Where to get help
When adjusting to life and study in Australia it’s normal to have difficulties from time to time. UWS has a range of free services that you can access to get help with adjusting to study and life in Australia.
Some of the key services available at UWS are:
- Support services
- Security
- International students
- Student advocacy and representation
- Skills development and jobs
- Multifaith Chaplaincy
There are also a number of organisations and services in the community that you might find helpful. Find out more about help available in the community.
Support services
Counselling Service
The Counselling Service offers culturally sensitive counselling for students on the five main campuses. You can use the Counselling Service for any issues related to culture shock or personal or academic difficulties. Counselling is a free and totally confidential.
You can access the counselling service either online using eCounselling or by making a face to face or telephone appointment.
Student Welfare Service
The Student Welfare Service can help you with budgeting or financial support, information about Centrelink or other government agencies, and support and help with accommodation. They can also help you apply for Special Consideration.
The Student Welfare Service is free to all UWS students and is totally confidential. Find out more on the Student Welfare Service webpage.
Disability Service
The Disability Service provides confidential and culturally sensitive advice and support for all UWS students with a disability. This includes chronic health conditions, mental health conditions and learning difficulties. If you choose to register with the Disability Service, a disability advisor will assess the impact of your disability or condition and develop an Academic Integration Plan (AIP). An AIP provides adjustments that will help you overcome some of the obstacles you might face and make your time at UWS easier.
Find out more on the Disability Service webpage.
Security
Campus Safety and Security
UWS has security on all campuses, 24 hours a day every day. They’re available to help you with emergency situations, theft, lost property, first aid and can even escort you to your car if you feel unsafe.
The emergency security phone number is 4736 0300. You can also email them at security@uws.edu.au. Find out more at the UWS security webpage.
International students
International Student Advisors
International Student Advisors (ISAs) help international students with issues like student visas, enrolment and fee status, international related correspondence and referrals to other agencies.
There is an after-hours information service for international students that can help with a wide range of difficulties and can refer you to the right service providers. Call the service on 1800 735 807.
Find out more about ISAs, including contact details on the International Student Advisor webpage.
Student advocacy and representation
Student Advocate
UWS has a student rights advocate who is there to help all students with issues like Special Consideration, bullying and harassment, progression and misconduct.
Find out more on the advocacy webpage.
Student Campus Councils/Student Representative Councils
UWS students are represented by the Student Representative Council (SRC) and the six Student Campus Councils (SCCs). These councils represent student interests and advocate on behalf of the UWS student body. University wide elections are held so the student body can vote for the member’s they want on each council.
Find out more on the Student representation webpage.
Student representation and participation newsletter
This newsletter is the student voice at UWS, raising awareness about student issues. It also advertises upcoming events, profiles past and present students and provides other relevant information and stories.
Skills development and jobs
Student Learning Unit
The Student Learning Unit provides workshops and programs design to help you improve your academic skills. They can also help you adapt to the Australian learning environment.
Find out more on the Student Learning Unit webpage.
Careers and Cooperative Education
Careers & Cooperative Education provides all UWS students with online information and face to face employment help. This includes jobs while studying, careers after study, career planning and job application skills. They also run student work placement programs, which help students gain experiences that will improve their employment prospects.
Find out more on the Careers and Cooperative Education webpage.
Multifaith Chaplaincy
Chaplaincy provides religious support for a wide range of religions and is available to all UWS students. There are Multifaith Centres on most campuses, which are open to students to use. Getting involved with the Chaplaincy team is a great opportunity to join in faith based activities, celebrate important religious events and get to know students from a similar religious or cultural background.
Find out more on the Chaplaincy webpage.
