International Student Guide

INTERNATIONAL GUIDE

From Editor Anne: Glad to see all of you, our new international student cohort! Normally it would be a face-face greeting at the beginning of the semester. However, as we all know, this year is a little bit different.

We are trying all that we can to make sure that we can meet ASAP including meeting with university to discuss the possibility of returning you from overseas, working for international students to be eligible for a discounted student Opal Card, and working with other organisations to improve overseas students’ VPN experience.

Though I have to tell you guys, we need more actions and support from you. No matter where you are from and what cultural background you are, we are here for you! Please get involved in the SRC for a more fulfilling university experience :)

From Melaine, a member of International Collective and the whole International Student Department:

It is a unique and marvellous experience to be an international student here studying at the University of Sydney. Although you might feel different and lost in a foreign country, our university is reliable and promises to provide all international students a safe and home-like studying and living environment to make you feel less stressed when studying abroad. For instance, at our university, there are many departments and organisations here to help our students with various services including legal, academic, and bursary services. We as international student officers are committed to protecting our fellow students, and will push the university to do the same.

The University of Sydney Student Representative Council (SRC) is a student-based organisation which is formed to provide help for our undergraduate students. SRC collected are open for anyone to join if you are passionate about issues relating to university life and beyond. Information about these collectives are on pages 8-9 of this handbook, and on the SRC website. In particular, SRC has an International Collective here to help our international students. If you are an international student who is willing to meet other international students or want to make an impact, SRC International Collective is one student body that you can reach out to (details as follows).

The SRC also provides all free services for our students including: SRC Casework Help: SRC caseworkers can assist undergraduate students at the University of Sydney with issues that affect them, by providing independent advice, advocacy and support. The service is FREE, independent and confidential. Caseworkers can help with issues such as academic appeals, Centrelink queries, tenancy advice, work-related problems and much more.

SRC Legal Service: Legal service provides FREE legal advice and representation on most legal matters including immigration advice. They also provide emergency loan service of $50 to help you make immediate and necessary purchases. Come visit or call the SRC for more details.

SRC Publications: The SRC publishes a weekly newspaper Honi Soit as well as other student publications including: O-Week Handbook, Counter Course Handbook, Growing Strong: Wom*ns’ Handbook and more student related publications are available for our students to review. Get involved by writing, making art, or translating for Honi, and read the paper online to stay informed about campus life.

The SRC is also always here to protect your rights. You might not think you’ll ever need the SRC, or that the SRC concerns you, but the SRC is here to know your rights, even when you don’t.

02 9660 5222 | Email: help@src.usyd.edu.au

Join the International Collective! Facebook: International Students Collective USYD Wechat platform ID: gh_c83498b383997 Wechat platform QR Code: top of next page!