Published 10 October 2025
6 minute read 
Modified 10 October 2025
by Journal Student Living
Uni life can be a mix of excitement and stress — juggling study, social life, part-time work and staying healthy.
When deadlines pile up or your mind feels all over the place, meditation can be a simple yet powerful way to reset.
It’s not about sitting perfectly still or thinking of nothing. It’s about taking small, mindful moments to breathe, slow down, and feel grounded again.
Here are some of the best meditation apps for students to help you find calm in Melbourne, Brisbane or wherever you are.
Headspace is one of the most popular meditation apps around — and for good reason. It offers short, guided sessions for stress, sleep, focus and anxiety, all delivered in a friendly, easy-to-follow way. The animations and practical exercises make mindfulness feel approachable, even for complete beginners.
⭐ Why students love it: You can choose meditations as short as two minutes — perfect between study sessions or before an exam.
💸 Cost (Australia, 2025):
A$12.99 per year for verified students (≈ A$1.08 per month) via the Headspace Student Plan.
Standard subscriptions include a 7-day free trial (monthly) or 14-day free trial (annual).
If you struggle to unwind after a long day, Calm is your go-to app for relaxation, sleep and mindfulness. It features calming music, ambient sounds, and even bedtime stories read by celebrities.
⭐ Why students love it: The “Daily Calm” feature offers 10 minutes of guided mindfulness — an easy routine to build into your day.
💸 Cost (Australia, 2025):
7-day free trial, then A$99.99 per year, billed annually.
Students can access 40% off Calm Premium with verification through https://www.calm.com/c/education
Insight Timer offers one of the largest free meditation libraries in the world — with more than 100,000 guided meditations from teachers and psychologists. You can filter by topic (stress, sleep, self-confidence, study focus) and track your progress over time.
⭐ Why students love it: It’s community-driven and completely flexible. You can explore different teachers and styles until you find one that fits.
💸 Cost:
Free access to thousands of meditations, with optional paid courses and premium features.
Balance personalises your meditation journey by checking in with how you’re feeling each day. Whether you need better sleep, motivation, or stress relief, the app tailors each session to your goals.
⭐ Why students love it: It feels like a small mindfulness coach that adapts to your mood.
💸 Cost:
14-day free trial, then subscription plans available.
Developed by psychologists and educators here in Australia, Smiling Mind is made specifically for young people and students. The programs are short, science-based and designed to support everyday wellbeing — from managing study stress to improving sleep.
⭐ Why students love it: It’s created locally, easy to use, and completely free.
💸 Cost:
Free — no subscriptions or in-app purchases.
Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash
Meditation works best when it becomes part of your routine — not an extra task on your to-do list. Try:
Create your own calm corner in your Journal apartment — a small space with soft light, perhaps an essential oil or even a plant, where you can pause and reset.
Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash
Living at Journal Campus House means having spaces designed for both calm and connection.
With bright study lounges, rooftop views, 24/7 gyms and free bikes to explore the city, you can take care of your mind and body all in one place.
Build connections that last a lifetime, in student accommodation in Melbourne or Brisbane that feels like yours.
Journal’s made with comfort, community and happiness in mind — so your student accommodation experience is truly once in a lifetime.
Meditation isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating little pauses in your day to breathe, reset and be kind to yourself.
Start with one of these apps, and you might be surprised how much lighter your mind feels — even after just a few minutes.
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