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Find your way to higher educationYour life – Your uni

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Your lifeYour uni

Find your way to higher education

Find your way to higher education

02 Why uni?

03 Why Sydney?

04 Uni life – What’s it like?

06 Choices, choices – What can I study?

08 Admission – What are my chances?

12 Costs and scholarships

18 Can I work and study?

19 Accommodation – Where will I live?

22 Sport and other activities – The fun stuff!

24 Support – Who will help me?

26 Next steps – Where to from here?

27 Contact information

28 Common terms

Contents

Held in late August each year, Open Day is your chance to attend faculty introductions and campus tours, get involved in academic and study skills sessions, and make loads of new friends at the many social events.

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Why uni?

TAFE, work, travel, uni … There are so many different choices when you finish school. So you might well be asking yourself – why uni?

Straight up, you might need a uni degree to get the job you really want. If your dream is to be a teacher, lawyer, engineer or doctor, you definitely need a qualification just to get your foot in the door. For other careers, such as design, IT and business, having a degree can only make your life easier, by demonstrating to prospective employers that you have the right skills to be a great employee.

What’s more, having a degree means you’re likely to earn more money and be able to choose from a much wider variety of careers.

But even more importantly, uni is all about opportunities – to try new things, to get involved, to grow, learn and have fun.

Uni is for anyone, whether you’re from a regional area, the first in your family to think about university, or still sorting out exactly what you want to do. Maybe you really want to learn French. Maybe you’re really interested in medieval history. Or maybe it’s chemistry that rocks your world. Whatever fascinates you, uni allows you to learn everything you want to know about the world – and yourself, in the process.

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Why Sydney?

Some people think you need a lot of money to go to university. Not so. At the University of Sydney we support you from day one. We want you to follow your dreams so that one day you can be whoever you want to be – no matter where you’re from.

Here are the reasons why you’ll thrive at Sydney Uni:

grow, learn, and discover We treat you as an individual, not a number.

support At Sydney, you’ll always be offered a helping hand.

the teaching staff Their enthusiasm for knowledge is second only to yours.

fantastic campus lifeWith hundreds of sporting, cultural and community clubs and societies, cafes, bars and bands, you’ll be part of a great student community.

you can make a differenceUniversity education will challenge you to be the very best you can be, and influence all our lives for the better.

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Uni lifeWhat’s it like?

Uni is not the same as school. Unlike school, you won’t be stuck in a classroom from 9 to 5, Monday to Friday. Depending on your timetable, you might only be in class three days a week, for 12 hours total. You’ll have a timetable of classes but will manage your own time. You won’t get chased by your teachers to hand in your assignments, or have them checking whether you are doing all of the homework required. You’ll be more independent, taking control of your own workload and learning.

Studying independently can be challenging at first, but many students spend the first year learning how this can work for them. At uni you’ll get to learn what you want to learn, and say what you want to say. You won’t be thrown into the deep end – there will be support available along the way (see page 24).

Uni is a lot bigger than school, and a map will definitely be your best friend at first, as you navigate around lecture halls, tutorial classrooms, libraries and social areas. You’ll meet people from all around Australia and the world and make friends for life.

Best of all, there are so many things besides study that you can get involved in (see page 22). From student politics to sporting clubs, you have the chance to follow your interests and meet a bunch of new people.

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Ella Alexander took an unusual route to her Arts/Law degree. She dropped out of high school early, but completed Year 12 through Sydney Distance Education High School and TAFE. The Broadway Scheme helped her secure a place at Sydney Uni and our Entry and Access scholarships give her the financial freedom to join several clubs.

“Just apply! You never know what will happen. The truth is, Sydney Uni is heaps more flexible than you might think. Admissions, scholarships ... just apply and you might get a surprise! Once you’re here you’ll have the time of your life.”

Ella Alexander Combined Arts/Law student

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Choices, choicesWhat can I study?

At school You may think that only students who study ‘good scaling’ subjects, maybe like maths or physics, will have the marks they need to get into uni.

Wrong! When it comes to deciding on your subjects for Year 11 and Year 12, you’re better off choosing something you love, a subject you won’t mind studying for two years. If you force yourself to do a subject you hate, or that you’re not so good at, then it will be harder to be motivated to study.

You will achieve best in those subjects which you have a real passion for. Don’t worry about scaling – let your results speak for themselves.

At uni Sydney Uni is organised into 16 faculties:

– Agriculture and Environment – Architecture, Design and Planning – Arts and Social Sciences – University of Sydney Business School – Dentistry – Education and Social Work – Engineering and Information Technologies – Health Sciences – Sydney Law School – Sydney Medical School – Sydney Conservatorium of Music – Sydney Nursing School – Pharmacy – Science – Veterinary Science – Sydney College of the Arts

The faculty you enrol with depends on the course you select. And within each course there is a wide range of subjects (called ‘units of study’) that you can choose to take.

For some courses, you don’t need to have studied anything in particular at high school – for others (such as science) you might need to have finished the HSC in maths or chemistry or physics. Check the requirements as early as you can. If it’s too late for you to complete a certain HSC subject, you may still be able to enrol for your preferred uni degree by doing a bridging course.

The important thing is, with so much on offer, we’re bound to have something that interests you. So why not check it out? For all the useful details, visit sydney.edu.au/courses

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“Travelling was great but I always knew I wanted more out of life – I wanted a degree. At Sydney Uni there’s so much on offer. Combine this with the weird and wonderful people who will become your friends for life, and you’ll find yourself motivated, excited and enthusiastic to take your skills into the real world and make a difference.”

Robert Paterson Mechanical Engineering student

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AdmissionWhat are my chances?

When you do your HSC, you will receive an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Your ATAR shows how well you did in the HSC, based on the marks you receive for your subjects. Your ATAR, provided by UAC, is the most common basis for getting into uni. But don’t be alarmed – your ATAR is only one of many pathways to studying at Sydney Uni. Through Access Sydney sydney.edu.au/access we offer a number of alternative entry pathways for Year 12 students. You may be eligible to apply for more than one scheme. Why not consider all your options?

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UACUAC is the Universities Admissions Centre – your starting point for university applications. Every year UAC publishes a guide that lists all the courses offered by all the different universities in NSW and the ACT. The UAC guide is available through your school. In Year 12, once you have decided which courses you’re interested in, you’ll log on to the UAC website and enter your preferred courses in order of preference. Then in January, the main-round offers are released.

More informationUniversities Admissions Centre (UAC) T +61 2 9752 0200 www.uac.edu.au

Early Offer Year 12 Scheme (E12) The E12 scheme gives you the opportunity to receive an early conditional offer to study at the University of Sydney, before you have even started your HSC exams. E12 is for students who have been financially disadvantaged during their time at school and whose principal believes they have the potential to succeed at university. The scheme includes an early conditional offer, specific E12 ATARs, a $5000 first year scholarship, an iPad and support to help with the transition to University.

Cadigal Alternative Entry ProgramThe Cadigal Alternative Entry Program is an access and support program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from all types of academic backgrounds. All of the University’s undergraduate courses that are offered through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) can be studied through the program. We encourage all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to submit an application before the closing date, as you cannot apply for this scheme once you have received your ATAR.

Broadway SchemeThe Broadway Scheme is the University of Sydney’s way of supporting the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) run by UAC. We recognise that some circumstances in Years 11 and 12 are outside your control, and may affect your final grades. The Broadway Scheme takes into account all the factors that may have influenced your ATAR, such as financial disadvantage, illness, family disruption, or living in a remote or rural area. More than 600 Broadway Scheme places are awarded to eligible applicants each year.

Depending on the course you apply for, if your application to the Broadway Scheme is successful, you may receive a concession of up to five ATAR points to help you get into the course of your choice.

If you are attending a government-identified ‘disadvantaged school’, you are automatically eligible to apply for the Broadway Scheme. These schools are mostly in regional/country areas. Ask your careers adviser or principal whether this applies to your school.

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Amy Fox graduated from Wade High School in Griffith and, after taking a study-free gap year to earn some cash, started a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Sydney.

With her heart set on studying law, she successfully transferred to her dream degree a year later, after attaining the required Distinction average. Since then she has studied law for six months in Italy, and will finish her university education on exchange with Humboldt University in Berlin. On graduation she will take up a clerkship at a major law firm.

“My ATAR didn’t quite make the cut for getting into a law course, but finding out about and completing the transfer process was surprisingly simple. The hardest thing is being so far away from my friends and family, but because there are so many opportunities to get involved in university life, I now consider Sydney my second home.”

Amy Fox Law student

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Elite Athletes and Performers SchemeAre you exceptionally good at sport or one of the performing arts? This scheme is for people who can demonstrate that they are elite athletes or performers and have had training, competition or practice commitments that have significantly affected their ATAR. The program provides ongoing support and training to assist you in being your best both on and off the field or stage. The scheme includes up to five additional ATAR points. You will still need to demonstrate good academic ability – it’s the whole person, social, sporting, cultural and academic, that counts.

Flexible Entry If your ATAR is no more than five points below the cut-off point for your chosen course, you may be eligible for this scheme. It gives you the chance to receive an offer, but your HSC subjects in Year 12 must be relevant to your intended degree.

Special Consideration for Admission Scheme This scheme is for people who’ve attempted tertiary study in the past, and can show that they have experienced some form of disadvantage during their secondary and/or tertiary studies that adversely affected their results. If your application is successful, you may be admitted into your chosen course with results that are slightly below the normal ones but not with results that are well below normal.

Rural Entry Schemes Are you from a country area? The Rural Entry Schemes, linked to the faculties of Pharmacy and Veterinary Science, offer improved access to the University’s courses for Year 12 students from rural backgrounds.

Transferring and graduate entry What if you don’t get a high enough ATAR to get into the exact course you want at Sydney Uni? Or if you start one degree and then decide that you are really interested in something else? You can start any degree course at any university, and then apply through UAC to transfer to what you really want to do.

Applying to transfer is still a competitive process, and your grades from your uni courses will be counted, so it is important to do as well as you can. Applications to transfer are made through UAC. Usually, admission is based on both your ATAR and the grade point average you achieve in the first year of your other course.

In some cases you can study a generalist degree first and then follow it with a professional or specialist qualification gained from postgraduate study. For example, if you do not receive the ATAR required for entry to physiotherapy, you can study a Bachelor of Health Sciences with a major in human movement and follow it with the Master of Physiotherapy. This pathway may take longer, but it still allows you to achieve your goals and enhance your career path.

Certain criteria apply to transfer courses, and the option to transfer is open to many (but not all) courses, so do your research carefully.

More informationsydney.edu.au/access

Admissions Office T +61 2 8627 8207 E admissions.office@sydney.edu.au

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Costs and scholarships

Finances can be a challenging aspect of being a uni student and for many it’s a constant juggle. Thankfully, you don’t have to deal with those finances on your own. Here we explain the costs you can expect to face as a uni student, and tell you about the support services that are here to help.

Course feesThe Australian Government pays a large portion of the course fees for most undergraduate domestic students. This is known as a Commonwealth-supported place. You will pay the remainder as a student contribution. This amount depends on the course you are studying (see the table at right) and varies each year.

To be eligible for a Commonwealth-supported place you must be a permanent resident or citizen of Australia (or New Zealand), or hold an Australian permanent humanitarian visa. International students are not eligible.

2013 student contribution rates

Band Area of study 2013

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Humanities, behavioural sciences, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education* and nursing*

$5868

2

Computing, built environment, health, engineering, surveying, agriculture, mathematics, science, statistics

$8363

3

Law, dentistry, medicine, veterinary science, accounting, administration, economics, commerce

$9792

* Please note that for those students who commenced their Commonwealth-supported course prior to 1 January 2010 the maximum annual student contribution amount charged for education and nursing is $4696.

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HECS-HELPThe student contribution looks like a lot, right? Fortunately you have some options about how to pay. This is how it works. At the start of each semester you will be sent an invoice for your student contribution. Australian citizens and Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders have a couple of options on how to pay:

1. Defer the full amount through the HECS-HELP program (a loan scheme offered by the federal government).

2. Pay the full amount and get a discount off the entire cost. (Read on to learn more about the discount.)

All other Australian permanent resident visa holders and New Zealand citizens are required to pay their semester fees up front and are not entitled to a discount.

As of 1 January 2013, the discount is 10 percent off the entire cost, applied to upfront student contributions of $500 or more. Most eligible students choose to defer their payment through the HECS-HELP option. If you do the same, you won’t have to start paying your loan back until you start earning above a certain income – in the 2012–13 income year the minimum threshold for payment was $49,095.

Check out the Australian Taxation Office website for the most current repayment threshold: www.ato.gov.au

For more information on HECS-HELP and Commonwealth support, see www.studyassist.gov.au

Other costsNot every student is the same, so you’re not all going to have the same costs. Everyone’s budget will be unique.

As you begin to figure out your expenses, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, your course will make a difference. If you’re a music student, remember to include the cost of scores and instruments. If you’re studying fine arts you will need materials, paint, canvas, photographic paper and so on.

On average most students living away from home spend $400–$500 per week on living expenses, and it will probably break down to something like the table below.

Living costsAverage cost

per week

Rent $220+

Food $120+

Utilities $20

Travel $40

Stationery/textbooks $15

Entertainment/personal $80

Laundry $10

Note: these figures are estimates only.

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Centrelink allowances Youth Allowance is a fortnightly payment paid by Centrelink. It is designed to support young people who are studying, undertaking training or looking for a job. Abstudy is a similar scheme for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

If you receive Abstudy or Youth Allowance payments, you will also receive the Start-Up Scholarship automatically, to help you get settled in at uni and pay for course materials and accommodation. If you’re from a regional background, you could receive more financial help through a Relocation Scholarship and Rent Assistance.

To find out whether you’re eligible for Youth Allowance or Abstudy, visit Centrelink’s website: www.humanservices.gov.au/centrelink

Accommodation costsYou’ll need a roof over your head of course.At Sydney Uni we have accommodation options both on and off campus. You might choose to live in a residential college, the University of Sydney Village, or a fully furnished University-owned house. At first glance a college may seem expensive compared to other living arrangements, but when you include all the costs of setting up your own place, on-campus living can be a good choice. The University also has a limited number of low-cost houses for first-year students, close to the Camperdown Campus. For more information, see sydney.edu.au/uni_owned_housing

You could also live off campus in a share house or apartment. Sydney can be an expensive city for renters, so it’s worth checking the costs before you decide what you can afford. A share house can set you back $180–$300 per week per person. A rented one-bedroom apartment is usually about $200–$400. Don’t forget the additional costs of being in your own apartment or house: travel, internet, telephone, food, gas and electricity bills.

For more information on accommodation options see page 19.

For more advice about living options and expenses, pay a visit to our Accommodation Information Service, or browse its website sydney.edu.au/accommodation

And the rest ...Don’t forget about the extras: those little treats and unexpected costs that can really add up. For example, you might want to factor in a gym membership, student club fees and entertainment. Medical and dental bills might also arise. At this stage you can’t predict every cost, but it helps to make your budget as comprehensive as you can, and build in some flexibility.

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Commonwealth and University of Sydney scholarships

We have one of the most generous scholarship programs of any university in New South Wales – with more than 700 schemes available. Scholarships give you the financial freedom to focus on your study and other commitments. If you have done well in sport or music, experienced serious financial or educational disadvantage, or come from a remote or rural area, there’s probably a scholarship for you. For full details, visit sydney.edu.au/scholarships

University of Sydney Access ScholarshipsAccess scholarships are for students receiving a Centrelink benefit, who have experienced financial or educational disadvantage, are from rural or remote areas, or have a disability. You apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) at the same time as applying for university. The scholarship is currently worth $6000 each year for the standard length of your degree.

University of Sydney Merit and Entry ScholarshipsWe award these based on a combination of your HSC exam results (including ATAR), and other achievements that show qualities such as leadership, creativity, self motivation and communication skills. The Entry Scholarship is worth $6000 (one-off); the Merit Scholarship is $6000 per year for the duration of your degree.

University of Sydney Faculty Scholarships There is also a wealth of faculty scholarships at Sydney Uni which you may be eligible for. More information is available at the faculty websites: sydney.edu.au/faculties

University of Sydney Scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studentsThe University has a number of scholarships based on financial need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. One example is the Bernard Lee Scholarship, valued at $5000, for students younger than 35. About seven of these scholarships are awarded each year. Applications close in Semester One. For more information on scholarships offered by the Financial Assistance Office, see sydney.edu.au/financial-assistance

Commonwealth Scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studentsThe Indigenous Access Scholarship (IAS) is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are about to start their first year at university, and who are in financial need. In 2012 the payment was $4485, paid during the first semester.

The Indigenous Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students relocating from rural or remote areas, who are already receiving Abstudy. In 2012 it was $4754.

The Indigenous Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarships is for enrolled University of Sydney students in financial need, to help with living and study expenses. In 2012 it was worth $2377. You can apply for all these scholarships at the same time as you apply for university through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

To find out more about the various scholarship options we offer, check out the Scholarships Office website at sydney.edu.au/scholarships

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University of Sydney bursaries, loans and emergency financial help

Once you get to uni ... The support doesn’t stop once you arrive here. If you’re struggling to make ends meet, you can get in touch with our Financial Assistance Service (sydney.edu.au/financial-assistance) or the Students’ Representative Council (sydney.edu.au/src).

You may be eligible for a bursary: a non-repayable gift to help you with basic course-related and accommodation costs. Sydney Uni has one of the most generous first-year bursary programs in the country. You can apply for one any time after you start studying.

University of Sydney First Year BursaryThis helps first year students to get set up at university, and is worth $2000. To be eligible you need to be a full-time student on a Centrelink benefit, with demonstrated financial need.

University of Sydney BursaryYou can apply for this bursary any time during your course. It is valued at up to $1000 and can help with things such as moving house, rent and living expenses, and medical expenses. Advertised bursaries are also open for applications in Semester One of each academic year.

Emergency helpWe also offer cash payments up to $500 in cases of emergency. This can be paid on the day you apply if necessary. To find out more about these payments, visit sydney.edu.au/financial-assistance

Residential College ScholarshipsWe have seven residential colleges at Sydney Uni, each with its own scholarship and support options. For more details, visit the colleges’ websites, listed at sydney.edu.au/accommodation/on_campus/college

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Can I work and study?

More than half of university students work during their degrees – in casual employment or in a workplace that relates to their degree.

There are many benefits of working while you study. It can be a great way to ease the financial pressure of being a student, improve your career prospects, give you confidence, and help you gain valuable references and work experience for your résumé.

Getting a jobYou may find a job through your own connections, but it’s also worth paying a visit to our Careers Centre. Its priority is to help you to explore your career interests, options and goals. Our services are free for all enrolled students, and there is definitely something for everyone – from casual/holiday jobs to career fairs and workshops where you can develop new skills.

We can help you connect with industry and meet potential future employers, help you polish up your résumé and refine your interview skills. On the Careers Centre website, you can register online to view a database of casual, part-time and vacation employment. Get Career Centred at sydney.edu.au/careers

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AccommodationWhere will I live?

Maybe you’re a student from a regional area and living away from home to study at university. Or perhaps you simply want some independence. As with all things Sydney, the variety of options is vast, covering a wide range of budgets and locations.

University-owned accommodationHeading straight from a regional school to uni? Then University-owned accommodation is a great option, because young first-year students from distant locales are given first preference.

The three types of University-owned accommodation available are Darlington House, terraced housing and low-cost housing. All of these are fully furnished and located on or near the Camperdown/Darlington Campus – so the University, the fabulous restaurants and bookstores of King Street in Newtown and all the delights of Sydney are only moments away!

This type of accommodation can be either single or mixed gender, and there are a number of different types of rooms. Rents range from $82 to $250 per week.

Places are limited so it’s extremely important to get in early – applications close on 31 December each year.

More informationOneeva Tu’uhetoka Accommodation Officer T +61 2 9351 3322 E oneeva.tuuhetoka@sydney.edu.au

Karla Mahe Student Accommodation Liaison Officer T +61 2 9351 3490 E karla.mahe@sydney.edu.au sydney.edu.au/accommodation

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Sydney University VillageSydney University Village (SUV) is another excellent accommodation option. It has a great community vibe, retail facilities, a food court, bars and meeting rooms. Residential Assistants offer peer support for your wellbeing, mental health and homesickness, as well as first aid and safety issues. The ResLife program offers social events such as inter-residential cruises, sporting and other activities, which are either free or cheap, as well as academic support such as tutors and personal development courses.

SUV offers a wide range of accommodation, from studios to five-bedroom apartments. Rent ranges from $256.80 to $449.80 per week.

More informationT +61 2 9036 4000 E info@sydneyuv.com.au www.sydneyuv.com.au

International HouseThis multinational student residence is located right on the doorstep of the Camperdown Campus. Fully catered and highly social, the house offers students the chance to live on campus and develop lifelong connections with local and international students. You can choose from single or twin-share fully catered rooms, or more independent apartments. Fully catered rooms range from $348 to $650 a week.

More information sydney.edu.au/internationalhouse

Colleges – the authentic experienceIf you’ve watched too much American TV and can’t imagine university without fraternities and sororities, then there’s only one accommodation option that will come close to meeting your expectations – the University of Sydney’s residential colleges.

Mandelbaum House, St Andrew’s, St John’s, St Paul’s, Sancta Sophia, Wesley and Women’s Colleges are all defined by their vibrant sense of community, weekly gatherings, delicious food, inter-collegiate sports, free access to private gyms and libraries, tutoring, doctors and chaplains.

The only downside is the high up-front costs each semester – but this can be offset by other types of support. If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, or come from a rural background, you may be eligible for significant support from your college. And when you consider that you won’t have to buy your own furniture, or even cook for yourself, there are some definite benefits to being in a college!

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can also have their college costs covered through Abstudy.

To apply, call 13 23 17.

The most important thing is – get your applications in quick. College applications close before you find out your results – in October of the year you finish high school. So if you have a good idea that this is where you want to live, don’t let anything stop you from filling out that application form ASAP.

More informationStudent Accommodation Services T +61 2 9351 3312 E accommodation.info@sydney.edu.au sydney.edu.au/accommodation

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Haney Kang graduated from a public high school in Melbourne in 2010, and made the move to Sydney by herself to study a Bachelor of International and Global Studies and Bachelor of Laws.

She hadn’t expected to receive an offer from Sydney or planned to move interstate, but despite the short notice she managed to find accommodation at the University-owned Darlington terraces.

“Being forced to move out of home has definitely been a positive and worthwhile experience. The houses are located so near the University that I can literally wake up 10 minutes before class and still make it on time! My independence, sense of responsibility, budgeting skills and housework have all improved considerably.

“The scariest part was not knowing who my housemates would be – but within weeks we were so close that we started thinking of each other as family.”

Haney Kang Combined Law/International and Global Studies student

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Sport and other activitiesThe fun stuff!

If you think life at uni would be a bit of a drag if it was all about lectures and assignments, you’re in luck! A huge part of being at uni is about meeting other people through the many sports, clubs and societies Sydney Uni has to offer.

From rugby union to archery, mountaineering to cheerleading, and sailing to kickboxing, as well as a number of fitness centres, Sydney is bound to keep you active and get you challenging yourself in new and yet-to-be-dreamed-of ways.

If you’re not the competitive type or want to try something new there are also plenty of social sporting events to choose from, and for the non-sporty types there are still 200 clubs and societies. Some clubs you might be interested in are the:

– Chocolate Society (hang out, eat chocolate … yum!)

– Movement and Dance Society (dance until you drop)

– United Nations Society (talk about the world’s big issues)

– Lego Society (yes, really).

University of Sydney UnionThe University of Sydney Union (USU) is run by students for students – providing services and amenities, live music and entertainment and support to the clubs and societies on offer. USU also runs the Student Leadership Program to encourage the involvement of students as leaders within the community, as well as internships for postgraduate and international students.

Getting involved with USU is easy – there are so many opportunities to pursue your interests and play to your strengths. USU is a fun and fulfilling way to get involved at Sydney Uni and enhance your student life.

Membership to USU also gives you Access – a card that offers a huge range of discounts both on and off campus. It’s hard to say no to such great offers!

www.usuonline.com

More informationSporting clubs T +61 2 9351 4960 E admin@sport.usyd.edu.au www.susf.com.au/page/sports_clubs.html

Other clubs and societies T +61 2 9563 6160 or +61 2 9563 6133 E clubsandsocs@usu.usyd.edu.au www.usydunion.com/Clubs__Socs/Default.aspx

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SupportWho will help me?

It’s true that at uni you’re expected to take charge of your own education – but you’re never alone! We have a wide range of support services to turn to if you need help.

Academic supportAt Sydney we want you to achieve your very best, so we provide all the assistance you might need to make this possible. Whether you’re after help with research skills, essay-writing workshops, tutoring services or internet access, the friendly staff at the Library, Learning Centre, Mathematics Learning Centre and the computer access labs will help you reach your academic goals and more.

EmploymentAt the University’s Careers Centre, our priority is to help you to explore your career interests, options and goals – as soon as you start your studies. Our services are available free of charge to all enrolled students. From casual and holiday jobs to skills development and careers fairs, there’s definitely something for everyone. We can help you make connections with industry and meet your potential future employer (see page 18 for more information on working while studying).

FinancesLet’s face it, managing your money is hard at the best of times, let alone when you have to concentrate on studying. Luckily, the Financial Assistance Service, Students’ Representative Council and Centrelink can all give you a helping hand. We understand that you need extra time to study while preparing for exams, and can assist with bursaries and loans to help you juggle paying bills and cramming for exams at the same time.

Health and welfareWe realise that your health and wellbeing should be your highest priority, and certainly you’ll need to be feeling your best to achieve all that you want while at uni. The Counselling and Psychological Services team can help you develop personal resilience and skills to survive and thrive.

MedicalThe University Health Service bulk bills, and is easy to access for any kind of illness.

More informationsydney.edu.au/student-services

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“Be curious – don’t limit yourself! The flexibility of life at Sydney Uni means you can have an experience that suits you. Every day, the University just comes alive with the energy of thousands of students.”

Pristine Ong Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) student

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1Visit our website and read about the courses you’re interested in, and their entry requirements.

sydney.edu.au/start

2Get the UAC guide from your school (or visit the UAC website) to help you choose subjects. www.uac.edu.au

3Check your entry options. You might be eligible for a special-entry pathway (an ATAR boost). sydney.edu.au/access

4 Find out about the scholarships available to you. sydney.edu.au/scholarships

5 Check whether you’re eligible for Centrelink support. www.humanservices.gov.au/centrelink

6Call or email us for advice on your specific course, or with any other questions. T 1300 362 006 E future.students@sydney.edu.au

7 Visit us on Open Day – Saturday 25 August 2013. sydney.edu.au/open_day

8Submit your application by 28 September 2013, through UAC. Scholarship applications are also due now. www.uac.edu.au

9 Visit us on Info Day – Thursday 3 January 2014 sydney.edu.au/info-day

10 Main round offers are sent on 16 January 2013. Accept your offer and enrol!

1Visit our website and read about the courses you’re interested in, and their entry requirements. sydney.edu.au/start

2Get the UAC guide from your school (or visit the UAC website) to help you choose subjects. www.uac.edu.au

3Check your entry options. You might be eligible for a special entry pathway (an ATAR boost). sydney.edu.au/access

4 Find out about the scholarships available to you. sydney.edu.au/scholarships

5 Check whether you’re eligible for Centrelink support. www.humanservices.gov.au/centrelink

6Call or email us for advice on your specific course, or with any other questions. T 1300 362 006 E future.students@sydney.edu.au

7 Visit us on Open Day – Saturday 31 August 2013. sydney.edu.au/open_day

8Submit your application by 28 September 2013, through UAC. Scholarship applications are also due now. www.uac.edu.au

9 Visit us on Info Day – Thursday 3 January 2014. sydney.edu.au/info-day

10 Main round offers are sent in mid-January 2014. Accept your offer and enrol!

Next stepsWhere to from here?

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Contact information

General enquiries

HelplineT 1300 362 006 E future.students@sydney.edu.au sydney.edu.au/future-students

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student SupportT +61 2 8627 8619 E support.cadigal@sydney.edu,au sydney.edu.au/indigenous-support

Talk to our studentssydney.edu.au/ug-talk

Financial assistanceT 13 24 90 (Youth Allowance) T 1800 132 317 (Abstudy) www.humanservices.gov.au/centrelink

HECS-HELPT 1800 020 108 www.studyassist.gov.au

Youth AllowanceT 13 24 90 www.humanservices.gov.au/centrelink

Financial Assistance ServiceT +61 2 9351 2416 sydney.edu.au/financial-assistance

Scholarships OfficeT +61 2 8627 8450 E scholarships.reception@sydney.edu.au sydney.edu.au/scholarships

Accommodation

Student Accommodation ServicesT +61 2 9351 3312 E accommodation.info@sydney.edu.au sydney.edu.au/accommodation

University-owned accommodationT +61 2 9351 3490 or +61 2 9351 3322 E karla.mahe@sydney.edu.au or E oneeva.nasilai@sydney.edu.au sydney.edu.au/accommodation

Sydney University Village (SUV)www.sydneyuv.com.au

Residential collegessydney.edu.au/accommodation sydney.edu.au/internationalhouse

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Sports and other activities

Clubs and societiesT +61 2 9563 6160 T +61 2 9563 6133 E clubsandsocs@usu.usyd.edu.au sydney.edu.au/usu

Sport and fitnessT +61 2 9351 4960 E admin@sport.usyd.edu.au www.susf.com.au

Other support

Student Servicessydney.edu.au/student-services

Learning Centresydney.edu.au/lc

Disability ServicesT +61 2 8627 8422 sydney.edu.au/disability

Counselling and Psychological ServicesT +61 2 8627 8433 sydney.edu.au/counselling

Mathematics and Learning Centresydney.edu.au/mlc

Librarysydney.edu.au/library

Common terms

ATARThis is your Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank – the number that indicates your ranking among other students completing their HSC (Higher School Certificate). Your ATAR is used by universities to assess your application.

BursaryA bursary is a payment we offer to help you out if you have trouble paying for study and living expenses while you’re at uni.

Combined degree programA combined degree program (also called a double degree) allows you to earn two degrees from different faculties. For example, if you complete a combined Arts/Law degree program, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Laws degree.

Commonwealth-supported studentAs a domestic student (as opposed to an international student), the federal government will pay a large portion of your university fees, although you must also pay some. The portion you pay is called your student contribution.

Course/degreeThese terms can be confusing. Strictly speaking, your course is the program of study in which you are enrolled. Your degree is the qualification you will receive when you graduate.

Credit pointEach unit of study (subject) is worth a certain number of credit points – typically six. You need to complete a specified total of credit points in order to complete your course and graduate.

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FacultyA faculty is a group of academic staff, headed by a dean. Each faculty is responsible for administering all the courses in a particular subject area. Examples include the Sydney Law School and the Faculty of Science.

GraduateA graduate is someone who has completed a degree program and been awarded that degree.

HECS-HELPThis is a loan available from the government to cover your student contribution. You can choose to take out a HECS-HELP loan or pay your student contribution up front. If you take the loan, you don’t have to start paying it back until you start working and your income reaches a certain threshold ($49,095 in the 2012–13 income year).

PostgraduateThis term describes a course that can only be taken by students who have already completed an undergraduate degree. Postgraduate courses include master’s degrees, graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and doctorates (PhDs).

ScholarshipsUniversity of Sydney scholarships help to relieve your money worries at uni and allow you to focus on your studies and other commitments.

Student contributionThis is the portion of your university fees that you must pay if you are a Commonwealth-supported student.

UACThis is the Universities Admissions Centre, which receives and processes applications for admission to undergraduate courses at universities in NSW and the ACT.

UndergraduateThis is a term used to describe a course that leads to a bachelor’s degree or a diploma. This is the first type of degree you study at a university. An undergraduate student is a student who is enrolled in such a course.

Unit of studyThis is an individual subject that you study as part of your degree.

This publication is printed on Nordset, an environmentally responsible paper certified to Forest Stewardship Council Standards. The paper is produced from mixed-source pulp from well-managed forests and other controlled sources and is elemental chlorine free (ECF).

The University of SydneyNSW 2006 Australia T 1300 362 006sydney.edu.au/future-students

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Produced by Marketing and Communications, the University of Sydney, April 2013. The University reserves the right to make alterations to any information contained within this publication without notice. 13/3125

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