Possibly the best thing about living on campus is having a constant support network of people around you. There's always someone willing to help, to provide guidance or simply just to listen.
If you’re having any problems, you can first talk to your Resident Fellow/Assistant or Community Assistant. You can either discuss the problem with them, or they can point you in the right direction of who to get in touch with at UNSW.
Don’t ever feel like you have to deal with stuff alone.
Meet Dr. Kate Thomson
"I am here if you need support with your own wellbeing or have concerns about another resident."
Residential Wellbeing Officer
Dr Kate Thomson has recently joined us as our Residential Wellbeing Officer.
Kate will be the point of contact for students who have any wellbeing-related concerns, either about themselves or other residents.
Moving forward, Kate will deliver training and education in areas of gendered violence, healthy relationships, mental health and general wellbeing.
Over the last decade, Kate has worked in a range of support and wellbeing-focussed roles in her home country of Scotland. She is experienced in working in a trauma-informed manner with a range of mental health concerns. Kate is passionate about empowering others to understand, and improve, their wellbeing.
Other Health & well-being service
Counselling & psychological services
If you would like to speak to someone who is professionally trained, contact UNSW Psychology & Wellness on 9385 5418 or visit them in person on level 2, East Quadrangle building.
24/7 counselling & mental health
Contact the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 for mental health acute care or Lifeline on 13 11 14 for crisis support and suicide prevention.
Hear to Hear
Hear to Hear is an after-hours helpline for UNSW students, run by Arc. Call 9385 4832 from 9pm to 7am every night, during each term.
ReachOut
ReachOut provides specially targeted information and tools to help young people going through tough times. From mental health issues, bullying, abuse, drugs and alcohol through to tips for coping with change and making friends, there’s heaps of information on here.
Student Support Advisors
Student Support Advisors are available by appointment in person, over the phone or via email to assist students in accessing the various health services within and outside of UNSW; assist students in applying for special consideration or amending their course enrolment; and support students in developing a manageable workload. You can call the office on 9385 4734 or email them directly.
Medical & health services
Information on all of the medical & health services available to students, including doctors, dentists, optometrists, physiotherapists and more.
National Home Doctor Service
The National Home Doctor Service (NHDS) offers after hours visits from 6pm to 8am weekdays and from noon Saturday to 8am Monday & public holidays, 365 days a year. The National Home Doctor Service will directly bill an overseas student’s insurer with cover from Medibank, Allianz or Bupa. Medicare card holders are bulk billed, so there’s nothing to pay for an after-hours home visit. The NHDS works in collaboration with doctors at UNSW Health Service. Call 13 7425 or (13 SICK).
Bullying, discrimination, harassment
Support and advice for students if you need to report incidents of assault, harassment & discrimination.
International student advisors
Support for international students with all aspects of life that may affect academic performance. Call 9385 5333 or email them directly.
Please click here for more information and contacts.
Getting involved
Joining a club, society or organisation is a great way to make new friends, stay active and find people who share your interests. There are over 250 clubs and societies from social, sporting, cultural, political and religious interests… there’s something for everyone!
UNSW clubs & societies
Joining a club or society is a great way to meet new people with common interests and find things to do outside of the classroom.
Arc sport
Whether you’re keen to get active, want to represent UNSW against other universities or just have some fun, Arc Sport has a range of individual and team activities to choose from.
Attend as many events as you can, join as many teams as you can and join groups or societies outside of your college in order to expand your social circles.
Fitness & aquatic centre
The UNSW Fitness & Aquatic Centre offers a whole range of fitness facilities and programs for all ages and abilities. Facilities include:
- Health club
- Indoor heated pool
- Group fitness classes
- Small group training sessions
- Indoor sports courts
- Steam room
- Weights area
- Change rooms
- Spin room
- Café
- Free monthly member breakfasts
The Centre also offers some amazing discounts on gym memberships for students living on campus. Call 9385 4881 or visit them in person for more information.
Work
If you’re after part-time or vacation employment while you’re studying, the UNSW Careers & Employment Service can help. They also hold regular career-planning workshops to help you make decisions about your future. You can even use this service up to 18 months after graduating.