Landline phones
Public telephones
Public telephones are widely available on campus and around the city. Most public telephones accept coins and prepaid phonecards. Some have a credit-card payment option.
At home
Having a landline phone at home involves a monthly service charge and a charge for each call you make. Local landline calls are charged at a fixed rate irrespective of the call duration. Long-distance calls within Australia (known as STD calls) and international calls are charged according to the distance, time and duration.
A cheap way to call overseas is to use a prepaid telephone card. Using a prepaid card involves typing a numeric prefix to access the service provider’s network. Prepaid phone cards can be purchased on campus and at most convenience store outlets around Sydney.
Mobile phones
Plans
Buying a mobile phone on a plan usually involves signing a 24 month contract in which you agree to pay a minimum monthly amount. The monthly payment includes a component for the handset and a component for phone calls, text messages and often internet access. You pay extra if you exceed the specified usage limits, so you should choose a plan that reflects your usage pattern.
Prepaid
The prepaid option is suitable if you own a mobile phone (that is, it is not under a plan). With the prepaid option, you pay in advance for your usage. The first time you purchase a prepaid card, you receive a telephone number and a SIM card.
Roaming
You may choose to use your mobile phone from your own country. In this case, check with your service provider at home about the cost of international roaming.
Internet
Around Sydney
There are many internet cafés around Sydney where you can go online for a fee. Many cafés, libraries and shopping precincts offer wireless connection free of charge for use with your wireless laptop.
At home
Broadband internet is provided to homes through either a separate high-speed cable (known as cable broadband) or through the telephone lines (known as ADLS broadband). Installing an internet connection in a residence generally involves an installation fee and a fee for the modem and, if necessary, the wireless router.
Skype
Making phone calls or video calls through Skype is an inexpensive way to keep in touch with friends and family back home.
Bundling
Many telecommunications carriers offer discounts if you combine multiple services, such as landline and internet. The major carriers are Optus, AAPT, Vodafone, Telstra, Virgin and 3. There are also many smaller carriers that offer competitive prices.
You should compare the various services provided by these carriers to see which is best for your local, STD, international, mobile phones and internet services. You can have one provider for all your telecommunication needs or multiple providers for different services.
Postal services
Postal services in Australia are run by Australia Post . Australia Post outlets offer a range of services, ranging from money transfers, the payment of bills and passport applications. They are generally open from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays and in some places for a few hours on the weekend.
At UNSW there is an Australia Post outlet located on upper campus next to the library.
Online services at UNSW
The university has computer facilities and several online networks and services.
Student email
All students at UNSW are given access to online services such as myUNSW and UniMail:
• myUNSW is the internet interface for student information and administration
• UniMail is the university’s email system.
To access these services, use your UNSW username (UniPIN) and password (Unipass). This can be set up for the first time here.
Computers
Each faculty has computers available for student use. Contact your faculty for information on lab locations.
Postgraduates have access to computers in the Postgraduate Computing Lab in the library.
Some computers on campus offer free internet access. These are located in the library, the ISS student lounge, and in several Union shops.
Assistance
The IT Service Desk offers help in the following areas:
- issuing UniPasses and UniPINs
- installing wireless cards and configuring computers for use with UniWide – the wireless network on campus
- testing and configuring computers to use the UNSW internet service and email system
- providing assistance with the myUNSW student portal and WebCT.
Please contact the IT Service Desk for assistance with computer-related matters:
Level 2, UNSW Library, Kensington Campus
Email: servicedesk@unsw.edu.au
Phone: +61 2 9385 1333 or 9385 1777
Web: www.its.unsw.edu.au
