Student Life @ UNSW is our guidebook to help you achieve a smooth transition to Sydney - how to prepare, what to bring, where to stay, airport reception and what to do what upon arrival.

 

The different guidebook sections are (PDFs):

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New international students are strongly advised to arrive at least one month before the commencement of classes to find suitable accommodation, become familiar with the campus and surrounding area and attend Orientation.

 

 

Session timetables for Faculty of Medicine, the Australian Graduate School of Management and the Australian Defence Force Academy at the University College varies slightly.

 

 

 

If you do not have permanent accommodation organised you will need to book temporary or short term accommodation while you look for suitable long term accommodation. All students must arrange their own temporary accommodation and we strongly advise that you book your temporary accommodation before you arrive.

Options include

The University operates a reception desk to welcome new arrivals at Sydney International Airport Terminal.

 

The Airport Reception Desk will operate 5 weeks prior to the commencement of each session between 0600 - 1200 and 1730 - 2300 hours each day.

 

You will NOT be met personally at the Arrivals Gates.

 

After going through Customs, proceed to the Airport Reception Desk, which is located in the centre of the Arrivals Hall between the North Exit Gates (A/B) and the South Exit Gates (C/D) (See Map below). Should the desk be unattended, or if you have difficulty finding the desk, report to the nearby Meeting Place where Meet & Greet Service staff will attend to your needs. If you get lost, ask an airport officer.

 

Sydney Airport Map (location of Airport Reception Desk)

 

At the Airport Reception Desk you will be given a welcome postcard from UNSW with a checklist of what you need to do and information on how to get to your temporary accommodation.

 

Airport Reception Desk staff will also be able to answer any general questions you might have.

 

Staff of the Meet & Greet Service of Tourism New South Wales are also available to help you before you pass through Immigration and Customs, and immediately after you walk through one of the exit gates. The Meet & Greet staff can be readily recognised by their blue shirts and bright red vests. These officers are trained to provide information and assistance and speak a number of languages other than English.

All students must arrange their own transport from the airport to their accommodation Full details on transport 'to and from' Sydney Airport is available online at the Sydney Airport Website.

 

Staff at the Airport reception Desk will be able to advise you on the best option for you and how to get to your preferred transport provider.

Orientation for international students commencing in semester 1, 2010, begins on Monday February 15th. Your attendance at the Orientation Program is vital to a great start at UNSW. For full program details please click here.

 

 

Would you like help to ease into living and studying at UNSW? Join the UniBuddy program. Unibuddies are senior students who provide support to new students making their transition to university life. SDI aims to match you with a UniBuddy from either your home country or faculty so that you can ask questions about living and studying at UNSW and in Sydney.

 

UniBuddy Peer Mentors are here to help YOU! To find a UniBuddy download the Unibuddy Application form and email it back to: unibuddy@unsw.edu.au

 

Studying overseas will present you with many exciting, and at times, tough challenges including:

 

 

New international students often experience an initial period of adjustment of emotional highs and lows. It is a perfectly natural experience for almost anyone when they try to adjust to a new country and a new culture. If you find yourself confused and disoriented in the initial months, try to remember that it is a passing phase. As you become more familiar with your new surroundings you will feel more at ease with yourself and others. The excitement of making new friends and exploring the Australian way of life will start to grow. The key to managing new experiences is to be prepared as much as possible and expect the 'unfamiliar'.

 

Should you feel you are caught in an emotional low at any stage, please speak with the International Student Advisers or the counselling service.

SDI offers a variety of programs, workshops/seminars and social activities. These programs are designed to assist you adapt to living and learning in Australia. For program details click here.