ensure any face to face appointment is at your preferred location.
If you're having trouble booking online, contact Student Services.
Phone Student Services on 1300 275 870
Visit Student Central (Building 42, St Lucia campus) or Student Services Gatton (Level 1, N.W. Briton Administration Centre Annexe, Building 8101A)
Live chat with us (8:30am—4:30pm)
Further support
You can speak to your GP, a psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor outside of UQ.
You can also visit: