Support Network @ UNSW
It's normal to meet challenges as you navigate the unpredictable journey of university. That's why the support network at UNSW is here for you to reach out when you need it! UNSW offers services ranging that help out with everything from academic skills, general wellbeing and professional development, to peer support, financial help and medical emergencies. We've highlighted a few key ones below, but check out the full range of support here.
COVID-19
While the COVID-19 situation in Sydney is continually in flux, UNSW's policies are regularly updated to adapt. This website provides information, guidance, frequently asked questions and links to resources on topics related to the impacts of COVID-19 from the uni. This includes avenues for financial and psychological support!
If you are looking to study in-person, the Safe Return to Campus Guidance provides all you need to know about being on-campus, including the most updated guidelines for protecting the health of you and the people around you.
Equitable Learning Services
Sometimes disabilities, medical conditions, or other personal circumstances can affect your academic life. If this is the case, Equitable Learning Services can help you with free and confidential services and educational adjustments that make things more manageable.
Students who are currently being assisted include those who are living with disability, acting as primary carers, from low-SES backgrounds, and from refugee backgrounds.
If you encounter a one-off event in your life which affects a course assessment or exam, you can also apply for Special Consideration for these circumstances. These will be reviewed on an individual basis, but commonly you may be allowed to re-sit your exam when you are ready.
Financial Support
UNSW outlines the steps on how to apply for financial support, which includes the following:
Australian Citizens and permanent residents can apply for Commonwealth assistance, including HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, SA-HELP, and OS-HELP. Other government schemes include National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for those living with a disability, and Centrelink payments such as Abstudy, Austudy and Youth Allowance.
UNSW also offers a range of scholarships, student loans, payment plants and emergency vouchers to students who are eligible.
The Concession Opal card allows eligible students to access fares at half the price of the Adult Opal card for travel on public transport services.
Health Services
While university is a time to be independent and have fun, it's important to take care of your health. Visiting UNSW's wellbeing landing page will link you to all the health and support services you need at uni.
Particularly, UNSW provides a high-quality, non-judgemental service that provides treatment to students, staff and visitors. Visit the University Health Service page for more information.
Aside from physical health, it's also important to take care of yourself mentally too. If you're feeling anxious, stressed, depressed and generally not feeling yourself, consider approaching the UNSW Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS). CAPS provides individual counselling, workshops, seminars and self-help resources for anyone in need.
Harassment and Discrimination
The Student Code at UNSW expects that all students contribute to maintaining a safe, harmonious and tolerant learning environment for all.
If you ever experience, or know someone who has experienced assault, harassment, bullying or discrimination, there are processes at UNSW to report and have the matter investigated.
For matters relating to CSESoc, the Grievance Officer is also here to provide confidential support. The CSESoc Grievance Officer for 2021 is Shrey Somaiya.
Indigenous Support
Nura Gili Indigenous Programs Unit is a dedicated support unit for undergraduate and postgraduate Indigenous students enrolled at UNSW. Nura Gili provides a range of Indigenous student support services, tutorial and study spaces for enrolled students. For example, the Indigenous Tuition Program provides access to additional tutorial assistance for each subject!
International Student Support
Student Development International is the first point of contact for international students and free information about all aspects of university life. Students having questions about student visa conditions, enrolment changes, getting accustomed to life in Sydney and UNSW policies and procedures can book a consultation with an International Student Advisor.
There are plenty of peer support programs for international students to meet new people, and orientation info to help you get ready for studying at UNSW.
Hear first-hand about the experiences of international students in CSE and their advice in our International Student Q&A!
LGBTQIA+ Support
The ALLY@UNSW Network is a program that aims to ensure UNSW is a safe and welcoming place for all LGBTIQ students and staff. Contact with an ALLY will provide confidential referral advice.
If you're interested in becoming an ALLY, the training program provides an in-depth discussion of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, and aims to make UNSW a great place for everybody by reducing barriers of fear and ignorance that lead to prejudice and discrimination.
Arc Queer Collective is a student organisation that supports and represents all students on campus who are queer - that is, people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, genderqueer, asexual or anywhere within the queer spectrum. Look out for Queer Collective meetings, parties and events and more!
Additionally, UNSW provides support services for transgender students before, during or while affirming transition. Student support advisors can assist with referrals to services both on and off campus as well as liaise regarding administrative issues within the such names and identity. Student support advisors can assist you to plan your transition.
Religious Support
The Religious Centre is provided for all UNSW students and staff, and accommodates those of Anglican, Buddhist, Catholic, Coptic Orthodox, Islamic, Jewish, Greek Orthodox, Pentecostal, Presbyterian or Uniting Church faith.
The Centre provides Chaplains for worship services, Bible Studies, prayer meetings and spiritual counselling. The Islamic Society has an Imam in attendance with meeting and prayer rooms available for Muslim students. The Buddhist student group "Unibuds" also has facilities in the Centre. There is also a Jewish Chaplain involved with the centre.
Choose your own adventure!
Find even more support when you get involved with CSESoc! Meet the faces of the people who want to make your uni experience the best it can be.
Or if you want to find out what it's like being an international student, make sure to catch the Q&A with international students who've already been through it all and are here to offer their valuable advice.
Don't like these options? Check out the full roadmap below!