Are you an international student starting at UNSW soon?
UNSW Sydney is excited to welcome you to campus!
Starting university can be daunting, especially in a new country. To help support you at UNSW, we encourage you to visit the International Student Welcome Centre where a friendly Cultural Mentor will take you through all the important things you need to know as an International Student studying in Australia. The International Student Welcome Centre is a 2 week activation at the beginning of each Term to help you get started on your UNSW journey.
Where: Anita B. Lawrence Centre (formerly known as The Red Centre), East Wing - campus map reference H15
Opening Times:
- Tuesday to Thursday for two weeks from Tuesday 21 May to Thursday 30 May 2024
- 11:00am - 3:00pm each day
Welcome to UNSW!
There is so much that UNSW has to offer and we can't wait until you arrive on campus! Check out this video to see all that UNSW Sydney has to offer as well as where you can go if you need support so that you can make the most of your time here.
If you are looking for more information about living in Sydney, check out the Insider Guides to help you navigate public transport, learn about the latest accommodation news, cost of living calculators to help you with your planning, as well as what events are happening in and around Sydney this week.
What happened in Term 1, 2024?
Chat with a Cultural Mentor
Our Cultural Mentors will be at the International Student Welcome Centre to help you with any questions you might have such as:
- Using Moodle
- Navigating UNSW systems
- How to get involved or seek support on campus
You can also request a mentor to support you throughout the Term!
All the places we call home
Did you know that there are over 90 countries represented by our UNSW International Students? Visit the International Student Welcome Centre and tell us all the places you call home on our push pin world map!
myEnglish week
Join myEnglish Week, a free language program to help you start the term with confidence. Open to all UNSW students, you can work on your English online or in person with expert teachers on skills for presentations, effective university writing, group discussions, pronunciation, grammar & vocabulary and more!
Dates:
- Monday 29 January to Friday 2 February 2024
Information Stalls
Come visit our stalls to grab some freebies and find out more info on your Medibank OSHC, taking care of your Health & Wellbeing, Library Peer Mentors, and take part in the Let's CommUNIcate & Language Exchange Program competition. Just visit their stall and speak your native language - if they can't guess what language you are speaking, you win a UNSW branded water bottle!
Date: Monday 5 February 2024
Time: 2:45pm - 4:15pm
Prizes & Giveaways
Visit the International Student Welcome Centre in Term 1 and complete the visitor survey for your chance to win one of a range of awesome prizes! See our Cultural Mentors for more details.
During O-Week, there will also be other giveaways so make sure you drop in to see what is on offer so that you don't miss out!
Free Aussie Snacks
Make sure you stop by for some FREE Aussie snacks and treats at the Welcome Centre for international students only!
Discover your Library
Meet new students and get to know UNSW Library during O-Week! Learn about the Library and all the resources that can support you through your university experience abroad. Come along to one of the FREE Discover your Library sessions.
International Student Meet Ups
The Welcome Centre will play host to International Student meet ups each day in Week 1 of Term 1, 2024! These meet ups are informal and a casual opportunity for you to make some new friends whilst you enjoy some free food and lawn games.
Registration is essential and spaces are limited.
Speed Friending
Looking to make some new friends at UNSW and not sure how? Join our Cultural Mentors for speed friending where you can get to know other students from around the world and start making connections!
Where: International Student Welcome Centre, Anita B. Lawrence Centre East Wing (map reference H15)
Date: Wednesday 14 February 2024
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Chinese Students Association Peer Support Program
The CSA Peer Support Program assists new Chinese Students with their transition and adjustment to UNSW. The program consists of online and in-person group sessions and online webinars from senior students and teachers.
When: The program runs from O-Week to Week 4 of Term
English Study Hacks
Just arrived in Australia? Want to build your confidence communicating in English? Join this fun, supportive session where you’ll practise speaking and find out about great communication programs to join. You’ll also get free access to an online tool called Communication Coach, where you can keep improving your English and academic literacy skills.
Coogee to Bondi Walk
Join Cultural Mentors on a half day walking tour along the famous coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi Beach! Meet students from around the world and learn about how to stay safe on Australian beaches. It is free to join but you must register for the event as spaces are limited.
Date: Saturday 17 February 2024
Time: 8:30am - 2:30pm
Learn to Swim Program for International Students
It doesn't matter if you're an absolute beginner or scared of the water, the instructors will help improve your water safety and swim skills.
Let's CommUNIcate
Let's CommUNIcate is a program which offers free weekly English language conversation workshops led by experienced and trained trained student facilitators. Register now to develop your communication skills and connect with other students through conversations, fun activities, and interactive games.
Dates: Week 2 to Week 8 in Term 1, 2024
Looking for an airport pick up service?
Find out more about the free airport pickup service here.
Need more information?
Feel free to contact us at [email protected]