Northfields Ave
Wollongong NSW 2522
Web address:   www.uow.edu.au
ADS contact phone: +61 (2) 42215285
ADS contact fax: +61 (2) 42214322
Relevant campuses: Wollongong

Community and surrounds

The main campus of the University of Wollongong is located within the City of Wollongong. Situated just one hour’s drive south of Sydney's international airport, the natural environment includes breathtaking coastline, pristine beaches, rich bushland, rainforest and the dramatic escarpment.

Wollongong is the 8th largest city in Australia and is well known for its history of farming, fishing, coal mining and steel making. The city, however, is rapidly changing with education, information technology and telecommunications, manufacturing and tourism emerging as the industries of the future.

Wollongong is a bustling and vibrant centre of activity with a distinctly multicultural atmosphere. The city has a large yet relaxed commercial centre with a wonderful array of retail outlets and eateries in malls, arcades and galleries. The city's harmonious cosmopolitan integration of many nationalities has ensured its range of cuisines is second to none in the country.

Climate

Wollongong has a mild, sunny coastal climate with winter temperatures averaging 17 degrees and a summer average of 27 degrees tempered with sea breezes. Most rainfall occurs between February and June.

Cost of living and accommodation

International students will need around $12,000 to $15,000 per year to cover living expenses, including accommodation.

The University of Wollongong offers a variety of accommodation options:

University-managed residences (catered or self-catered)
Homestay with a local family
Private rental in shared houses or apartments

University Residences

If you want to live in a community with academic support, pastoral care and the chance to mix with other residents, the fully catered University residences may be the best choice. These residences include: Campus East, Weerona College, International House and Richard Johnson College.

University-managed Apartments

For a little more independence and small-group living with the security of University management you may consider applying to live at: Graduate House; Gundi; Kooloobong; or the International House Apartments. This style of accommodation provides:

• independent cooking facilities in each unit;
• single or shared study bedroom (furnished room with wardrobe, desk, chair,       bed)
• living and dining room furnishings (residents provide their own cooking    utensils, crockery and cutlery, cleaning equipment).

Private Rental Accommodation

Affordable private accommodation is readily available in Wollongong, and this may be a good option for students who prefer more independence.

There are two styles: shared and single. Occupants of most shared accommodation will divide household expenses such as telephone and electricity. Typical costs for private rental are shown below (note that these are approximate costs in AUD$ and may vary):

Unfurnished room per week: $60–$90
Furnished room per week: $90–$120
Apartment (unfurnished) per week: $90–$180
House (3 or 4 bedrooms, unfurnished): $250–$350

Homestay

For further information on homestay accommodation with a local family, visit: www.australianfamilyhomestays.com/

Visit www.uow.edu.au/about/accommodation for further information about accommodation.

Campus descriptions

The main campus is nestled at the foothills of Mount Keira, adjacent to tree-covered mountains, the botanical gardens and the clear blue Pacific Ocean.    We have respected our natural environment, creating a beautiful campus with streams, native gardens and abundant birdlife. The University is proud to offer you a quality of life difficult to find anywhere else.

The Wollongong campus is only five kilometres from the Wollongong city centre and is easily reached by public transport. Buses run direct to the University from all areas of Wollongong. The North Wollongong railway station is a 15-minute walk to the University and is serviced by a regular shuttle bus.

On campus, the UniCentre offers a variety of takeaway foods as well as cafés, restaurants and a bar; conference facilities; a bank; a bookshop; retail outlets; a post office; medical services; and a travel agency. Our international community draws students from around Australia and more than 70 countries. You will have the opportunity to try the world class University Recreation & Aquatic Centre and join a range of clubs and societies: from social to sporting, cultural to curious, hobbies to humanitarian.

International student population

The international student population of the University of Wollongong in 2005 was 3,900. Students come from over 70 different countries, with the majority being from North East Asia. The university also attracts a large number of international students from other parts of the world including, South East Asia North America, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East and Europe.

Family and community services

The Illawarra Committee for International Students (ICIS) is a community organisation funded by the University which provides support and activities for international students at UOW.

The Committee organises events in which international students and the Australian community can interact and become aware of each other’s cultures. It coordinates bus trips, orientation activities, an English conversation group, student dinners and other social occasions.

The International Friendship Program (IFP) is coordinated by the International Student Adviser and promotes cultural exchange between members of the Wollongong community and individual international students. Interested students can be linked to a ‘friend’ or ‘host’ and they arrange to meet occasionally for a meal or an outing. This helps students learn first-hand about the Australian lifestyle. It also helps the local community to learn about the cultures of our students from around the world.

For further information in the IFP or ICIS visit:

http://www.uow.edu.au/student/services/isa/

A range of health and medical services is provided on campus, including optometry, dentistry, naturopathy and acupuncture. Appointments and transport to a doctor (general practitioner) can be arranged through the centre. The International Student Advisers can also provide help with information on doctors in Wollongong who speak other languages.

International students studying in New South Wales state educational institutions may enrol their children/dependants in NSW Government schools. Children/dependants of international students who have a full scholarship from the Australian Government or a publicly funded Australian higher education institution are exempted from Temporary Visa Holders Education Fee.

For more information on how to apply, visit:

visit: www.det.nsw.edu.au/papers/tempvisansw

Childcare facilities

Kids' Uni provides quality care and education for children 0-15 years of age in long day care, occasional care, after school care, vacation care and pupil free days. Outside of the university, there are a large number of childcare centres throughout Wollongong and surrounding suburbs.

Students are eligible to apply for childcare, provided by the university. In 2006 ADS students who receive the family stipend as their sole source of income, receive maximum childcare support so pay $26 per day for childcare per child.

These prices are may increase in 2007 but should give you an idea of childcare costs.
For further information and application details please contact:

Kid’s Uni
PO Box U100
Wollongong NSW 2522

Phone: +61 (2) 4221 8035
Fax: +61 (2) 4221 8034

Web address: http://unicentre.uow.edu.au/kidsuni/

Facilities for special needs

Student Services and the Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) can provide advice on how particular disabilities affect university study and information on resources available at the University for assisting students with disability.

Students who need assistance during their studies should contact the Disability Liaison Officer by phone (02) 4221 3445; or facsimile (02) 4221 5667 or call in at the office located on the third floor of the UniCentre building. Students commencing courses are advised to contact the Disability Liaison Officer prior to the beginning of their first session of study.

Foods for different cultures

Wollongong and its suburbs provide a range of grocery stores that sell specialty foods. For example, speciality stores cater for Chinese, Greek, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish and many other cuisines. Halal and kosher food is also available.

The benefits of Wollongong's cultural mix are reflected in the excellent collection of restaurants and cafés, all offering a high standard of service and cuisine. The choice of food is almost infinite and includes dishes from China, France, India, Greece, Thailand, Italy, Japan, Spain, Korea, Singapore, South America, USA, Germany, Turkey and Vietnam, not to forget contemporary Australian cuisine.
Religious facilities

Within the Wollongong region, there are places of worship for a wide range of denominations including: Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh and all major Christian groups. There is a mosque within walking distance of the University and also a Buddhist Temple in the city of Wollongong.

On campus there is a range of services for different religious groups, including a dedicated Muslim prayer space. The University’s Chaplaincy Service, also offers fellowship, personal counselling and guidance as well as leadership in doctrinal studies and worship. Student-based religious clubs include the Buddhist Society; Catholic Club; Chinese Christian Fellowship; Evangelical Christian Union; Indonesian Christian Fellowship; and the Muslim Students Association.

Public transport

From the airport: The nearest international airport is in Sydney. The University of Wollongong offers an arrival service where students can arrange to be met at Sydney Airport by a representative from the university.

Buses run direct to the University from all areas of Wollongong. The North Wollongong railway station is a 15-minute walk to the University and is serviced by a regular shuttle bus.

All students are entitled to a student concession on Premier Illawarra and Dions bus services in Wollongong. A bus concession symbol will be printed on your student ID card when you enrol at UOW. Further transport information can be found at:   www.uow.edu.au/about/transport

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