Griffith University
4 reviews
Choosing a university is often framed as a purely academic decision, but my journey has taught me that it is deeply personal. Having experienced the highs of academic success, the lows of a mental health crisis, and the stark contrast between two of Queensland’s major institutions, I can say with certainty: Griffith University is where you go when you want to be seen as a human being, not just a student ID number.
Amazing Support That Matters My name is Michael John Brealey and my story with Griffith University began in 2018 within the Bachelor of Arts program at the Nathan campus. From the outset, the atmosphere was defined by a friendly, inclusive energy. My lecturers and tutors didn’t just deliver content; they provided insightful feedback that helped me grow. During this time, I attained consistent Distinctions and Credits, fueled by a community that genuinely rooted for my success.
However, life took a difficult turn. After studying at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Kelvin Grove for a Film degree in 2016 and I suffered a severe mental health breakdown. The contrast was devastating. Where Griffith offered a safety net, I found QUT to be an environment of indifference. I faced bullying from staff within the Creative Industries faculty and, during my lowest moment—crying on the floor outside the library after failing a subject—a Disability Advisor walked past without a single word of acknowledgement. Resilience and the Return
In Trimester 3, 2025, I made the decision to "come home" to Griffith University to study Drama. The difference was felt immediately. Returning to Griffith felt like being wrapped in a blanket of support and genuine care. As a student living with Autism, the quality of disability support is my lifeline. Unlike my previous experiences elsewhere, the Disability Advisors at Griffith are nothing short of amazing. They don’t just tick boxes; they ensure you have the tools to thrive. Empowering Success Through Generosity Griffith University’s commitment to its students goes beyond the classroom. Since my return, I have been:
* I was Awarded a Scholarship: Easing the financial pressure of redirected career goals.
* Provided a Free Laptop: Ensuring I have the technology required to excel.
* Accepted into Griffith Mates Volunteer Program allowing me to give back to the vibrant, multicultural community that welcomed me back. Looking Toward the Future
Because of the current support I’ve received, I have the confidence to embark on a new chapter: a Double Degree in Design and Business starting in Trimester 1, 2026.
To anyone considering their future, I highly recommend Griffith University. Whether you are seeking academic excellence or a community that stands by you through personal challenges, Griffith provides the financial, emotional, and educational foundations to turn your aspirations into reality.
Thank you, Griffith University, for seeing my potential when I struggled to see it myself.
Follow-up · What extracurricular activities are available? Nathan campus has a surprisingly rich mix of activities, especially considering its bushland setting. Students can get involved in: Clubs & Societies Griffith University Student Guild clubs: cultural clubs, academic societies, social groups, gaming clubs, faith-based groups, and special‑interest communities. Performing arts & creative groups: dance, music ensembles, drama groups, and student‑run creative collectives. Sport & fitness clubs: social sport teams, competitive squads, martial arts, yoga, and fitness groups. Campus Events Market days Live music sessions Social mixers Cultural festivals Career and networking events Volunteering & Leadership Griffith Mates (international student support & social program) Student leadership programs Peer mentoring Sustainability initiatives (Nathan is the sustainability-focused campus) Recreation & Wellbeing Bushwalking trails around Toohey Forest On‑campus gym and fitness classes Social sport competitions Nathan tends to attract students who enjoy a mix of academic focus, creativity, and nature‑connected activities. How is the campus environment for socialising? Nathan has a relaxed, friendly, community‑driven vibe. It’s not as high‑density or urban as South Bank, but it’s incredibly social in its own way. Social Atmosphere Students often gather around The Student Centre, N11 (the main hub), and outdoor seating areas. The campus has a strong international student presence, which makes social groups diverse and welcoming. Griffith Mates and the Student Guild run constant social events, so it’s easy to meet people even if you’re new. Spaces for Connection Outdoor courtyards and shaded seating Campus cafés and food outlets The library’s collaborative zones Common rooms in various academic buildings The environment is more “community campus in the forest” than “big city campus,” which many students find calming and socially comfortable. ♿ How accessible are the campus facilities? Nathan campus is built on a hillside, but Griffith has invested heavily in accessibility. Physical Accessibility Multiple lifts across major buildings Ramp access and wide pathways Shuttle buses connecting Nathan, Mt Gravatt, and Garden City Accessible parking and drop‑off zones Clearly marked accessible routes between buildings Learning & Support Accessibility Assistive technology rooms in the library Disability support services (learning access plans, note‑taking support, exam adjustments) Accessible study rooms and quiet spaces Transport Accessibility Frequent buses from the city, Garden City, and surrounding suburbs On‑campus busway stop (Griffith University station) Bike paths and secure bike storage Overall, despite the natural terrain, the campus is considered well‑equipped and thoughtfully designed for accessibility. I still recommend if you have any questions visit a Student Connect Centre these centres will help with your general questions relating to the University, Enrolment assistance and support and there to listen. The University is really helpful unlike other Queensland universities that treat you like a student number not a person like Griffith University does.
Get in, get certified, get out – Ah, but where to start? A lesson in hypocrisy✅ A lesson in servitude ✅ A lesson in self-agrandizement✅ A lesson in knowing your place as a peon under the grand overlords ✅ But from what i understand this is not unique to Griffith uni, nor any SE Qld campus in particular, sadly. My experience refers to Social Services ed. but I am reliably assured is not unique to it.
An HOD who delivered faulty exams, repeatedly, was highly praised as teacher of the year after admitting in a lecture she didn't really know the curriculum...so, yeah, that. A grossly unprepared and incompetent teacher who confessed first day to preparing the course material the night before...so much for HOD oversight (and paying big fee$ when literally half the class was more capable of teaching the subject matter than the clueless "expert" up front).
I busted my butt as a mature-aged, neurodivergent shift-working student, living with disability, whom was also employed by Griffith as a student support officer to help my overwrought colleagues improve their academic capabilities (was very successful too), but this overpaid, arrogant, egocentric, elitist bunch of ......... just suck the life out of the joint.
Another Napoleonesque psychosocial HOD lecturer that made their course hell for all had self-admittedly never practiced in their field...proceeded to destroy nearly every students final, so much they were forced to reassign marks upwards or the entire class was going to fail. Yep, Logan purple-haired monster...& i'm being kind.
I did have some absolutely brilliant teachers, to be fair, some who epitomized what a great teacher is & were a truly great help to me. They provided excellent material & in-class contributions to our learning, acknowledged their students as actual people living (often highly) stressful lives & I honestly don't know how they themselves survived in that environment.
"Think for yourself, have an opinion, question everything"...until you question Griffith, offer constructive criticism, or have a contrary view...which they sincerely do not like. Then you get to watch the cockroaches scamper under your bright light & the pitchforks come out. Crystal castles abound in this place, good luck if you're an odd duck like me.
Just get in, keep your head down, mouth shut & get out. The student-led service bodies are pretty much a resume filler, essentially useless & toothless. But, you must keep paying your fees so the VC continues to take home a miserly $1M salary (open info) & you continue to get treated like imbecilic garbage. Those above seem to forget we as students are also adults with much lived experience & varied expertise.
Get in, get accredited, get out...and good luck! (My gpa is 6+, so not bitter about marks, ok?) Yay our perverse capitalist education system.
Terrible teaching quality – Bachelor of Business - Student. Do not let griffith advertisements fool you. It is a money making industry now with really bad teaching quality. You pay them to give you 10% of information which you can already find on the internet delivered through bad lecture classes. What about the other 90%? That is what YOU have teach yourself, which you could have done by yourself instead of wasting your time. I guess 90% of your course fees goes towards the high quality paper used to print you certificate.
Good university – I have studied at five universities so far in Australia. I found this university to be the best to study at. They are more helpful and flexible and are located close to accommodation, shops. The university gives more explanation and assistance while other universities just can you all the time and fail you for being 1 minute late handing in a quizz.
I would expect it to remain the best university overall for students to attend. If you are going to university for the first time, please if your unsure about it or your performance, go to Griffith University.
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