Finding where you 'belong' at UNSW
EXPERT ADVICE
By Nat Nickson, Head of Student Life, UNSW Sydney
What does community and belonging mean to you?
Community for me means a place where I feel welcomed, connected and accepted. A place where I can be my authentic self. I’m not required to be any more or any less than this.
Belonging and community for me are really closely interlinked. For a community to really exist and thrive, belonging and acceptance must be at the heart of that.
As Brene Brown says “True Belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are, it requires you to be exactly who you are”. And for me the heart of community is accepting everyone as they show up, it encourages people to be themselves and in fact celebrates your uniqueness.
How would you describe the UNSW community?
I’ve been a part of the UNSW Community for just over 4 years now. I remember the first day I came on to campus for my interview. I was really nervous but also so excited to be in a place where really exciting, life changing things happen every day that make a global impact.
I looked around me and saw such an amazingly diverse culture. Having been a part of the community now for a few years, I’ve been able to experience that diversity every day; I feel like UNSW is a community that encourages me to be the best version of myself; to sometimes challenge my own thinking; to look at all perspectives and to learn from others every day.
You think – We have 6 faculties in our community, each with their own unique schools and courses. As you read this, students are studying aviation, bio science, medicine, computer engineering, architecture, fine arts and commerce, just to name a few! So many people, pursuing so many different fields of study; research and professional development- I think that’s why our community is so diverse and unique.
What is your advice to students feeling nervous about starting at UNSW?
Firstly, I would say “you’re not alone!”. Literally as well as emotionally. You are starting at the same time as thousands of other newbies! I think a smile to the person next to you and a simple “hi” is the perfect icebreaker and I can guarantee you they will be so relieved you spoke to them.
I’ve heard so many stories of people meeting lifelong friends on day 1 of University. I love looking around on the first day of O-Week and seeing so much nervous energy and then by the afternoon seeing every student having made a new friend. Sitting on the library lawn chatting and getting to know one another, meeting peers virtually in Student Life Sessions and Arc events or walking together looking at the campus map trying to figure out where the uni bar is. There are so many opportunities to connect with others and we will help you do this. All you need to do it turn up on day 1!
When preparing to dive into university life, what can commencing students be excited about in starting at UNSW?
What I love is how many avenues for making friends and finding people with the same interests as you there are at UNSW. With over 300 Clubs and Societies, it’s impossible not to find something that interests you. There are faculty clubs; sports clubs; cultural societies and clubs to cover every hobby under the sun. My personal favourite is the Disney society, and I’m also partial to a performance from the K-Pop Society as well. UNSW Clubs and Societies also currently offer events and opportunities virtually.
When starting at UNSW, I think you can also be excited about all of the professional and development opportunities available to you. There are internships; leadership skill development programs; and professional opportunities just to name a few. Choosing to study at UNSW really sets you up for life.
What resources are available to students to help them feel comfortable when starting university?
Once you’ve ticked the ‘made new friends’ box off the anxiety checklist, the next thing that can feel daunting is the start of new classes and a new way of learning. It can be the fear of the unknown that is overwhelming, and we totally get that.
We have so many resources and opportunities for help. The nucleus is definitely your first stop for anything relating to your degree. The First Years Ask Us Anything sessions are great for getting general help and support as you navigate your way through T1. We have the ‘Prepping for Success’ series which helps students to succeed academically right from day 1. And there’s always our Live Chat service where more experienced students (who’ve been through the same thing as you) are online, out of hours, to answer any of your questions. Another place that is always a great source of info is the weekly student newsletter, so I would definitely check that out every Monday.
Is there somewhere students can go to talk to older peers for advice?
One of my top tips for getting the inside track on how to navigate life at UNSW is to join a peer mentoring group. Every faculty has one and a lot of the clubs and societies have them as well. You will get access to well informed, passionate students who are super keen to help you succeed. Last year we had over 1,000 mentors who participated in the training and ready to help!
What would a student find useful in their first year to help them find their community?
I think Arc is such a great place to connect to, for finding your tribe. As I said the Clubs and Societies are a big part of finding your people. Arc also puts on so many amazing events (both virtually and face-to-face) that are designed to help you find friends and have fun.
What about postgrads! Is there a place for new postgraduate students to connect at UNSW?
Our Postgrad Council is a really active and engaged group and they are constantly creating opportunities to connect, so I would recommend joining the Post Grad group.
What is your top tips on making friends at University (both on-campus and online)?
I think if you asked me to sum it up in one word, I think it’s about ‘willing participation’. Like most things we get out what we put in. If you go to O-week (virtually or F2F), attend your faculty welcome, checkout the Club Socs and attend some speed friending sessions, I think you are bound to make some friends!
How can offshore students connect with UNSW’s community?
There are so many wonderful opportunities for students to connect with UNSW’s vibrant community online. Whether you are looking to make friends, learn more about the opportunities and support services available to you or get involved with clubs and societies – there is an array of opportunities just a click of your mouse away.
Top picks for offshore students:
- The Cultural Mentoring program will help you meet other new international students - be guided by both domestic and international Student Mentors to help you as new student at UNSW.
- The Prepping for Success series aims to equip students with essential information and skills to enable them to thrive at University, from week one – with 'bite size' sessions across a range of subjects including Moodle, Time Management, Budgeting, Studying Online and Enrolments it’s a one stop shop for all your Uni essentials.
- First Years Ask Us Anything demystifies life at UNSW by discussing a range of topics pertinent to First Year students by providing tangible tips and advice – our student representatives and staff experts cover topics ranging from friend-finding to careers and networking as well as mental health and study tips.
- Finally, there is Arc – your student organisation here at UNSW - from Clubs to Volunteering; Sport to Events; Wellness to Help; and heaps more, Arc makes sure that your student experience is the best that it can be.
How can students get in touch with you or a member of your team?
Via booking an appointment with a Student Support Advisor
Reaching out to our Peer Support Team
Email the Onboarding & Transition team