Western Sydney University: A Comprehensive Guide for International Students, Study notes of Marketing

Download Western Sydney University: A Comprehensive Guide for International Students and more Study notes Marketing in PDF only on Docsity!

WELCOME

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

2 Welcome to Western

Welcome to Western Sydney University, a dynamic and innovative institution and one of Australia’s largest universities. We attract world-class staff and students from all over the globe.

With 48,500 students, our University is ranked in the top two per cent of universities worldwide. Western offers you a high-quality education and opportunities to engage with groundbreaking research, to prepare you for personal and professional success.

During your time at Western, you’ll learn from some of Australia’s most outstanding academics who have the leading industry experience to bring together theory and current practice. They will partner with you so that you graduate with work-ready, hands-on experience.

Your first few weeks in Australia may be challenging and busy. The International team has prepared this Welcome Guide with information about settling in, living and transport, looking after yourself, and keeping healthy and safe. The guide also covers hints for effective study, how to access varied support services, comply with your visa conditions and the steps you will need to finally graduate.

If you still have questions after browsing the Welcome Guide, please contact the Western Sydney International team. We are here to help you.

I wish you every success with your studies and a wonderful, rewarding student experience. The International team looks forward to helping you achieve your dreams at Western Sydney University.

Associate Professor Linda Taylor Pro Vice-Chancellor, International

A MESSAGE FROM THE

PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR,

INTERNATIONAL

4 Welcome to Western

CONTENTS

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR, INTERNATIONAL 3

WELCOME TO WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY 6

SETTLING IN: SETTING UP AND GETTING ORGANISED 8

Accommodation 9 On-campus accommodation | Temporary accommodation | Off-campus accommodation | Ten tips to know before you rent | Homestay and under 18s Essential Services 11 Money and banking | Top tips to save money | Phone and internet | Students with families | Study, Money and Life Skills LIVING AND TRANSPORT: ON CAMPUS AND OUT IN THE COMMUNITY 16 Australian Culture 17 Australian English | Cultural immersion Lifestyle in Western Sydney 17 History | The outdoors | Sport | Shopping and food | Culture and community Our Campuses 20 Map of Western Sydney Transport 22 Shuttle bus service | Public transport | Shared transport | Buying a car or motorcycle | Parking on campus | Follow the road rules | Vehicle licences | Taxis and Uber LOOK AFTER YOURSELF: KEEP HEALTHY AND STAY SAFE 24 Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) 25 Medical Treatment 26 Medical emergency | Doctors | Pharmacies | Public Hospitals | Private Hospitals | Mental Health and Wellbeing | Counselling services | Sun safety | Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service | Ten tips to stay healthy Stay Safe 28 Campus safety and security | Emergency numbers | Emergency Contact Points | Walking | Biking | Driving | Swimming | Fire hazards STUDY SMART: HOW TO KEEP YOUR LEARNING ON THE RIGHT PATH 30 The Essentials 31 Enrolment | Tutorials & timetable | Attend classes | Happy with your units? | Want to drop a unit? | Ongoing study | Check your email | Exams | Results | Student ID card | Important dates Your Library 33 Study Smart Zone | Spaces to suit your study | Access day and night | Digital resources | Course support | Study break | Contact us | Stay connected Online Services and Systems 34 MyWestern | Student email | Handbook | My Student Records (MYSR) | Allocate+ (tutorial registration and timetables) | SMS | Twitter | Facebook | WeChat and Weibo | E-learning (vUWS) | Student website

westernsydney.edu.au 5

STUDY REQUIREMENTS 36

Unit outline | Assessment tasks | Lectures | Tutorials | Independent learning | Critical thinking and analysis | Course progression and attendance | Leave of absence | Student (work) placements | Student misconduct Six Habits for Academic Success 40 Essay Writing – What’s Expected 41 FEES AND COST OF LIVING 42 Tuition fees | Additional fees and costs | Student fees account | Three easy methods to pay your fees Five Tips for Paying Fees 44 LIVING COSTS 46 Living Expenses per Year 46 Settling In Expenses 47 Weekly Ongoing Expenses 47 ASK FOR HELP: SUPPORT SERVICES FOR STUDENTS 49 Transition Success | International Buddies | Mentoring | Peer assisted study sessions (PASS) | Student Clubs | Student Central | Help 24/7 | Student ID Card | E-Forms | Student Welfare Service Equity and Diversity 52 Ally Network | Respect.Now.Always | Disability Service | Chaplaincy | Academic Support Programs | Complaints Resolution Unit Student Representation and Participation 53 Ten Tips for a Great First Year 54 WORKING IN AUSTRALIA 55 How to Find a Job 56 Avoid Exploitation 56 Fair Work Ombudsman 56 Tax File Number (TFN) 56 Cash-in-hand Payment 56 Career Readiness 57 Student Employment and Experience 57 Post-Study Work Arrangements 57 YOUR STUDENT VISA 58 Visa Conditions 59 Education Service for Overseas Students (ESOS) 59 Financial Requirements 60 HELPFUL LINKS 61 GRADUATION AND ALUMNI 62

6 Welcome to Western

WELCOME TO

WESTERN SYDNEY

UNIVERSITY

This guide gives you the information you need

as a new international student. It includes

useful tips and contact information to help you

live and study in Australia.

Take your time to adjust to this new lifestyle. Remember many other students are going through the same challenging experience, and others who have been here longer than you, are always willing to help. Western has plenty of services to help you. Don’t be shy to ask!

This guide is designed to work together with other University information to provide you with details about: ≥ University policies and procedures ≥ visa requirements ≥ support services and key contacts ≥ your study obligations ≥ living in Sydney.

For any questions, issues or concerns, please go to westernsydney.edu.au/students to access information or determine whom you should contact.

8 Welcome to Western

SETTLING IN

westernsydney.edu.au 9

ACCOMMODATION Where will you live? While studying at Western Sydney University will you live alone or with others, on campus or off campus?

ON-CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION Living on campus makes it easy to make friends with your fellow students, and you can also experience everything the University has to offer. You’ll save money and time on transport, as you can simply walk to your lectures or jump on a free shuttle bus.

The University offers a wide range of high-quality, fully-furnished, self-catered accommodation options on six of our campuses.

Most Western Sydney University Villages include: ≥ student lounge with communal kitchen ≥ TV lounge ≥ computer and study rooms ≥ BBQ area ≥ laundry ≥ free internet ≥ access to exclusive Live, Learn, Grow program.

Many also have a range of sports facilities such as swimming pools and table tennis or pool tables.

TEMPORARY

ACCOMMODATION

Temporary accommodation is also available on certain campuses. If you require a place to stay while you look for other accommodation, please contact the Village. westernsydney.edu.au/village

Phone +61 2 8760 0012.

OFF-CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION The Western Sydney region has a range of affordable apartments and share-house options near the University’s campuses. Real estate agents generally manage apartments while individuals or students manage shared accommodation.

Australia’s laws protect both landlords and tenants. By law, landlords must ensure a property is maintained and liveable for you as a tenant. Do your research before you look at properties. Check out transport options and consider how you’ll get to the University. Shared accommodation is a fun way to meet people in a new city and share living expenses.

To find off-campus accommodation: ≥ domain.com.au ≥ realestate.com.au ≥ sydneyproperty.com.au ≥ tradingpost.com.au ≥ gumtree.com.au ≥ flatmates.com.au

Setting up and

getting organised



10

HOMESTAY AND UNDER 18s You might want to live in a ‘homestay’ with an Australian family, where you’ll live in a single or shared room in a private home, usually with ‘full board’ which means all meals are provided. You’ll be part of the daily routine of the family, practise your English language skills and experience Australian culture first-hand.

If you are under 18 years old, this is your only accommodation option. To enable the University to issue a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW), all students under 18 must live with a homestay family arranged by one of Western Sydney University’s approved Homestay Providers: globalexperience.com.au ozhomestay.com.au

TEN TIPS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU RENT OFF-CAMPUS

1. Inspect the property before agreeing to live there. 2. Sign a written contract between you and the landlord. 3. Find out what your legal status is in shared housing. Are you a tenant or a boarder/lodger? Your rights and obligations will vary. 4. A landlord/agent can ask you to pay a holding fee, rent in advance (no more than two weeks rent) and bond (no more than four weeks rent). 5. Your landlord/agent must deposit your bond with NSW Fair Trading. 6. Your landlord/agent must give you a condition report when you move in to be completed by you and the landlord within seven days of moving in. 7. If you do not deposit rent into a bank account make sure you always receive a receipt when you pay rent in cash. 8. If there is a change of shared tenancy make sure tenancy is officially transferred in writing. 9. If you are not sure, ask! You can get advice from your local Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service tenants.org.au or from Student Legal Services: westernsydney.edu.au/sls 10. You have the right to complain to NSW Fair Trading if you are treated unfairly: fairtrading.com.au Phone: 13 32 20 or +61 2 8760 0012.

ESSENTIAL SERVICES

MONEY AND BANKING Opening a bank account Opening an Australian bank account is easy. Banks are generally open Monday to Thursday 9.30am – 4.00pm and Friday 9.30am – 5.00pm. Once you have an account, you can do online banking or phone banking and withdraw cash from an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) 24 hours, seven days a week.

Australia has many banks, credit unions and other financial institutions. Banks have a range of accounts, so you can choose the most suitable for you. These are some of the major banks:

≥ anz.com.au ≥ bendigobank.com.au ≥ commbank.com.au ≥ nab.com.au ≥ stgeorge.com.au ≥ westpac.com.au

If you open a bank account within six weeks of arriving, you’ll only need to present your passport to the bank to fulfil identification requirements. After six weeks, you’ll have to supply further identification. Some banks offer accounts especially for students with fee-free facilities, meaning no account fees are charged. You will need to present your student card to open this type of account.

Overseas telegraphic transfers can take about three working days to enter your Australian bank account, while overseas bank drafts can take two to three weeks. Make sure you have alternative means of obtaining cash in the first few weeks.

Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) You can use your Australian plastic banking access card at any Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) in Australia. You will find ATMs all over Australia including supermarkets, shopping centres and on campus. To avoid transaction fees, use ATMs that belong to your bank network.

ATM locations on campus are: ≥ Bankstown in Building 1 (near the cafeteria) ≥ Campbelltown in Building 2 ≥ Hawkesbury in Building L ≥ Parramatta in Building EA (ground floor near the Security office) ≥ Penrith (Kingswood site) at Building K.

11

Internet Banking You can contact your bank to arrange internet banking to access your account details via the internet (password secured) and perform basic transactions online. You can check your account balance, pay bills, transfer funds or view account statements.

BPAY BPAY allows you to pay bills (e.g. telephone, electricity, credit cards, university fees) by phone or by internet. The bill/invoice you want to pay will provide you with the service provider’s BPAY biller code and an account reference number. This is a convenient and secure way to pay bills from home.

PayPass or payWave A rapidly increasing number of Australian retailers prefer you to pay for goods and services with a card, including contactless payment (PayPass or payWave) for purchases under $100. Still carry some cash, as some places have a minimum spend for card payments.

Financial difficulties If you experience financial difficulties, contact your campus Student Welfare Officer as soon as possible. Please note the University may offer small amounts of funds but cannot pay your tuition fees. Textbook vouchers are available at the beginning of each session and are awarded on a needs basis. See details at westernsydney. edu.au/welfareservice

For information on saving, see moneysmart.gov.au/ managing-your-money/saving

TOP TIPS TO

SAVE MONEY

1. Before making purchases, think – can you do without it? Can you get it another time? 2. Keep receipts for all purchases and transactions to check against your bank statements. 3. Be aware that some things can blow out your budget, such as a car, cigarettes, take-away food, alcohol and impulse buying. 4. Reconsider having a credit card, as it may create a debt that is difficult to pay off. 5. Buy household items and clothes second hand. This is an ethical and budget- wise way to buy goods, and support charities. 6. Use a pre-paid mobile phone or phone card. 7. Use public transport, walk or bike. 8. Plan your weekly meals in advance. Search the Internet for cheap and easy recipes. 9. You can buy and sell second hand textbooks online from websites such as: zookal.com.au jekkle.com.au gumtree.com.au 10. Find out where you can get a student discount. You can save on travel, movies, food and retail if you know who offers student discounted rates.

12 Welcome to Western

westernsydney.edu.au 13

PHONE AND INTERNET

Telephone To make an international call from Australia, dial 0011 + country code + area code + telephone number.

Pre-paid telephone cards offer competitive calling rates to all countries 24 hours per day. Costing $5, $10, $20 and $50, you can buy them at most newsagencies, post offices and convenience stores.

Mobile phones Many different phone and internet services providers offer a wide range of mobile phones and payment options, including prepaid and postpaid. Many students find it easier to buy a prepaid plan; this will also help you keep track of your expenses.

Major service providers include: ≥ optus.com.au ≥ telstra.com.au ≥ vodafone.com.au ≥ tpg.com.au

Internet On campus, you can access free Wi-Fi using your smartphone or laptop with your student ID login and password, simply select Western Wifi when you are on campus. The Village also offers free Western WIFI to all Western Sydney University students.

You can also access your student email, student records and latest news on your MyWestern account. Log on using your student ID and password.

MyWestern: westernsydney. edu.au/mywestern

Public pay phones You can find public payphones that accept coins in airports, post offices, railway stations, shopping centres and in the centre of the city. Local calls are untimed. They cost 50c from a pay phone if you use coins. Long-distance and international calls are charged by the minute. Find a public pay phone’s location using the Payphone Locator search tool at: envinsaonline.mapinfo.com. au/ppol



14 Welcome to Western

STUDENTS WITH FAMILIES

Childcare Western Sydney University Early Learning Limited has Long Daycare Centres conveniently located on six campuses for children up to and including five years old. The centres provide high-quality childcare and early learning experiences in a stimulating, inclusive and nurturing environment. westernsydney.edu.au/ childcare or email [email protected]

New South Wales Schools School attendance is compulsory for all children aged between six and seventeen years. Most children start school aged five. School students generally attend school from Monday to Friday, between 9.00am and 3.30pm. The academic year starts in late January and is divided into four terms of about 10 weeks each.

There are two main types of schools: government (public), and independent (private) schools. There are different independent schools and many are connected with a particular religion. Fees for independent schools vary greatly and you will need to contact the schools directly to find out what they charge or contact the Association of Independent Schools. aisnsw.edu.au/Pages/ schools.aspx

Public Schools As an international student studying in New South Wales, you can enrol your dependent children in a NSW public school. Your children can only be enrolled while you are studying full-time and their enrolment must not exceed the period stated on the visa.

If your children are enrolled in a NSW public school, you will be liable to pay the Temporary Visa Holders Education Fee. The only exceptions are dependents of international students who have a full scholarship from the Australian Government or a publicly funded Australian higher education institution.

If you wish to enrol your child of school age in a NSW public school, you must contact the Department of Education regarding enrolment of primary and secondary school children. www.deinternational. nsw.edu.au

westernsydney.edu.au 15

STUDY, MONEY & LIFE SKILLS

The Study, Money & Life Skills site has been developed by Student Support Services to help you get the most out of University. The site will help you increase your learning potential, develop personal awareness and assist with skills to manage your finances.

Find out how to:

≥ plan your studies and prioritise your commitments ≥ prepare for exams to manage your nerves ≥ develop your public speaking skills ≥ work well in teams ≥ manage your finances ≥ develop savings goals using the online budget planner ≥ manage perfectionism.

Visit westernsydney.edu.au/ skillsforsuccess

16 Welcome to Western

LIVING AND

TRANSPORT

Image: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW

westernsydney.edu.au 17

AUSTRALIAN

CULTURE

‘AUSTRALIAN’ ENGLISH It will usually take time to understand the Australian version of the language with its unique accents and unfamiliar terms. These terms often include colloquialisms, common words that often aren’t in the dictionary but everyone knows, as well as slang and other words only found in the local dialect.

Don’t be afraid to ask your friends, lecturers and tutors what they mean if they use a term that you don’t understand, especially if you hear it more than once. It is also valuable for the lecturer to be aware of the language they use and to know their students understand.

Listening to podcasts can help you get used to the Australian way of speaking. Check out the ‘Aussie Slang: 5 Things Every WSU Student Should Know’ podcast available on Apple Podcasts.

CULTURAL IMMERSION

You’ve decided to study and live in a foreign country. That’s a huge step. It involves many changes you may find difficult, such as adjusting to new learning and social environments, and dealing with the impact of missing family and friends. These social and practical adjustments can impede your ability to study effectively and have a negative impact on your life as an international student.

But don’t worry! Learning a new culture always takes time. You’ll be puzzled about why things happen and make plenty of mistakes or wrong assumptions. If you share experiences with your peers, the whole experience will be much more fun and you’ll probably have a few laughs together with your international and local classmates.

Acknowledge any difficulties as early as possible and take action. Contact any one of the various support services and in particular, talk to your campus Student Welfare Officer.

LIFESTYLE IN WESTERN SYDNEY The Greater Western Sydney region encompasses the area northwest, southwest and west of Sydney and is Australia’s third-largest regional economy. With a population of more than two million people from 170 countries, it is a thriving centre of opportunity, diversity and innovation that welcomes international students.

HISTORY Several Indigenous nations including the Bediagal and Darug people originally lived in the Greater Western Sydney region. Radiocarbon dating shows human activity in the area 30,000 years ago.

The area is also steeped in colonial history – European settlers arrived here just ten months after landing at what is now The Rocks in the heart of Sydney in 1788. Old Government House in Parramatta was the ‘country’ home of ten NSW governors in the first half- century of European settlement in Australia. The World Heritage listed site in Parramatta Park, built between 1799 and 1816, contains furniture and treasures from the 19th century and is open to the public.

On campus and out

in the community

18 Welcome to Western

Today many multinational corporations have operations in Western Sydney, including BHP Billiton, Coca-Cola Amatil, Sony and Canon, making it a hub of business development. Because of the University’s strong ties to local business, industry and community leadership, you can access many study, internship, work and volunteer opportunities here.

THE OUTDOORS With nature close at hand, including national parks, abundant parklands, the Parramatta, Nepean and Hawkesbury Rivers, Western Sydney is ideal for outdoor and sports enthusiasts. It’s easy to find a place to jog, walk, cycle, row, kayak or swim or enjoy a peaceful picnic, barbecue or a friendly game of cricket, soccer or Frisbee with friends.

The region is also close to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, where you can go bushwalking, canyoning, camping, rock climbing and horse-riding against the dramatic backdrop of rainforests, mountains, valleys and waterfalls.

SPORT

Western Sydney also boasts successful football, rugby league, cricket and Australian Football League teams if you want to watch a game or join a community sporting team yourself.

The nearby Sydney Olympic Park at Homebush, site of the 2000 Olympics, offers Aquatic and Archery Centres and cycle tracks open to the public. The ANZ stadium, and other venues, host national and international football, hockey, basketball and tennis tournaments, and athletics events, as well as major contemporary music concerts.

SHOPPING AND FOOD Across Western Sydney, you’ll discover a wide selection of department stores, cinemas, restaurants, cafes, local markets and specialty stores. With the region’s rich multicultural population, you’ll find the flavours, foods and spices you’re accustomed to at home – or why not be adventurous and sample some new cuisines? Cafe culture in Western Sydney is a passion for locals that you can also enjoy, we encourage you to discover the local businesses and fresh produce of Western Sydney during your time at Western.

CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

Living in Western Sydney, you can also take part in festivals, such as Lunar New Year celebrations and other cultural events, including the annual Sydney Festival Parramatta a 10 day arts festival, Parramasala a celebration of Sydney’s vibrant cross-section of cultures and Tropfest Australia the world’s largest short film festival.

The Riverside Theatre is also the region’s artistic, cultural and performance centre with a program of dance, theatre, music, opera and comedy throughout the year, showcasing local, national and international performers.

Websites that can tell you upcoming events in Sydney include: Sydney.com timeout.com/sydney weekendnotes.com/sydney/ west/

• westernsydney.edu.au
• westernsydney.edu.au

20 Welcome to Western

K

0

K

M

(^0)

K

M

Aerotropolis Core district

AERO PRE

RICHMOND

PENRITH

CAMPBELLTOWN

CAMP MACARTHUR

LEPPINGTO

RICHMOND

WIND

PENRITH KINGSWOOD^ WERRINGTON

ST MARYS

Wollemi National Park

Blue Mountains National Park

Ha wk

es

bu

ry

Riv e^ r

CAMPBELLTOWN

CAMPUS

HAWKESBURY

CAMPUS

KINGSWOOD

CAMPUS

MULTIVERSITY

Sydney Science Park

Western Sydney Airport

C

C

westernsydney.edu.au/campuses

OUR

CAMPUSES

Hub

Transitioning away

Current

New

Future Project

North South Rail Line

South West Rail Link

Extension

westernsydney.edu.au 21

M

1 0

K

TROPOLISECINCT M

LIVERPOOL SYDNEY BANKSTOWN PARRAMATTA

BONDI JUNCTION CHATSWOOD PENNANTHILLS CENTRAL STATION KOGARAH LIDCOMBE HORNSBY BLACKTOWN BELLTOWN CRONULLA GLENFIELD N QUAKERS HILL SOR SUTHERLAND SYDENHAM ASHFIELD STRATHFIELD M Bondi Beach Royal National Park MANLY Botany Bay Sydney Airport Cronulla Beach

Western

Sydney Western Sydney

TAS

S THE COLLEGE NIRIMBA PARRAMATTA SOUTH CAMPUS PARRAMATTA NORTH CAMPUS 100 GEORGE STREET SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK BANKSTOWN CAMPUS BANKSTOWN CITY CAMPUS SYDNEY CITY CAMPUS LIVERPOOL CITY CAMPUS NIRIMBA CAMPUS PARRAMATTA CITY CAMPUS WESTMEAD BLACKTOWN CITY CAMPUS ENGINEERING INNOVATION HUB AMPBELLTOWN ITY CAMPUS SYDNEY ZOO

21

22 Welcome to Western

TRANSPORT The easiest way to get to campus is by public transport, cycling or walking.

SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE Western Sydney University provides a free shuttle bus service for students and staff, on five of our campuses. Find out more information at westernsydney.edu.au/ shuttlebus

PUBLIC TRANSPORT To travel on most NSW public transport (buses, trains, ferries, light rail) you will need an Opal travel card or credit card. Opal cards are smartcard tickets that you keep, reload and reuse to pay for travel on public transport train, bus, ferry and light rail services. Opal cards are available at stations and newsagents. You’ll be fined if you travel on public transport without a valid ticket. For more information on Opal cards, visit opal.com.au

For information on buses, trains and ferries, see transportnsw. info or call 13 15 00.

On a bus at night: sit close to the driver or other passengers.

On a train at night: sit close to the guard’s compartment (indicated with a blue light).

SHARED TRANSPORT

Western Sydney University has teamed up with Transport NSW and Parramatta City Council on a green initiative to encourage Western Sydney residents to share their commute to work or university. The Western Sydney Carpool is a free, online service for anyone in Sydney who wants to save money and share their drive while reducing their carbon footprint: wscarpool.org

BUYING A CAR OR MOTORCYCLE If you buy a new or second hand car or motorcycle, you need to consider the costs of buying the vehicle, maintenance, running costs, insurance, parking and warranty periods.

Australian law requires all vehicles to have Compulsory Third Party insurance (known as CTP or Green Slip) as part of the vehicle registration process. Every vehicle must be registered – it is against the law to drive an unregistered vehicle. Most second-hand cars come with registration which needs to be renewed each year.

For more information or to register your new car, visit service.nsw.gov.au



westernsydney.edu.au 23

PARKING ON CAMPUS

All campuses (except for Nirimba) have restricted parking areas. When you park on a campus, display a valid parking permit on the front windscreen of your vehicle and park in the correct bay for your permit. For example, if you have a yellow sticker, you can only park in yellow parking bays. To buy parking permits and learn more about parking, visit westernsydney.edu.au/parking

FOLLOW THE ROAD RULES NSW Police gives heavy fines for breaking speed limits, dangerous driving and for driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

≥ Drivers must always keep to the left-hand side of the road. ≥ Pedestrians should always look both ways before crossing the road. ≥ All car drivers and passengers must wear seat belts and child restraints. ≥ Cyclists must comply with normal traffic rules and it’s compulsory for bicycle and motorcycle riders to wear helmets.

VEHICLE LICENCES To drive a car or motorcycle in Australia, you must have a valid licence and carry it at all times. If you’re a resident of Australia rather than a visitor, you’re able to drive in NSW on an overseas

licence for 3 months. Within this 3 month period however, you’ll need to visit a service centre and transfer your overseas licence to a NSW driver licence.

You may need to pass a knowledge or driving test, depending on where your overseas licence was issued.

If the licence is not written in English, you must carry a translation or International Driving Permit. An Australian licence has your photo on it and also serves as a useful form of identification. To get an Australian licence, you must pass a driving/riding test.

See the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) rms.nsw.gov.au/ roads/licence/visiting-nsw.html

TAXIS AND UBER Taxis operate throughout Sydney but are relatively expensive. Costs are calculated on a set rate per kilometre displayed on a meter, with additional costs for luggage or phone bookings. Google ‘Sydney taxis’ to book a taxi with a reputable service such as Silver Service, 13cabs or Premiercabs. Uber is also available in Australia, a taxi service run by individuals who use their own cars. You need a smartphone app to request an Uber. uber.com/en-AU



24 Welcome to Western

LOOK AFTER

YOURSELF

westernsydney.edu.au 25

Keep healthy

and stay safe

OVERSEAS STUDENT HEALTH COVER Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is an insurance that covers much of the cost of medical and hospital care for student visa holders while in Australia.

OSHC by Allianz Global Assistance is the preferred provider for Western Sydney University. While OSHC represents excellent value in health insurance, it does not cover every medical circumstance or cost. You should note some exclusions in the policy document.

Come and visit the OSHC Allianz booth during Western Sydney University Orientation. To order your OSHC card, register at the OSHC Allianz website: allianzassistancehealth.com. au/en

If you would like to speak with an OSHC representative face to face, there is one based at each of the following campuses: Parramatta City, Parramatta South and Sydney Olympic Park.

Check their available times at the following link: westernsydney.edu.au/ international/healthcover

To register for your card, you’ll need: ≥ your full name ≥ your date of birth

≥ your student ID number (this is the policy number + WSU. Research students will have their policy number on their e-CoEs.).

You’ll receive your card at your Australian home address within a week or so. Once you have your card, you can go to medical providers that bill directly to Allianz. You can also pay for medical treatment upfront at any medical provider, then keep the original receipts to make a claim online, by post or on campus: allianzassistancehealth.com. au/en

Phone: 13 67 42 or +61 7 3305 8841

DOWNLOAD THE SONDER APP Sonder is a 24/7 multilingual safety and wellbeing service, connecting you to the help you need at the touch of a button.

Available for free for Western Sydney University students with an eligible Allianz OSHC policy.

For more information and to download the app visit: allianzcare.com.au/en/sonder

If you have questions about your eligibility or the Sonder service please email [email protected]