5. University Life (part two)

In this section you'll find:

Internet, email, computers and photocopying
Entertainment and leisure on campus
Safety and security on campus

Also see Chapter 5 - Part 1

Internet, email, computers and photocopying

Internet and email
As a student at the University of Sydney you have access to internet services through the Computer Access Labs, limited to 6Mb free web browsing.

This is generally enough to check a personal email account and a small amount of web browsing. Beyond this the University provides you with a general purpose account which can be topped up to allow paid browsing (charged by the MB).

All University of Sydney students are issued with a free email account. Your Login Name and Password will be given to you when you enrol. Once you have your Login Name, you can add ‘@mail.usyd.edu.au’ for your email address.

IMPORTANT: You must check this email account regularly as important messages will be sent to you.

Computers
Computers are essential for preparing assignments and essays. However, it is not essential that you bring one with you. There are computer access centres on campus which provide free email and internet access, modem access and a variety of other services. Modem or dial-up internet access from home costs approximately $4.40 per month to register. This gives access to the internet, Word and Excel, desktop publishing tools, and laser printing at 10c per page. Other programs and functions, such as colour scanning, file translations and a modem, are available at an additional cost.

These centres are generally open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and some are available on weekends. Most centres provide extended hours during semester. 24-hour access to the Carslaw Access Centre can be arranged via a security swipe card (Please contact Security Services on 9351 5326 for details).

Many faculties also have their own computer laboratory.

See Chapter 2 for information on bringing computers into Australia.

See also www.usyd.edu.au/ict/switch for on-campus computer and email enquiries.

Computer labs
Fisher Library Access Lab: Level 2 Fisher Library Open during Fisher Library opening hours (generally 8:30am - 8pm at least)

McGrath Access Lab: Room 201 Carslaw Building Accessible 24 hours, seven days (You will need a swipe card, which can be purchased from University Security, to access this lab outside the hours of 9am to 5pm)

Link Access Lab: Room 222, Link Building, Engineering
Open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm

Education Access Lab: Room 232, Level 2, Education Building
Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Cumberland Access Lab: Room 107 and 109 B Block, Cumberland Campus
Open Monday to Friday 7.30am to 6pm

Law School Access Lab: Level 7, Law Library, Phillip St, City
Open during Law Library opening hours (generally 9am to 6pm)

Language Access Lab: Room 211/218, Brennen Building
Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Pharmacy Access Lab: Room N510 Bank Building, Science Road
Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

The Conservatorium of Music Access Lab: Library, Level 2, Greenway Building
Open during Conservatorium of Music library opening hours

Westmead Access Lab: Level 2, The Dental School, Westmead Hospital
Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Photocopying
Photocopying services are available in various locations. For some of them you will need a Unicard. Unicards are available from the Resource Centre on Level 5 of the Wentworth Building for $2. Students must show their Student Card to prove their identity before being issued with a Unicard.

Photocopying room locations
Level 5, Resource Centre, Wentworth Building:
Tel: 9563 6094
Coin operated – 10c per copy (Wentworth Building only)
Card operated – 9c per copy

Level 2, Fisher Library:
10c per copy (using rechargeable cards obtainable from the Fisher Library and other branches)


Faculty services
Some faculties have their own facilities for student services, such as computers, internet access and photocopying. Please contact your faculty office for more information.

Leisure activities on campus

Skills and leisure courses
If you are after a break from study, interested in acquiring a new skill or simply out to have fun, then you can take advantage of over 100 skills and leisure courses during semester, organised by the Union.

Courses cover a diverse field from singing to yoga and first aid to car maintenance. For more information about entertainment or short
courses on campus go to www.usydunion.com, call the ACCESS office on 1800 013 201 or email access@usu.usyd.edu.au

Sydney Uni Sport and Fitness
Sydney Uni Sport and Fitness offers a range of value membership options, offering access to many sport and recreation clubs, fitness programs, top-level sporting facilities, regular competitions and events and great member benefits. Purpose-built venues include:

The University Sports and Aquatic Centre
Corner of Codrington Street and Darlington Road
Tel: 9351 4978
Email:

Arena Sports Centre
Western Avenue
Tel: 9351 8111
Email:

HK Ward Gymnasium
Between Ovals 1 and 2
Tel: 9351 4988
Email:

Sporting facilities on campus include tennis courts, squash courts, basketball and volleyball courts, weight training rooms, group fitness rooms, gymnasiums, boxing rooms, and an indoor heated swimming pool.

Personalised fitness testing and training instruction is available at the Arena Sports Centre and the University Sports and Aquatic Centre. A wide range of recreation and adventure courses is also offered, including golf, fencing, scuba diving and tennis classes.
Sports clubs.

There are over 40 clubs available to members, from archery to wrestling. If you would like to take part in competitions or other activities organised by a particular club, contact that club. A full list of clubs and their contact details can be found on www.susf.com.au. Sydney University Sport officers organise social and interfaculty sporting activities for
the lunch hour (1pm to 2pm) during semester. These casual activities, such as basketball, squash, ultimate frisbee, netball, volleyball, touch and indoor soccer, give members the opportunity to meet people and play a variety of sports in a social rather than
competitive environment. The Sports Clinic in the Arena Sports Centre provides a full range of services, including chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture, and sports medicine. The clinic is run by fully qualified professionals.

Contact details
Sydney University Sport and Fitness
University Sports and Aquatic Centre
Tel: 9351 4960
Fax: 9351 4962
Email:
Website: www.susf.com.au

Safety and security on campus

It is important to remember that, like all major capital cities, Sydney has crime and personal security risks.

It is important not to take risks with your safety. The University is located in an inner-city area which offers many positive benefits, but this also means that personal security has to be attended to, particularly after dark. It is important that you do not walk around campus, through Victoria Park (next to the University), or in the Redfern area late at night. At the Orientation Program we will discuss personal safety and security in Sydney and within the University.

The University of Sydney Security Service
The University has a security service that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Security Service offers a wide range of services.

Address: Level 2, Services Building (G12)
Codrington St (corner Abercrombie St), Darlington
Emergency contact (all hours): 9351 3333
Enquiries (all hours): 9351 3487
Free call (all hours): 1800 063 487
Fax: 9351 4555
Email:
Web:www.security.usyd.edu.au

The University of Sydney Security Bus Service
The University runs free bus services from Fisher Library, around campus and to Redfern Station. The service begins operating at 4.30pm and continues until 10pm or until Fisher Library closes. There are bus stops at strategic locations along the route and the buses run in a continuous loop at about 15 minute intervals. Copies of the bus timetable and maps of the bus route are available at www.facilities.usyd.edu.au/security/bus.shtml. Maps of the bus route are also available from the ISSU.

Late-night security escorts
The Security Service recommends that you do not walk around campus alone at night. If you are on campus late at night and after the buses cease operation you can call for a Security Officer to accompany you to your vehicle, nearest public transport stop or on-campus accommodation. This service is free and provided for your security, not just your convenience. You may have to wait some time for a security escort as the Security Officers must give priority to emergency situations on campus. This service operates after the Security Bus has finished. The bus timetable is available from the Security Office, Student Contact Desks, Information
Desk at the Fisher Library, online, and at ISSU.

After-hours access
Students wanting to enter a building for any purpose after hours require written authority from the head of school or department. This authority must be lodged with the Security Service in advance. Failure to do so could result in you being denied access. Any routine necessary after hours access should be arranged directly with the school or department.

Parking on campus
Parking on campus is available but parking spaces are limited, especially during the day. The cost of parking on campus is:

• Monday to Friday 6am to 3pm – flat fee of $24
• After 6pm and on weekends $2 per hour with a maximum charge of $6 per day.
• Weekends (3pm Friday to 6am Monday) – $2 per hour with a maximum charge of $6 per day.

If you have paid the maximum daily fee ($24.00 between 6am and 3pm, or $6.00 after 3.00pm), you can park on campus until 6am the following morning.

Lost and found property
The Security Service runs a Lost and Found Property Service. The Security Service will do its best to locate the owner of any property that is handed in but is often unable to do so because property is not appropriately labelled. An engraver is available at the Security Service for marking student property.

If property has not been claimed after three months the finder may claim it for an administration charge of $2. If you have lost something that has not been handed in, the Security Service can give you a form to fill in that will help them to find you if the property is turned in.

Address: Same as Security Service (level 2)
Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4pm
Phone: 9351 5325
Fax: 9351 5699

Arrangements may be made with the Lost Property Office in advance for the collection of found belongings out of hours.

Safety and security at social activities
There are many on-campus social activities, ranging from formal to informal, and a variety of groups, organisations and functions from which to choose. On occasions, the Security Service may be called to attend these functions because someone is threatening to harm themselves or others. They are not there to hinder your enjoyment in any way but to ensure that all activities are conducted in a safe and sensible manner.

Key cutting
The Security Service provides students with keys to access areas when requested by the head of school or department. A key deposit is required and will be returned to you on return of the key. This also applies to access cards issued to students under the above terms. A key-cutting service is also available for personal keys such as home or car keys for a nominal fee. To use this convenient service, please drop in to the Security office.

Help in times of need
There may be times when you have a problem that may not be strictly of a security nature, but you are unsure where to turn. Do not hesitate to contact the Security Service should this be the case. Although they may not be able to help you directly, they may be able to provide you with the contact numbers you need, or at least point you in the right direction.

If you have any concerns regarding your safety on campus you can call the Security Service on 9351 3487 or, in case of an emergency, 9351 3333.

Please also see the ISSU regarding any concerns or difficulties you may experience.

Emergency Help Points
Emergency Help Points are flat-surfaced phones with press-button action located at the gateboxes at the Main Gate, the City Road and Ross Street Gates, and near the front door of the PNR Library on Darlington Campus. They are all clearly marked and dial directly to the Security Service. Other Emergency Help Points are fitted to strategically placed directional signage on the campuses; locations are included in the University Map Guide brochure.

Standard phones, able to dial internal extensions (13333 for Security) are also located externally near the main entry door to the Blackburn Building, the external entry door to the Madsen Building South end, and in the foyer of the Fisher Library. All gateboxes are also fitted with ‘Break Glass’ emergency alarms. As soon as the glass is broken, a critical alarm is recorded and Security Patrol is immediately dispatched. These are strictly for EMERGENCY situations only.

Safety tips
Moving around and travelling on public transport in Sydney is generally safe, but there are certain precautions you can take when travelling.

Plan your trip:

- know your timetables to avoid long waits, especially if you are alone

- avoid lonely closed-in shelters; keep to open, populated areas in full view of cars, buses or trains

- tell someone your plan and expected time home

- avoid parks and poorly lit streets and lanes; use preferred pedestrian routes through campus, particularly to Redfern Station

- walk briskly and confidently

- be wary of strangers, on foot or in cars, asking for directions

- pick a route likely to be used by other travellers

- if you are followed, move quickly to a place of help or to where there are lots of people.

Be prepared:

- stay alert

- always carry change for a phone call

- note descriptions of people acting suspiciously

- notify police or transport employees of any offence or suspicious persons

- keep bags and purses on or close to your body

- Do not carry large amounts of cash and do not have expensive items, such

On the train:

- sit near the guard’s compartment – indicated by a blue light

- avoid empty train carriages

- sit with others with whom you feel comfortable

- sit near the aisle rather than against the window

- if harassed, draw attention to the situation.

When taking your car:

- park in well-lit, busy areas

- hold your keys ready to open the door

- check under the car and in the back seat or hatch for intruders before getting into the car

- once inside, lock all doors and leave windows up until you have reached your destination

- do not leave valuable belongings on view in your car

- move your car closer if you plan to be on campus after dark.

When on campus:

- make use of the free Security Bus service whenever possible

- walk along lighted walkways and corridors at night

- do not leave your keys and other personal belongings unattended, even for short periods

Public telephpones:

- always carry change or a phone card. You may need to call a taxi, friend, family member or Security if you are stranded or nervous

- when you have dialled, turn your back to the phone and speak looking outwards

- if threatened, dial 000 (a free call to the Police Department), or dial Security on 9351 3333

- if you call the Police or Security, give your location, name and telephone box number first; if someone tries to get into the phone booth, sit down and brace yourself against the door.

Important documents:

- always keep your passport, bank documents and other important documents in a safe place

- avoid carrying more than two weeks of lecture notes with you.

Security on other campuses
Rozelle Campus Security (tel: 9351 1026)
Cumberland Campus Security (tel: 9351 9230)

Emergencies
If you need to ring Ambulance, Fire, Police on 000 it will be because you are in an emergency. You will be asked ‘Ambulance, Fire or Police?’ in the first instance. Be ready to advise your name, exact location, nature of the emergency and persons injured.

Emergency contacts

Ambulance, Fire, Police 000

Dental emergencies 9692 0333

Poisons information 131 126

Life Line 131 114

Translating and Interpreting Service 131 450
24-hour service anywhere in Australia

OSHC Worldcare (health insurance) 1800 814 781
emergency number