|
||
|
|
Have I checked out the UNSW website?
Do I know my way around campus?
Is my UNSW student email access sorted out?
Where do I find good coffee? Where can I get food?
What time are my classes? Where are my classes?
What books/ supplies should I have?
Does UNSW have a wireless network?
What am I doing for the rest of the week? Do I know where I'm supposed to be and when?
Your first stop should be the Getting Started section of the UNSW website for information about enrolment and the support services for new commencing students.
The University expects all students to self-manage their enrolment each Semester. All enrolment and variations to enrolment, variations to address or other contact details are done online through myUNSW, the web interface to UNSW's student information system.
Absolutely! You'll have a great time and learn a few things along the way.
Orientation Week (O-Week for short) is held in the week before Semester starts. O-Week aims to orient new students geographically, socially and academically by giving new students an opportunity to meet each other and to explore UNSW life and everything the campus has to offer.
During O-Week 'Yellow Shirts' (student volunteers) answer questions, conduct campus tours and run O-Week activities and events. So, make sure you attend - you can take a campus tour, attend faculty welcomes, explore the UNSW clubs and societies or attend some workshops to help you get off to a great start.
Tip: Familiarise yourself with the UNSW online environment. Know where to find information when you need it.
The university website is the first stop for students to find information and make enquiries. The myUNSW portal provides information on just about every aspect of uni life, from enrolment and online learning, through to course information and uni administration. By exploring the website, you can find out a great deal about UNSW before you start.
Tip: Work out how you're going to get to uni well ahead of your first week.
Parking on campus and around UNSW is very limited, so it might be best to travel via public transport or bike.
When you visit the campus during 'O-Week', work out how long the journey will take. Make a test run of the trip around the time of day you'll usually be coming to uni.
Plan your route. Find out where the bus stops, or the location o fthe nearest railway station.
For Transport information, visit:
UNSW FAQ-Public Transport Page
Tip: Get to know the physical environment before your classes start.
University Campuses are usually big places, especially in comparision to high school. They can be the size of a suburb - in fact, UNSW Kensington campus has its own postcode (more about the campus here).
Visit the campus well before session starts. During the months of January and February, before classes begin, the campus is quiet. If you visit then, you can have a good look around!
All UNSW students need a Student Identification Card to borrow books from the University Libraries and to use other University services.
Where do I get my student ID Card?
zPass is the Universal Password for accsessing existing online services at UNSW. Your zPass and UNSW Student ID provide a way of electronically verifying your identity.
Your zPass won't work untill you activate it.
IT services and support for students
When you enrol at UNSW you are given an email account. This is the main mode of formal, official communication between the University and students, so it's important to set up your access.
Tip: On your first day, it's important to know where to eat lunch, get a cold drink or a good cup of coffee.
There are lots of food outlets on UNSW campuses, and you'll soon develop favourites. For names and locations check out your map.
Tip: Work out where you're supposed to be (and when) ahead of time. Some forward planning saves a lot of confusion.
When you enrolled for your degree, you chose courses from your faculty's timetable. This timetable has the day/s and time/s courses are offered listed.
Work out where you need to be ahead of time and visit your lecture/ lab/ classrooms before Semester begins. Work out how to get from one venue to another easily. This will save you a lot of stress and confusion during your first week.
You can view your class schedule for the semester in myUNSW. Log in and go to the My Student Profile tab, then My Student Services > Enrolment > Class Timetable. Check the online faculty timetables for information about where and when classes are held.
Tip: The UNSW library will play a big part in studying at UNSW. Find out some important information before Semester starts.
Library Essentials
How do I borrow?
To find your way through the mine of information and content, investigate the services for undergraduates section.
Tip: Make sure you attend all of your first lectures.
At your first lectures, you'll meet lecturers, tutors and other students, receive course outlines, be informed of tutorial times and hear important administrative information about the course, and hear the all-important course overview.
Lecturers and tutors will introduce themselves and supply contact details. For example, their phone or e-mail contact and their office location. Most also have set hours for student consultation. Make sure you note down all this information.
This might sound obvious, but it's a good idea to locate facilities like bathrooms or changing areas before you need them. Every building on campus has bathrooms. They are usually on each floor. If you can't see them, ask.
Tip: For your first week, come prepared. If you use a laptop, bring that. Also bring ( reliable) pens, a notebook and a completed timetable.
Necessary supplies and equipment varies videly and depends on your courses and field of study. Many students use laptops at uni. However, whatever your course, you'll probably also use lecture pads and notebooks for labs and tutorials and some reliable writing implements. As you attend lectures throughout the first week, your lecturers will advise you about any set texts for your courses and any other supplies you should buy.
For stationary supplies, explore the retail shops on campus. They stock stationery, confectionery, magazines, travel passes, film, phone cards and specialist course supplies. Students and union members are eligible for discounts.
A list of set course texts can be found on the UNSW Bookshop website. They are also usually available at the Library.
Yes. UniWide is the UNSW Campus Wireless Network for UNSW students. It offers fast, secure wireless network connectivity from a wide range of locations across UNSW's campuses. Wireless access is available to all current students. UniWide can be accessed via any WiFi-enabled laptop or mobile device that supports WPA wireless security.
Setting up Uniwide Wirless Networking
Tip: Organise!
At university, forward planning and good time management are essential. Before you start uni, plan your time. You should always know where you're supposed to be and when.