Golden wattle is the emblem of campus safety at UNSW. Wattle is a native Australian plant that is usually one of the first pioneer plants to rise from the ashes after bushfires and provides protection for other seedlings growing underneath in a natural selection of the bush.

Image caption: The Australian native plant golden wattle is the emblem of campus safety at UNSW. 

Fortunately, UNSW is located in inner Sydney; the best performing areas for falling crime rates in NSW, according to the latest figures released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (2009). UNSW also has its own on campus security service. However is it still important to be alert at all times.

Tips for personal safety

  1. Be aware of your surroundings. You are more vulnerable if you wear headphones, or if you text or talk on your mobile.
  2. Walk confidently, use assertive body language and make eye contact with others.
  3. Don’t carry more cash than you need.
  4. Keep your purse or wallet in a secure place close to you such as in a handbag or pocket that can be securely closed.
  5. Be alert when using ATMs. Don’t use ATMs in dark or isolated locations. Don’t count money in front of others.
  6. Avoid walking alone at night. If alone, walk in well-lit areas.
  7. Avoid isolated areas. Stay in areas with lots of activity, especially at night.
  8. Always carry your mobile phone with you, even if going out for a short time. Program your phone with numbers to call in an emergency.
  9. Carry your bag securely on the side furthest from the road. Make sure your bag is closed.
  10. Alcohol consumption increases your risk of injury and impacts on your judgement. Don’t become too intoxicated when you are out.

Emergency telephone numbers

  • Emergency (police, fire, ambulance) : 000
  • (Can be called even if your mobile phone is locked.)
  • Police Assistance Line: 131 444
  • Needle Clean-up Hotline: 1800 633 353
  • Domestic Violence: 1800 656 463
  • Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000
  • Life Line: 131 114
  • Commuter Crime Unit: 9218 3749
Police Stations near UNSW

Randwick Police Station [Open 24 hours]
196 Alison Road, Randwick 2031
Phone: 9697 1099 | Fax: 9697 1011
Eastern Beaches Local Area Command

Waverly Police Station [Open 24 hours]
153 Bronte Road, Waverley 2024
Phone: 9369 9899 | Fax: 9369 9812
Eastern Suburbs Local Area Command

Bondi Police Station [Open 24 hours]
91-93 Roscoe Street, Bondi 2026
Phone: 9365 9699 | Fax: 9365 9611
Eastern Suburbs Local Area Command

Maroubra Police Station [Open 24 hours]
Corner of Bruce Bennetts Place and Maroubra Road, Maroubra 2035
Phone: 9349 9299 | Fax: 9349 9279
Eastern Beaches Local Area Command

Where can I live?

Private accomodation off campus

While studying at UNSW, you can choose to live in university accommodation or in private accommodation:

UNSW in your country

You can make contact with UNSW all around the world.

We'll soon be at events in Cambodia, Germany, Hong Kong, Laos, Myanmar, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, United Kingdom, USA and Viet Nam.

Or, you can simply talk to a UNSW representative in your country: