Federation University Online has launched PsychBuddy, a virtual companion designed to support the mental health and academic success of students studying psychology. Led by Federation University psychology lecturers, Dr Justin Timora and Dr Alex Poll, PsychBuddy provides students with easy access to practical, supportive resources to help them successfully progress through their online studies.
Studying psychology can be fascinating, meaningful, and sometimes overwhelming. Between assignments, exams, and a full-time study load, a student’s well-being can quickly slip down the priority list. Ranked in the top 20% of universities for student support in Australia by the Good Universities Guide, Federation University Online prioritises you by providing the academic guidance and personal support you need to thrive in your studies and beyond.
At Federation University Online, our aim is to ensure our students thrive both during and after their studies. Providing them with the support to do so is a top priority. Don’t just take our word for it—student Chloe Greenwood shares her experience: “The support is always there when you need it. No matter what type of support you need, Federation University Online provides it.”
Introducing PsychBuddy
Launched in 2025, PsychBuddy is designed to help psychology students quickly find the support they need. Think of it as an easy-to-access, friendly guide that connects students to the right support services. Whether juggling assignments, navigating personal challenges, or simply looking to sharpen their study skills, PsychBuddy directs psychology students to the necessary information, resources, and support.
PsychBuddy isn’t just another online student hub, but a supportive companion designed to make the psychology journey smoother. By centralising access to counselling, academic, disability, and assessment support, it ensures students spend less time worrying about logistics and more time focusing on their growth.
What does PsychBuddy offer psychology students?
Specifically designed to support the challenges that online psychology students in Australia may face, PsychBuddy offers the following:
Mental health support
University life can be demanding, and sometimes you might need extra help with your mental health. A study by the National Library of Medicine found that mental health services, such as university counselling, are effective in easing students’ personal difficulties. This type of support service positively influences academic performance. PsychBuddy makes it easy to access the right kind of support:
- Immediate support: Direct links and contact information to emergency and crisis services.
- Counselling services: Free, confidential, short-term counselling that can help with:
o Mental health concerns
o Relationship challenges
o Trauma, grief, and loss
o Academic stress
o Well-being and adjustment to change
Assessment support
We understand that online students often have busy lives, juggling careers and other responsibilities. We also recognise that incorporating academic deadlines into this equation can be challenging. To ease the pressure, PsychBuddy helps students navigate extension options that include the following:
- Discretionary extensions: Up to five business days for short-term needs.
- Special consideration extensions: For longer delays or multiple units, covering medical, compassionate, or hardship grounds.
- Deferred examinations: If illness or exceptional circumstances prevent a student from sitting an exam.
Disability and learning access support
Online study allows students across the country to get a psychology degree without the pressure of in-person lectures and navigating large campuses. Through PsychBuddy, students can connect to the Disability and Learning Access Unit, which provides reasonable adjustments for students with:
- Disabilities or medical conditions
- Mental health conditions
- Temporary disabilities (like a broken arm)
- Caring responsibilities
Support includes adaptive study materials, alternative assessments, exam arrangements, and referrals to community services.
Academic skills support
Success in psychology isn’t just about acquiring theory. It’s also about building valuable skills to help students thrive during their study journey and beyond. PsychBuddy offers two pathways to build these skills:
- Learning Skills Advisors (LSAs): Professional educators who provide one-on-one or group support with writing, referencing, time management, and study strategies.
- Study resources: Online guides covering orientation, student skills (writing, critical thinking, research), assessment types, time management, and more.
For written assignments, students also have access to Studiosity, a feedback service that reviews drafts and provides detailed advice on structure, grammar, and referencing.
Providing online support for all students
Mimicking the traditional university experience, Federation University Online has created online resources that provide the same support as in-person access to counsellors and advisors. PsychBuddy is our newest addition to student support for our online learners. Other supportive resources include the following:
- Student Mentor Program: Our peer-to-peer Student Mentor Program supports first-year students with practical tips, meaningful guidance, and daily motivation from a dedicated student mentor.
- Course Consultants: Our dedicated Course Consultants guide you through the enrolment process step by step, explaining how online study works, what paperwork is required, and answering any questions along the way.
- Student Advisors: Available Monday to Friday, 9 am–5 pm, our Student Advisors provide immediate support with enrolment, technical issues, course planning, and referrals to additional support services.
- Coaches: Coaches support you with time management and motivation by helping you set realistic goals, build positive study habits, and practise self-care throughout your studies.
Find out more about online support services for all our students.
Federation University Online provides psychology students with the support they need
Online learning is full of challenges, but with PsychBuddy, psychology students don’t have to face them alone. Whether it’s mental health, study skills, or assessment extensions, this virtual buddy is here to help you flourish.
Find out what it’s like to study psychology at Federation University Online, and learn more about our Bachelor of Psychological Science degree.
