Are you an international student starting at UNSW soon?
UNSW Sydney is excited to welcome you to campus!
Starting university can be daunting, especially in a new country. To help support you at UNSW, we encourage you to visit the International Student Welcome Centre where a friendly Cultural Mentor will take you through all the important things you need to know as an International Student studying in Australia. The International Student Welcome Centre is a 1-3 week activation at the beginning of each Term to help you get started on your UNSW journey.
Where: Anita B. Lawrence Centre (formerly known as The Red Centre), East Wing - campus map reference H15
Opening Times:
Summer Term, 2023
- Tuesday 3 January to Friday 6 January 2023
- 8:00am - 3:00pm
Term 1, 2023
- Every Monday to Friday for 3 weeks from Monday 30 January to Friday 17 February 2023
- 8:00am - 3:00pm
Welcome to UNSW!
There is so much that UNSW has to offer and we can't wait until you arrive on campus! Check out this video to see all that UNSW Sydney has to offer as well as where you can go if you need support so that you can make the most of your time here.
What's on?
Chat with a Cultural Mentor
Our Cultural Mentors will be at the International Student Welcome Centre to help you with any questions you might have such as:
- Using Moodle
- Navigating UNSW systems
- How to get involved or seek support on campus
You can also request a mentor to support you throughout the Term!

All the places we call home
Did you know that there are over 90 countries represented by our UNSW International Students? Visit the International Student Welcome Centre and tell us all the places you call home on our push pin world map!
Summer Social Sport
Arc's Summer Social Sport Cup is a low commitment structure where they will randomly assign teams on the day, so you can make brand new friends and team mates every week! Sports on offer are volleyball and touch football.
Where: Village Green
When: Wednesday 11 January to Thursday 2 February 2023
Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Cost: FREE
myEnglish week
Join myEnglish Week, a free language program to help you start the term with confidence. Open to all UNSW students, you can work on your English online or in person with expert teachers on skills for presentations, effective university writing, group discussions, pronunciation, grammar & vocabulary and more!
Dates:
- Monday 30 January to Friday 3 February 2023

Prizes & Giveaways
Visit the International Student Welcome Centre in Term 1 and complete the visitor survey for your chance to win 1 of 20 $50 Coles vouchers (handy for groceries)!
During O-Week, there will also be other competitions where you could win an Experience Oz voucher to help you make the most out of your time in Australia.

Capture the Moment
Your first day at UNSW should be remembered - and what better way than to have a take-home memento of an awesome first day! Get your happy snaps at the International Student Welcome Centre at our free photo booth!
Date:
- Monday 6 February 2023 from 10:00am until close
Pop It Like It's Hot
Popping by? Grab some free popcorn at the International Student Welcome Centre - but you butter be quick, only while stock lasts!
Date:
- Monday 6 February 2023 from 10:00am until close or until stock lasts
Medibank OSHC
Need help activating your Overseas Student Health Cover or have any other questions about your insurance? We've got you covered (no pun intended). There will also be fun activities for you to try such as an exercise bike that blends smoothies and some freebies!
Dates: Monday 6 February to Wednesday 8 February 2023
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Online & On Campus Tours
Come on a tour, meet some new people and never get lost on campus again! Learn how to make the most of university and O-Week.
When: Various days and times throughout Term 1 O-Week

VR Experience
Check out all the fun of 'My First Day' during O-Week, a virtual reality experience designed and created by a whole team of staff and students as part of the Empathy Project.
Dates:
- Tuesday 7 February 2023
- Wednesday 8 February 2023
- Thursday 9 February 2023
Times:
9:00am - 3:00pm
Main Library Tours
Book yourself on a tour of the Main Library on the Kensington Campus! Spaces are limited so make sure you secure your spot.
Dates & Times:
- Tuesday 7 February at 11:00am & 3:00pm
- Wednesday 8 February at 11:00am & 3:00pm
- Thursday 9 February at 11:00am & 3:00pm

Summer = Slushies
Keep it chill and grab your free slushie at the International Student Welcome Centre before it's all gone!
Date: Wednesday 8 February 2023
Time: From 10:00am until stock lasts

Chinese Students Association Peer Support Program
The CSA Peer Support Program assists new Chinese Students with their transition and adjustment to UNSW. The program consists of online and in-person group sessions and online webinars from senior students and teachers.
When: The program runs from O-Week to Week 4 of Term 1, 2023
Coogee to Bondi Walk
Join Cultural Mentors on a half day walking tour along the famous coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi Beach! Meet students from around the world and learn about how to stay safe on Australian beaches. It is free to join but you must register for the event as spaces are limited.
Date: Saturday 11 February 2023
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm

Tea Leaf Reading
Don't be chai, come and get a FREE tea leaf reading where you can also learn about Arc's Culture Café!
Dates:
- Monday 13 February 2023
- Tuesday 14 February 2023
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm

Free Morning Tea
Make sure you stop by for some FREE muffins and other treats at the Welcome Centre for international students only!
Dates:
- Monday 13 February 2023
- Tuesday 14 February 2023
- Wednesday 15 February 2023
Time: From 10:00am until stock lasts
Health & Wellbeing Tour
Meet health professionals from UNSW Health Service, Psychology and Wellness and to top it off get some complimentary freebies 🤩
Date: Monday 13 February 2023
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Meeting point: International Welcome Centre

English Study Hacks
Just arrived in Australia? Want to build your confidence communicating in English? Join this fun, supportive session where you’ll practise speaking and find out about great communication programs to join. You’ll also get free access to an online tool called Communication Coach, where you can keep improving your English and academic literacy skills.
Date: Friday 17 February 2023
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Online

Let's CommUNIcate
Let's CommUNIcate is a program which offers free weekly English language conversation workshops led by experienced and trained trained student facilitators. Register now to develop your communication skills and connect with other students through conversations, fun activities, and interactive games.
Dates: Week 2 to Week 8 in Term 1, 2023

Language Exchange Program
Whether you are interested in making friends that speak a language you want to practice, want to gain insights into cultural codes that are hard to learn from textbooks, or prepare for a trip overseas, the Language Exchange Program is for you!
The program runs once a week for 90 minutes per session, from Week 2 to 10 in Term 1, 2023.

Learn to Swim Program for International Students
It doesn't matter if you're an absolute beginner or scared of the water, the instructors will help improve your water safety and swim skills.
Looking for an airport pick up service?
Find out more about the free airport pickup service here.
Need more information?
Feel free to contact us at [email protected]