Performance Edge is an interactive Virtual Reality Training Program designed to help you rise to the challenges of university life. You’ll learn evidence-based tools to stay steady under pressure, manage difficult thoughts and emotions, and perform at your best when it matters most.

Delivered by the Counselling Service at the University of Newcastle, each session is guided by professional staff who will support you as you build skills you can use for life.

What to expect?

Performance Edge includes six powerful modules, completed over five sessions. The program is designed for you to work through a new module each week.

Each 60-minute session includes:

  • A quick introduction to using the Virtual Reality headset

  • Around 40 minutes of interactive learning in virtual reality

  • A supportive debrief to help you apply the skills to your life.

Who is this suitable for?

Performance Edge is a great fit for:

  • Students who want to build confidence, manage stress and respond more effectively to challenges

  • The activity requires a basic level of English reading skills

It may not be suitable if you:

  • Experience significant motion or cyber sickness

Are there any risks?

  • A small number of people (5%) may experience mild cyber sickness (similar to motion sickness symptoms). This usually passes quickly once the headset is removed.

  • Some scenarios in the modules contain swearing and verbal aggression. These activities can be skipped. Please speak to the facilitator if concerned.

Not sure? Email us at primaryprevention@newcastle.edu.au if you have any questions

Upcoming 2026 Session Dates:


Mid Year Study Term (Callaghan)

Location: L326 Auchmuty Library

Time

Modules Covered

2 – 3pm Thurs 28th May

(Week 1)

Module 1 - Thoughts, Emotions and Behaviours

2 - 3pm Thurs 4th June

(Week 2)

Module 2 - Controlled Breathing

Module 3 - Progressive Muscle Relaxation

2 - 3pm Thurs 11th June

(Week 3)

Module 4 - Grounding Using Senses

2 - 3pm Thurs 18th June

(Week 4)

Module 5 - Responding Effectively to Thoughts

2 – 3pm Thurs 25th June

(Week 5)

Module 6 - Managing Difficult Emotions


Semester 2, Weeks 1 to 5 (Callaghan)

Location: L326 Auchmuty Library

Time

Modules Covered

2 – 3pm Wed 19th Aug

(Week 1)

Module 1 - Thoughts, Emotions and Behaviours

2 – 3pm Wed 26th August

(Week 2)

Module 2 - Controlled Breathing

Module 3 - Progressive Muscle Relaxation

2 – 3pm Wed 2nd Sept

(Week 3)

Module 4 - Grounding Using Senses

2 – 3pm Wed 9th Sept

(Week 4)

Module 5 - Responding Effectively to Thoughts

2 – 3pm Wed 16th Sept

(Week 5)

Module 6 - Managing Difficult Emotions


Gosford / Ourimbah/NUspace: Dates to be confirmed - register your interest to be notified


Unsure? You can use this form to register your interest and we will email you to let you know when future dates are open.

Participant Details

Session Details

Callaghan Campus - Mid Year Term

Location for all sessions: Room L326, Auchmuty Library, Callaghan Campus



Time

Modules Covered

Session 1

2 – 3pm Thurs 28th May

(Week 1)

Module 1 - Thoughts, Emotions and Behaviours

Session 2

2 - 3pm Thurs 4th June

(Week 2)

Module 2 - Controlled Breathing

Module 3 - Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Session 3

2 - 3pm Thurs 11th June

(Week 3)

Module 4 - Grounding Using Senses

Session 4

2 - 3pm Thurs 18th June

(Week 4)

Module 5 - Responding Effectively to Thoughts

Session 5

2 – 3pm Thurs 25th June

(Week 5)

Module 6 - Managing Difficult Emotions

Callaghan Campus - Semester 2

Location for all sessions: Room L326, Auchmuty Library, Callaghan Campus

While we encourage you attend all sessions, we understand this isn't always possible. You are welcome to book even if you can only come along to some of the sessions. 


Time

Modules Covered

Session 1

2 – 3pm Wed 19th Aug

(Week 1)

Module 1 - Thoughts, Emotions and Behaviours

Session 2

2 – 3pm Wed 26th August

(Week 2)

Module 2 - Controlled Breathing

Module 3 - Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Session 3

2 – 3pm Wed 2nd Sept

(Week 3)

Module 4 - Grounding Using Senses

Session 4

2 – 3pm Wed 9th Sept

(Week 4)

Module 5 - Responding Effectively to Thoughts

Session 5

2 – 3pm Wed 16th Sept

(Week 5)

Module 6 - Managing Difficult Emotions

While we encourage you attend all sessions to receive the full benefit of the program, we understand this isn't always possible.

Risks and consent to participate

Please be aware of the following risks:

  • There is a low risk of developing mild cybersickness symptoms. Symptoms mimic motion sickness: headache, eyestrain, or mild nausea. The effects occur in about 5% of the population. You may be more susceptible if you are prone to severe motion sickness. Cybersickness symptoms are not long lasting and pass shortly after the headset is removed.

  • Some modules contain scenarios that evoke strong emotions and show swearing and verbal aggression, which could be triggering. This exercise can be skipped - please speak to the facilitator for advice if concerned.