Reaing time: 3 minutes
The semester’s over. Assignments are handed in, exams are done and your calendar is finally starting to clear. For a lot of students, this time brings a mix of relief and exhaustion. You’ve been running on adrenaline for weeks, maybe months. But now that everything’s quiet, you might find yourself not feeling as good as you expected.
It’s normal to feel a bit flat after an intense study period. But when that feeling lingers—when “tired” turns into “empty” or “unmotivated”—it could be more than just the post-semester blues.
So how can you tell it’s more than just a bad week?
- You’re constantly low on energy, no matter how much you rest.
- You’ve lost interest in things that used to make you feel good.
- Your sleep and eating patterns are all over the place.
- It’s hard to focus or get anything started, even small things.
- You’ve been avoiding people or skipping activities you usually enjoy.
- You’re caught in negative thoughts that won’t let up.
If several of these sound familiar, it might be time to check in with yourself. This isn’t about labelling or diagnosing, it’s about noticing when something deeper might be going on.
Why this happens
After the rush of deadlines, many students experience a “crash.” The structure of semester disappears, and so does the constant pressure to get things done. That sudden quiet can leave space for emotions you’ve been pushing aside; stress, sadness, or even burnout. For some people, that feeling passes with a few good nights of sleep and some rest. For others, it sticks around.
The key is not to wait until things feel unbearable. You don’t need to hit rock bottom before reaching out.
What can you do right now?
- Talk to someone: A friend, family member or even a tutor you trust. You don’t have to have all the words. Just start with “I haven’t been feeling like myself lately.”
- Keep a bit of structure: Even though semester’s done, small routines help. Wake up around the same time, plan one thing each day that gets you outside or connected.
- Check in with yourself: Notice your thoughts and energy levels. Are they improving or staying flat? Awareness helps you decide what kind of support you might need.
- Reach out for professional support: You don’t have to face it alone and you don’t have to wait until next semester to get help.
Getting support at Curtin
Curtin’s Student Wellbeing Advisory Service is available to all students—even between semesters. You can call 1800 244 043 (free call) or email studentwellbeing@curtin.edu.au for advice or just a chat about what’s going on.
You can also book an appointment with Curtin’s Psychology and Counselling Service for confidential, professional support.
If you ever feel unsafe or in crisis, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department. Our website also lists 24/7 helplines such as Lifeline and Beyond Blue.
You’ve made it through the semester and that’s something to be proud of. But if you’re not feeling okay, that doesn’t make you weak. It means you’re human. This break is the perfect time to rest, reset and reach out if things haven’t been improving. Support is there for you, so take it. You deserve to feel well, not just to get by.
