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START AT USC GUIDE USC SUNSHINE COAST 2019/2020 - usc.edu.au/international
START AT USC GUIDE
                                                      USC SUNSHINE COAST
                                                           2019/2020

usc.edu.au/international
university of the sunshine coast | cricos provider number: 01595d
START AT USC GUIDE USC SUNSHINE COAST 2019/2020 - usc.edu.au/international
Welcome
Congratulations on receiving your offer to study
at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC).
At USC, you will be welcomed by academic and
support staff who are keen to help you succeed.
You will also discover the lifestyle benefits of
the Sunshine Coast and Queensland.
This guide contains important information.
Please read it carefully. If you need any further
assistance, contact the staff at USC International.
We look forward to providing you with an exceptional
education in an outstanding location.

Professor Robert Elliot
Pro Vice-Chancellor (International and Quality)

                                                                                                                                           DARWIN

Contents
                                                                                                                                            AUSTRALIA                  QUEENSLAND                      SUNSHINE COAST
Understanding your letter of offer............................................................. 1
                                                                                                                                                                                                   BRISBANE
How to accept your offer.............................................................................2
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).....................................................3                         PERTH                                                                         SYDNEY
                                                                                                                                                                          CANBERRA
Organising your visa ...................................................................................4                                            ADELAIDE

Choosing courses and enrolling online .....................................................5                                                                   MELBOURNE
Arriving in Australia ...................................................................................7                                                                                HOBART
Living in Australia .......................................................................................8
Attending Orientation .............................................................................. 12
Academic calendar ................................................................................... 13
Student support services.......................................................................... 14
USC Sunshine Coast ................................................................................. 16
Arranging accommodation and airport transfers.................................... 17
Campus services and facilities ................................................................. 19                © Published by University of the Sunshine Coast. May 2019.
                                                                                                                   All information contained in this publication is correct at the time of going to press,
Clubs and sporting facilities.....................................................................22               however USC reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Prospective
                                                                                                                   students should check for any amendments before submitting an application.
Important information .............................................................................23              For up-to-date information, visit usc.edu.au | University of the Sunshine Coast is
                                                                                                                   registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas
Checklist . ..................................................................................................25   Students (CRICOS).

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Understanding your letter of offer
   Your letter of offer and materials include essential information about accepting your offer, completing your enrolment,
   studying at USC and living in Australia.

                                                 Your letter of offer is a written agreement between you and USC. Your written
                                                 agreement includes:
                                                  •   International Student Application Form        • Important Links
                                                  •   Letter of Offer                               • Important Refund Information
                                                  •   Acceptance of Offer                           • Credit Transfer Advice
                                                  •   Important Information                           (if applicable)
                                                 You should read all the information carefully before accepting your offer and entering into a
                                                 written agreement with USC.

   There are two possible offer letter           Below is an explanation of terms mentioned in your letter of offer:
   types you may receive from USC:
      UNCONDITIONAL OFFER
                                                 Program                                             The fee you must pay for a given semester/
                                                                                                     trimester is that which has been approved
                                                 The program refers to the USC program               by USC for the calendar year in which the
   You meet all the entry requirements for
                                                 for which you have applied and been made            semester/ trimester commences.
   your chosen program of study. You can
                                                 an offer.
   accept the offer and move to the next                                                             Any increase in tuition fees from one calendar
   phase of the admission process. Refer
   to your offer for full details on what is     Commencement                                        year to the next for your program of study
                                                                                                     will be no more than 7 percent. All fees are in
   required to progress to the next step.        Commencement refers to the semester in              Australian dollars ($A).
                                                 which your program commences. You need to
      CONDITIONAL OFFER                         refer to the offer letter for the dates on which
   You do not yet meet all the entry             Orientation and classes commence.                   Amount payable
   requirements for your chosen program                                                              To confirm your enrolment, and apply for your
                                                 Orientation is compulsory for international         Student visa, you need to accept your offer and
   of study.                                     students and you must arrive in time to attend.     pay the amount indicated here. This amount
   You will need to meet the conditions                                                              is usually your first semester/trimester tuition
   as outlined in your conditional offer.        Estimated completion                                fee* and the cost of any Overseas Student
   Conditions could include needing to meet                                                          Health Cover you have asked USC to arrange
                                                 This is the estimated date by which you will
   USC’s academic, English language, or                                                              on your behalf.
                                                 have completed your program and received
   other program requirements.
                                                 your results.                                       If you are accepting a package of offers that
   You will not be able to move to the next                                                          commences with a USC English language,
                                                 This date is based on the minimum number of
   phase of the admission process until you                                                          pathway or undergraduate program at USC,
                                                 courses required to complete the program.
   have met the conditions. Refer to your                                                            you will usually need to pay tuition fees
   offer for full details on what is required.                                                       towards all programs in the package to receive
                                                 First semester/trimester                            your Confirmations of Enrolment (CoE).
                                                 tuition fee and estimated
                                                                                                     Refer to your letter of offer/s for the exact
                                                 total tuition fees*                                 amounts payable towards each program.
                                                 These are the estimated tuition fees you will
                                                                                                     * Payment arrangements may be different for those students
                                                 pay for your program.                               whose tuition fees are paid by their home institution or as
                                                                                                     a scholarship.
                                                 Tuition fees do not include the cost of books,
                                                 materials, equipment or field trips.
                                                 Tuition fees are based on the minimum
                                                 number of courses required to complete
                                                 the program, within the standard program
                                                 duration, and are reviewed each calendar year.

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How to accept your offer
 This section will tell you what you need to do to accept your offer, pay fees and enter into a written agreement
 with USC. Students enrolling in packaged programs, eg English plus degree study, should also refer to the
 ‘Packaged program students’ section.

                                                                                                       STEP 1:
                                                                                                     Read all the information contained
                                                                                                     in your letter of offer carefully.

                                                                                                       STEP 2:
                                                                                                     If you received an unconditional offer
                                                                                                     proceed to step 3.
                                                                                                     If you received a conditional offer
                                                                                                     you will need to meet your
                                                                                                     conditions as outlined in your
                                                                                                     offer before you can proceed.

                                                                                                       STEP 3:
                                                                                                     If you decide that you want to
                                                                                                     accept your offer and enter into
                                                                                                     a written agreement refer to the
                                                                                                     ‘Acceptance of Offer’ page in
                                                                                                     your letter of offer and follow
                                                                                                     the instructions.

 Before acceptance                                                             Packaged program students
 By accepting your offer, you are agreeing that you have read and              The following information is for students who have been made
 understood the information provided to you in your letter of offer,           a package of offers, eg you will be completing a USC English
 including the information provided to you in the Important Information,       language or pathway program before progressing into a USC
 Important Links, Important Refund Information and Credit Transfer             undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
 Advice (if applicable).
                                                                               Accepting your packaged offer
 After acceptance                                                              Your USC letter of offer and associated documentation is an
 On accepting your offer and on receipt of your payment* by USC, you           agreement between you and USC. To accept your USC offer and
 have entered into a written agreement with USC.                               the terms of the agreement, follow the steps on the ‘Acceptance of
                                                                               Offer’ pages on each of your USC offers.
 After USC receives your acceptance, you will be sent confirmation of this
 written agreement by email.                                                   Once the required payment has been received for each program
                                                                               included in your offer package, you will be given Confirmations
 If you are applying for a Student visa, you will be given a Confirmation of   of Enrolment (CoEs) for each program. You will need to provide
 Enrolment (CoE) when you accept your offer and pay your fees. You will        all CoEs as part of your Student visa application. This will ensure
 need the CoE for your Student visa application.                               that your Student visa is granted for the correct duration of your
 You will also receive your USC network username and password, so you          packaged program.
 can access the USC network and enrol in your courses online.

 * Payment arrangements may be different for those students whose
 tuition fees are paid by their home institution or as a scholarship.

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Overseas
   Student
   Health
   Cover
   (OSHC)
   OSHC is health insurance to
   assist international students
   meet the costs of medical and
   hospital care that they may need
   while in Australia.

                                      The Department of Home Affairs (DOHA)                            You are individually responsible for ensuring
                                      requires all students, who are studying in                       your OSHC is current at all times and renewed
                                      Australia on a Student visa, to maintain OSHC                    as required. If your OSHC lapses, you are
                                      for the duration of that visa.* Health insurance                 responsible for paying any medical costs
                                      cover is also required for all family members                    incurred by you or your dependents..
                                      residing in Australia on a dependent
                                                                                                       OSHC is the minimum cover required by the
                                      Student visa.
                                                                                                       Australian Government, however you may
                                      If you indicated on your application form that                   like to consider additional health and travel
                                      you would like us to arrange your OSHC, a                        insurance at your own expense.
                                      quota was included in your letter of offer.
                                                                                                       An OSHC Allianz Global Assistance
                                      The cost of your cover will depend on the type
                                                                                                       representative is available on the USC
                                      of cover and the duration of your studies.
                                                                                                       Sunshine Coast campus two days a week
                                      USC arranges OSHC Essentials Cover with our                      during semester to assist with claims and
                                      preferred provider Allianz Global Assistance.                    provide support. Claims can also be
                                                                                                       submitted online.
                                      If you have already made payment for
                                      your OSHC, this will be included in your                         For more information about OSHC, visit
                                      Confirmation of Enrolment document used                          allianzassistancehealth.com.au
                                      to apply for your Student visa. If USC did not
                                      organise OSHC cover for you, you will                            Health cover and travel
                                      be required to show your cover to DOHA                           insurance for non-Student
                                      at the time of submitting your Student
                                      visa application.
                                                                                                       visa holders
                                                                                                       If you are arriving in Australia on a non-
                                      Non-compliance with the requirement for                          Student visa (such as the 417 Working Holiday
                                      visa-length cover is a breach of Student visa                    visa), you are not eligible for OSHC. Please
                                      conditions. The validity of the Student visa                     refer to a travel agent or search online to find
                                      may be at risk if OSHC is not maintained in                      suitable health and/or travel insurance to meet
                                      accord with this condition.                                      your personal needs.

                                      * Belgian, Norwegian and some Swedish students are not required to purchase OSHC as part of their visa requirements and will
                                      be covered under their country’s Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Australia.

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Organising your visa
    The Department of Home Affairs (DOHA)                You cannot start paid work until you have           8533: You must tell USC:
    requires each person, who intends to study in        started your course in Australia.                    • the address where you live in Australia
    Australia, to hold a valid visa with study rights.                                                          within seven days of arriving in Australia;
                                                         Students undertaking Higher Degree by
    If you intend to study in a program that is          Research programs have unlimited work rights.        • if you change the address where you live
    longer than three months (12 weeks), you will                                                               within seven days of the change;
                                                         8202: You must maintain enrolment in a
    normally need a Student visa.                                                                             • if you change education provider within
                                                         registered course that is the same level as, or
    Some students may be eligible for a Working          at a higher level than, the registered course for      seven days of receiving the electronic
    Holiday visa, which will allow study for a           which you were granted a visa.                         confirmation of enrolment certificate (CoE)
    maximum of one semester.                                                                                    or evidence of enrolment.
                                                         You must maintain satisfactory course
    For further information regarding visa options       progress and complete your program within
    and the visa application process, please refer to    the standard duration.
                                                                                                             Working Holiday visa
    the DOHA website, homeaffairs.gov.au                                                                     There are two sub-classes of Working Holiday
                                                         8501: You must maintain adequate                    (WH) visas and they are only available to
                                                         arrangements for health insurance during            applicants from certain countries.
    Student visa conditions                              your stay in Australia in the form of Overseas
    It is important that you are aware of any            Student Health Cover (OSHC).                        If you are granted a WH visa, you can study at
    conditions attached to your Student visa.                                                                USC for up to four months (the equivalent of
                                                         8516: You must continue to satisfy the              one semester).
    For a full explanation of the conditions, visit
                                                         requirements for the granting of your Student
    homeaffairs.gov.au                                                                                       For information about the WH visa, visit
                                                         visa. This means, for example, you must
    8105: You cannot work more than 40 hours per         continue to have sufficient financial capacity to   homeaffairs.gov.au
    fortnight when your course is in session (other      support your study and stay in Australia.
    than work which has been registered as a part                                                            Extending your stay
                                                         8517: You must maintain adequate schooling
    of the course).
                                                         arrangements for your schoolage dependants
                                                                                                             in Australia
    You can work for more than 40 hours per              who joined you in Australia for more than           You can only extend your stay, if you do not
    fortnight during recognised vacation periods         three months as part of your Student visa           have a ‘no further stay’ condition on your
    offered by your education provider.                  application.                                        current Student visa. Refer to DOHA for visa
                                                                                                             extension options.
                                                                                                             For further information, visit
                                                                                                             homeaffairs.gov.au

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Choosing courses and
                                                 enrolling online
                                                 Once you have accepted your offer, paid your fees and received your login
                                                 details, you can choose your courses and begin the enrolment process.
                                                 Please read the following before enrolling in your courses. Follow the Getting
                                                 Started steps to complete your compulsory tasks, enrol in/view your courses
                                                 and prepare for your studies: usc.edu.au/start

   Getting started                               USC Central
                                                                                                                 1 Plan your study
   at USC                                        USC Central is the online system you use to
                                                 manage your enrolment and personal details.
                                                 This includes completing your compulsory
   STEP 1: Log on to USC Central using your      task items, planning your study and timetable,
                                                                                                               Degree program students
   personal username and password.               enrolling in courses and/or viewing your                      Planning your enrolment is an important start
                                                 enrolment, updating your personal details                     to your university life. It is an exciting time
   STEP 2: Complete the compulsory task
                                                 and viewing your financial details, grades and                where you explore your options and plan your
   items, if any appear.
                                                 exam timetables.                                              courses for your upcoming study periods.
   STEP 3: Plan your study before you enrol.     You must log-in to USC Central and complete                   To help choose your courses go to your
                                                 the compulsory task items before you will be                  program page and refer to the ‘What will
   STEP 4: Enrol in your courses.                                                                              I study?’ tab. This is where your program
                                                 able to enrol in your classes.
   STEP 5: Access your student email                                                                           requirements are listed. You must follow these
                                                 You can view a USC Central guide for new                      requirements in order to successfully complete
   and Blackboard.                               international students, which explains how to                 your study program. Visit usc.edu.au/programs
                                                 complete these steps:
   For more information, visit                   usc.edu.au/usccentralguide                                    From your program page, select the ‘Plan your
   usc.edu.au/start                                                                                            study’ tab to view your study plan. This will
                                                                                                               show all courses you need to enrol in (core
   It is a condition of your Student visa that   Updating your address
                                                                                                               courses), when they are offered and which
   you complete your program of study            details on USC Central                                        choices you have for any elective courses.
   within the registered program duration        Check and update your Australian residential
   (as registered on the Commonwealth            address and contact details on USC Central                    The standard full-time enrolment is four
   Register of Institutions and Courses for      within a week of starting your studies. Any                   courses per semester/trimester. You can enrol
   Overseas Students—CRICOS).                    change of address must be notified within                     in fewer than four courses per semester/
                                                 seven (7) days.                                               trimester if your study plan allows and you
   Additionally, you cannot study more than                                                                    have approval from Student Central.
   one-third of your overall program online      Your Australian residential address is your
   or by distance education and you must         ‘mailing address’ in USC Central.                             If you are unsure about what courses you
   have at least one face-to-face course in                                                                    should enrol in or have problems enrolling
   each compulsory study period.                 The address that you should record as your                    via USC Central, contact Student Central
                                                 ‘permanent address’ in USC Central must be                    for advice:
   If you have been awarded credit transfer,     your overseas address.
   you must complete your program                                                                                 Student Central
   by the end date as indicated on your          Your Australian address and phone number                         Tel: +61 7 5430 2890
   Confirmation of Enrollment.                   details must be kept current.                                    Email: studentcentral@usc.edu.au

   Only students who have met all the            Failure to keep these details current constitutes
   conditions and provisions of their offer,     a breach of Student visa condition 8533.
   have accepted their offer and agreement,      There is a USC Central guide to help you with
   and paid their first semester/trimester       this—’Update a mailing address (International
   fees*, will be provided with the login        students only)’. usc.edu.au/usccentralguide
   details required to register online via
   USC Central.
   You will be advised via email when
                                                 * Payment arrangements may be different for those students
   online registration is available for each     whose tuition fees are paid by their home institution or as
   semester/trimester.                           a scholarship.

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Students with                                                   If you need to transfer credits to your home
    Credit Transfer**                                               institution for studies undertaken at USC,
                                                                    make sure your course choices are approved by
                                                                                                                          3 Access your
    If you have been offered Credit Transfer, you
    will need to select your courses carefully to
                                                                    your home institution, regardless of whether
                                                                    your choices appear on the USC ‘pre-approved’
                                                                                                                            student email
    ensure you meet all program requirements
    and can graduate with your intended
                                                                    or ‘approval required’ course lists.                    and Blackboard
    degree/major.                                                   To request course choice approval, send
                                                                    an email with your course selection to
    If you have not already been provided with                      Study@usc.edu.au                                    Student email
    a study plan, you may need to speak to a
                                                                    Submission of your course choices to USC, and       Once you are enrolled, all University
    Program Adviser at Student Central to help
                                                                    approval of your eligibility, does not constitute   communication will be sent to your student
    you choose your courses.
                                                                    enrolment. You must enrol in your approved          email. It is important to check your student
    Make sure you have accepted your credit                         courses online via USC Central.                     email regularly to stay informed.
    before trying to register/enrol online.
                                                                    For more information, visit                         Your course lecturers and tutors will contact
    If you have not accepted your credit, you may                   usc.edu.au/studyabroad                              you via your student email and important
    have difficulty enrolling in advanced level                                                                         student notifications will be sent here.
    classes that have prerequisites.
                                                                    Higher Degree by Research                           From the USC home page header menu

    Study Abroad and                                                (HDR) students                                      select USC Services > Email and log in using
                                                                                                                        your USC network login details.
                                                                    Your enrolment in your HDR course/s is
    Exchange students                                               completed by Student Central based on the
    There are USC Central guides available to help                  information provided on your Acceptance of          Blackboard
    you select your courses, find your Study Plan                   Offer form.                                         After you have received your USC network
    and enrol in your classes on USC Central:                                                                           login details you will have access to
    usc.edu.au/usccentralguide                                      For more information, visit usc.edu.au/start
                                                                                                                        Blackboard, the learning management system
    You will need to submit your course choices to                                                                      you will use to access:
    USC International for approval before online
    course registration.                                              2 Enrol in                                         • online study materials for lectures
                                                                                                                           and tutorials
    When selecting courses, make sure you choose
    from the correct semester and pay attention to
                                                                        your classes                                     • student announcements and notifications

    any prerequisites.                                                                                                   • information resources including library
                                                                    Now that you have planned your study, you              catalogue and databases
    For a full list of courses, visit
                                                                    must enrol in your courses in USC Central.           • discussion boards and forums (eg buysell,
    usc.edu.au/SAcourses
                                                                                                                           study, chat)
                                                                    Most courses have two components: a lecture
    The course list is presented by semester and
                                                                    and a tutorial or practical workshop session.       You can attend the Blackboard workshops
    divided into two sections.
                                                                                                                        held during Orientation to understand how
                                                                    You can enrol in courses for the full year, Study
    The first section is for courses ‘preapproved’                                                                      it works.
                                                                    periods 1 and 2. This gives you the opportunity
    by USC.
                                                                    to plan your study well in advance.                 Your course materials will be made available
    The second section is for courses that have                                                                         by your course coordinator the week before
                                                                    If you enrol in your courses on time you have
    prerequisites and require assessment to                                                                             classes commence.
                                                                    the advantage of selecting your class times
    determine eligibility for enrolment.
                                                                    earlier than those who don’t.                       You can download the Blackboard Mobile app
    If choosing advanced level courses with                                                                             from your App Store (select University of the
                                                                    Check the academic calendar for the timetable
    prerequisites, consider whether you have                                                                            Sunshine Coast).
                                                                    release date for each study period. Once the
    undertaken studies comparable to the
                                                                    timetable has been released you can use the
    prerequisite courses.
                                                                    Timetable Planner to plan your class times.         NOTE: Your password is confidential and
    USC assesses eligibility for advanced level                                                                         should not be disclosed to anyone.
                                                                    You will be notified via email when class
    courses. If you are unsure whether you meet
                                                                    selection opens for the relevant study period       Disclosure of your password to others may
    the prerequisites, we can confirm this for you.
                                                                    and provided with instructions on how to            result in a breach of security and will not be
                                                                    select your class times.                            considered a valid excuse for any unintended
    ** Credit transfer and the two-year Australian Study            You can find timetables at usc.edu.au/              changes to your record.
    Requirement for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)      timetables or via USC Central.
    Students have the option to accept all, part or none of the
    credit transfer awarded. If you want to satisfy the two-year
    ‘Australian Study Requirement’ for the Post Study Work          Timetables are subject to change, so check
    visa, you may not want to accept all of your credit, if that    them for changes before classes start.
    credit reduces your study to less than two years. If you are
    uncertain about how your credit transfer might affect your
    eligibility for the Australian Study Requirement, contact USC
    International. For more information about the Temporary
    Graduate visa (subclass 485), visit the Australian Department
    of Home Affairs’ website homeaffairs.gov.au

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Arriving in Australia
                             Suggested arrival dates
                             If you plan to join enabling or transition programs before Orientation, you should arrive earlier.
                              Your start semester               Suggested arrival date                Orientation

                              Semester 2, 2019                  Friday, 12 July 2019                  15–19 July 2019

                              Semester 1, 2020                  Friday, 14 February 2020              17–21 February 2020

                              Semester 2, 2020                  Friday, 10 July 2020                  13–17 July 2020

                                                                                   What you cannot bring
                                                                                   into Australia
                                                                                   To protect Australia’s unique environment
                                                                                   and important agriculture industries, strict
                                                                                   quarantine laws are in place at Australian
                                                                                   international airports and mail centres.
                                                                                   On the aircraft, before your arrival in Australia,
                                                                                   you will be given an Incoming Passenger Card
                                                                                   to fill in. You must tick YES to declare if you
                                                                                   are carrying any food, plant material or
                                                                                   animal products.
                                                                                       TIP: If you are unsure about items you are
                                                                                       carrying, declare them anyway.
                                                                                   In many cases, items will be returned to you
                                                                                   after inspection. However, any item that has a
                                                                                   pest or disease risk will be withheld.
                                                                                   Depending on the risk, some items can be
                                                                                   treated to make them safe (fees apply) while
                                                                                   other risk items may be seized and destroyed.
                                                                                   All luggage is screened or x-rayed on arrival in
                                                                                   Australia. If you fail to declare any quarantine
                                                                                   items or make a false declaration:
                                                                                       • you could be fined up to $A420 on the spot
                                                                                       • you could be prosecuted, fined more than
                                                                                         $A420,000 and imprisoned for up to 10
                                                                                         years and a get criminal record.
                                                                                   All international mail sent to Australia is also
                                                                                   screened. The Australian Quarantine and
                                                                                   Inspection Service will remove highrisk items
                                                                                   from parcels.
                                                                                   Please inform family and friends of what
                                                                                   cannot be sent to Australia and ask them
                                                                                   to declare all items on the postal
                                                                                   declaration label.
                                                                                       TIP: A variety of your favourite foods is
                                                                                       available in all of Australia’s major cities.
                                                                                       These foods had to pass strict quarantine
                                                                                       conditions before they were allowed
                                                                                       into Australia.
                                                                                   To find out more about what you cannot
                                                                                   bring or mail into Australia, visit
                                                                                   agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity

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Living in Australia
    Course-related costs                            Living expenses guide
    As a general guide, allow $A400 per semester     General living costs                     Cost per week
    for new textbooks.                                                                                 ($A)*
    Second-hand textbooks are often available at     Private share                                   $85–$215
    reduced prices.                                  accommodation
    Some courses require additional materials,       Homestay accommodation                         $235–$325
    for example laboratory coats (from $A28) or      (includes some meals)
    art supplies.
                                                     Groceries and eating out                       $80–$280
    Students taking design courses should allow
    an additional $A60 to $A100 per semester for     Gas, electricity                                $35–$140
    materials and printing costs.                    Phone and internet                                  $20–$55
    English language program students are loaned     Public transport                                    $15–$55
    textbooks for the duration of their course.
                                                     Car (after purchase)                          $150–$260
    Living costs                                     Entertainment                                  $80–$150
    You’ll need around $A390 per week to live
                                                    * Indicative costs. This information is taken from
    comfortably on the Sunshine Coast.              studyinaustralia.gov.au and should be used as a
                                                    guide only.
    This does not include airfares to Australia,    Students living in student accommodation at Varsity
    visa applications, health cover and tuition     Apartments or UniCentral do not pay for electricity.
    fees. Allow more if you have a spouse or        Major expenses such as buying and running a car,
                                                    purchasing a computer, television or stereo, holiday travel,
    dependant(s) accompanying you.                  or travelling to and from the home country have not been
                                                    considered in this estimate of living expenses.
    For more information, visit                     Amounts are in Australian dollars and are Goods and
    usc.edu.au/living-costs or                      Services Tax (GST) inclusive.
    studyinaustralia.gov.au

    Education for school-aged
    children
    Students with school-aged children have
    numerous education options. For more
    information, visit:
     • Public schools
       education.qld.gov.au/schools-educators
     • Private schools
       isq.qld.edu.au
    Fees apply at private and public (government)
    schools. Allow at least $A8,000 per year per
    child for school fees.

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                                                                                                                            cricos provider no. 01595d
Bringing prescription
                                                                                                         medication into Australia
                                                                                                         If you need prescription medication for an
                                                                                                         existing condition, you should investigate
                                                                                                         whether you can have your prescription filled
                                                                                                         in Australia, or whether you need to bring a
                                                                                                         supply with you.
                                                                                                         Many medications are available in Australia
   Medical services                                   Hospitals                                          and you can have prescriptions for those
                                                      If you become unwell in Australia, you should      medications filled at a chemist (pharmacy).
   Medical centres                                    visit a medical centre.                            If your medication is available in Australia,
   If you are unwell, you should make an                                                                 you should make a list of the generic names of
                                                      In an emergency, or after hours, you
   appointment with a general practitioner (GP).                                                         your medication, so an Australian doctor can
                                                      should visit a hospital Emergency/
                                                                                                         write you a prescription.
   A GP is a doctor, usually located within a         Outpatient department.
   medical centre.                                                                                       If your medication is not available in Australia,
                                                      For life-threatening situations, use a phone
                                                                                                         and you need to bring prescription drugs with
   Most medical centres are open from 8am             to call 000. For more information about
                                                                                                         you, please refer to the Therapeutics Goods
   to 5pm Monday to Friday, and from 8am to           emergency call services, visit triplezero.gov.au
                                                                                                         Administration (TGA).
   12noon on Saturdays. Hours vary.
                                                      Dental clinics                                     For information on medications entering
   Some medical centres operate seven days a                                                             Australia, visit tga.gov.au/consumers/
                                                      Dental fees are not covered by OSHC.
   week and offer an after-hours service (24 hours,                                                      travellers.htm
                                                      You must pay the full cost of any dental
   seven days).
                                                      services you receive.
                                                                                                         You may bring a three-month supply (at
   If you cannot see a doctor at a medical centre,                                                       the maximum dose recommended by the
                                                      Fees start at approximately $A80.
   you can visit the Emergency/Outpatient section                                                        manufacturer) of TGA-unapproved medicines
                                                      Individual practices provide quotes or
   of a hospital. You may experience long delays.                                                        into Australia in any one importation,
                                                      estimates for treatment.
   Consultation fees vary between medical                                                                provided that:
   centres, and you will usually have to pay at       Pre-existing conditions                             • The goods are for use in the treatment
   the time of treatment. When making an              and OSHC — treatment                                  of you (the importer) or your immediate
   appointment, always state the cover you have
   (for example, Allianz OSHC cover). Some
                                                      and medication                                        family.
                                                      OSHC will cover you for immediate                   • You do not supply (sell or give) the
   doctors charge a gap fee. You can confirm any
                                                      treatment of an illness or ailment, unless            medicine to any other person.
   gap fees with the doctor when making
   an appointment.                                    it is for a pre-existing condition.                 • The goods do not contain a controlled
                                                                                                            substance.
   You can claim part of this fee back from your      There is usually a 12-month waiting
                                                                                                          • The goods are not injections that contain
   Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or            period before prescription medication and
                                                                                                            material of human or animal origin
   other insurance provider.                          medical treatment can be covered for pre-
                                                                                                            (except insulin).
                                                      existing conditions.
   If you have an OSHC policy with Allianz Global                                                         • The total quantity of the medicine
   Assistance, you get access to the network          The OSHC Essentials cover provided by                 imported within a 12-month period does
   of doctors and medical centres all around          USC is above the minimum requirement and              not exceed 15 months’ supply of the drug
   Australia. Using their network of providers        will remove waiting periods for some services.        (at the maximum dose recommended by
   makes it easier for you to claim when you visit                                                          the manufacturer).
                                                      OSHC provides limited cover for prescription
   a doctor. All you need to do is provide your       medicines for conditions that are not               • A prescription from a registered medical
   valid membership card and the provider will        pre-existing.                                         practitioner is held for the goods.
   bill Allianz Global Assistance directly for the
                                                      Students must pay the part payment amount          If you need a larger quantity than specified
   covered amount of your bill.
                                                      for each prescription item and may receive a       above (more than three months) your doctor
   For a list of doctors who can direct bill, visit   refund for the difference up to the maximum        will need to apply to the Special Access
   allianzassistancehealth.com.au/en/find-doctor      allowable amount per prescription item.            Scheme for an exemption under Section 19 of
                                                                                                         the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.
   Telephone numbers and addresses of medical         For full policy details, check with your
   centres and hospitals can also be found in local   OSHC provider.                                     For more information, visit
   telephone directories or online.                                                                      tga.gov.au/hp/access-sas.htm
   An OSHC Allianz Global Assistance                                                                     In some cases, medication can be mailed to
   representative is available on campus two                                                             Australia if approved by the TGA. To find out
   days a week during semester to assist with                                                            if your prescription or medication is approved,
   claims and provide support.                                                                           contact the TGA. For contact details and more
                                                                                                         information, visit tga.gov.au

                                                                                                                  University of the Sunshine Coast      |    9
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Postal services
                                                        Australia Post operates Australia’s
                                                        postal service.
                                                        Australia Post branches offer postal services,
                                                        bill payment, and retail sales of postal and gift
                                                        products. Australia Post also offers services
                                                        online at auspost.com.au
                                                        The nearest Australia Post branch to the USC
                                                        Sunshine Coast campus is at Chancellor Park
                                                        Marketplace. There are other local branches
                                                        at Buderim, Sunshine Plaza at Maroochydore,
                                                        Mooloolaba and Kawana Shoppingworld.
                                                        Options are available to send large or heavy
                                                        items from Australia to your home country.
                                                        Australia has strict regulations on the import
     Driving                                            and export of goods and you may need to
     To drive in Australia, you must hold a valid       pay fees to have certain parcels released from
     driver’s licence.                                  Australian customs.

     If you have a current driver’s licence from your   Check which products cannot be sent to and           Residential Tenancies
     home country, and it is in English, you are        from Australia, or which will attract fees, by       Authority
     permitted to drive in Australia.                   visiting agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity              Before signing a lease or rental agreement,
     If your driver’s licence is in a language                                                               make sure you are aware of your rights
                                                        Postbillpay                                          and obligations as a tenant by reviewing
     other than English, you may apply to the
                                                        Australia Post’s ‘Postbillpay’ offers a convenient   information provided by the Residential
     Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) to have
                                                        bill payment service in person, by telephone         Tenancies Authority (RTA).
     it translated.
                                                        and on the internet.
     You must carry your driver’s licence (with                                                              The RTA provides information on bond
                                                        Continuing USC students may pay semester/            management, dispute resolution and
     translation if applicable) and passport with
                                                        trimester tuition fees via this service.             tenancy agreements.
     you when driving.
                                                        It should not be used for payment when               For more information, visit rta.qld.gov.au
     If you do not hold a driver’s licence in your
                                                        accepting your offer. Postbillpay can be
     home country, and you are going to stay in
     Australia for more than six months, you can
                                                        accessed via USC Central. For information,           Religion
                                                        visit postbillpay.com.au
     apply for a Queensland driver’s licence.                                                                Australian law ensures freedom of religion
                                                                                                             and many religions are practised in Australia.
     You will need to take a written and a practical    Legal issues
     test. If you are under 25 years of age, you will                                                        Service times and contact details for many
                                                        The Australian legal system is different from
     also need to have completed 100 hours of                                                                local churches and places of worship appear in
                                                        that of your home country.
     supervised driving training, prior to attempting                                                        the ‘Classifieds’ section of the Saturday edition
     your practical test.                               Under Queensland and Australian law, the             of local newspapers.
                                                        legal age of adulthood is 18 years of age.
     For more information, visit tmr.qld.gov.au
     or telephone 132 380.                              On arrival and during Orientation, you will          Interpreter service
                                                        receive information regarding legal issues           A 24-hour, seven-day, telephone interpreting
     Voltage                                            in Australia.                                        service operates throughout Australia to assist
     Electricity in Australia is 220–240 volts.                                                              with communicating in English. Contact the
                                                        Legal advice is available to international
                                                                                                             Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) by
                                                        students through Legal Aid. This aid is free of
     If your home country’s electricity network                                                              phoning 131 450 from anywhere in Australia
                                                        charge but is subject to eligibility conditions.
     operates on different voltage, you will need                                                            (charges apply). For more information, visit
     to use a voltage converter for any electrical      For more information, visit legalaid.qld.gov.au      tisnational.gov.au
     devices that you want to bring to Australia.
     Australia uses a three-pin power plug.
     If you bring any devices from home, you will
     need to use an adaptor. If you buy a converter
     or adaptor before you arrive, make sure it is
     suitable for Australian power sockets.

10     |   START AT USC 2019/2020                                                                                                  usc.edu.au/international
                                                                                                                                               cricos provider no. 01595d
Banking
                                                                              Opening an Australian bank account allows
                                                                              you easy access to your money.
                                                                              The financial institution you choose will
                                                                              generally allow you to operate your bank
                                                                              account from almost anywhere in Australia.
                                                                              Banks in Australia set charges for some
                                                                              transactions, have varying rules for opening
                                                                              and operating accounts, and offer various
                                                                              benefits in terms of fee structure. Some offer
                                                                              ‘fee free’ accounts for students, on presentation
                                                                              of your USC student ID card.
                                                                              To open a bank account in Australia, you will
                                                                              need to bring your passport and two other
                                                                              forms of identification, such as a national
                                                                              identity card, driver’s licence, student ID or a
                                                                              card from another bank. Remember to also
                                                                              bring your USC student ID card, to qualify for
                                                                              any student accounts.
                                                                              Some Australian banks also allow you to open
                                                                              a bank account from overseas, before you
                                                                              travel to Australia.
                                                                              For more information about banking services,
                                                                              contact your preferred Australian bank.

                                                                              Accessing your funds
                                                                              You may find it convenient to access funds
                                                                              from your home bank account while in
                                                                              Australia. You can do this quite easily by using
                                                                              a debit card displaying the Cirrus or Visa
                                                                              symbol. This will give you immediate access to
                                                                              your funds worldwide, in local currency, from
                                                                              ATMs displaying the same symbol.
                             Currency                                         Contact your bank to connect to these
                             Australia uses a decimal currency system         networks and find out what fees and charges
                             with 100 cents to the dollar.                    apply when you access your money.

                             The currency comprises notes and coins
                             and the basic unit of currency is the
                                                                              Shopping
                             Australian dollar.                               Most grocery and retail stores are open
                                                                              seven days a week from 9am to 5pm weekdays,
                             Australian notes are plastic and different       and from 10am to 4pm at weekends. Some
                             values are represented in different colours      stores offer late-night shopping until 9pm
                             and sizes.                                       on Thursdays.
                             Coins come in values of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c        Most stores accept cash, credit cards and
                             (c = cents), $1, and $2. Coins less than $1 in   debit (savings) cards.
                             value are silver, the others are gold.
                                                                              Australia has one of the most concentrated
                             Notes come in values of $5, $10, $20, $50        grocery markets in the world. Woolworths
                             and $100.                                        and Coles account for almost 70 percent of
                             Throughout this guide, Australian dollars are    supermarket sales. They stock fresh fruit,
                             denoted by $A.                                   vegetables, meat, dairy, poultry, general food
                                                                              and household items. Aldi and IGA are also
                             Currency converters                              widely spread through Australia.
                             Currency conversion takes practice. Here are     Some of the biggest retail stores in Australia
                             two websites that do the hard work for you:      are Myer, David Jones, BigW, Kmart, Target
                              • xe.com/currencyconverter                      and JB Hi-Fi.
                              • oanda.com/currency/converter

                                                                                       University of the Sunshine Coast        |   11
cricos provider no. 01595d
Attending
                                                                                          Orientation
                                                                                            We look forward to welcoming
                                                                                                     you to USC in person

                                  Orientation at USC is held during the week        International Welcome Day
                                  before the start of each semester on campus
                                                                                    International students are also invited to
                                  and is a mixture of workshops to help you
                                                                                    attend the International Welcome Day.
                                  settle in to your studies and fun activities
                                                                                    This is held on the weekend prior to
                                  where you can meet other students and
                                                                                    Orientation week at USC Sunshine Coast.
                                  explore the local area. Separate orientations
                                                                                    The day includes a bus tour to local areas,
                                  are held at other campuses during Orientation
                                                                                    guided walks with current USC students and
                                  Week, and these dates are available closer to
                                                                                    an Aussie BBQ on campus.
                                  the time.
                                  You can familiarise yourself with the             Student Success Network
                                  campus, student support services, academic
                                                                                    To help you get settled into your studies, you
                                  expectations and requirements.
                                                                                    can connect with current students through the
                                  Each USC location has its own Orientation         Student Success Network.
                                  which often includes live music, entertainment,
                                                                                    This Network is made up of trained students
                                  information about USC’s sporting teams and
                                                                                    who are involved in a range of activities from
                                  interest groups and other activities.
                                                                                    academic and social connections to program
                                  These events are a great way to make              specific support.
                                  new friends and begin your Australian             They respect your privacy and maintain
                                  study experience.                                 confidentiality and can:
                                  The academic support services include              • meet with you on campus during your first
                                  workshops on topics such as assignment               few weeks to answer any questions and see
                                  writing, library tutorials and new semester          how you’re settling in
                                  study essentials.
                                                                                     • be a familiar face on campus and someone
                                  For details of the Orientation schedule              to talk to when you’re not sure who to ask
                                  including activities, times and dates, visit
                                                                                     • answer questions and refer you to
                                  usc.edu.au/orientation
                                                                                       various services
                                                                                     • connect you to social or study groups
                                                                                       relevant to your discipline
                                                                                     • provide a supportive environment where
                                                                                       students can connect with other students
                                                                                       to share ideas, experiences, challenges
                                                                                       and advice
                                                                                    Connect with the Student Success Network at
                                                                                    usc.edu.au/studentsuccess

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                                                                                                                     cricos provider no. 01595d
2019/2020
   academic                                              Semester 2, 2019
                                                         Orientation
                                                                                                  22 July–15 November
                                                                                                  15–19 July

   calendar                                              Semester 2 begins
                                                         Census date
                                                                                                  22 July
                                                                                                  16 August
                                                         Mid-semester break                       30 September–7 October
   Undergraduate award, Study Abroad, Exchange,
                                                         Exam preparation                         28 October–1 November
   Tertiary Preparation Pathway and most postgraduate
                                                         Exams                                    4–15 November
   coursework and research programs normally run         Semester 2 ends                          15 November
   from February to November, with the year divided      Inter-semester break                     22 June–21 July
   into two semesters.
                                                         Semester 1, 2020                         24 February–19 June
                                                         Orientation                              17–21 February
                                                         Semester 2 begins                        24 February
                                                         Census date                              16 March
                                                         Mid-semester break                       13–17 April
                                                         Exam preparation                         1–5 June
                                                         Exams                                    8–19 June
                                                         Semeer 2 ends                            19 June

                                                         Semester 2, 2020                         20 July–13 November
                                                         Orientation                              13–17 July
                                                         Semester 2 begins                        20 July
                                                         Census date                              10 August
                                                         Mid-semester break                       28 September–2 October
                                                         Exam preparation                         26–30 October
                                                         Exams                                    2–13 November
                                                         Semester 2 ends                          13 November

                                                        Trimester-based programs
                                                        Some postgraduate coursework programs* operate
                                                        on a trimester basis, with the year divided into three
                                                        trimesters. Orientation is organised in the week prior to the
                                                        commencement of each trimester.

                                                         Second trimester, 2019                   22 July–25 October 2019
                                                         Third trimester, 2019/2020               4 November 2019–
                                                                                                  14 February 2020
                                                         First trimester, 2020                    17 February–29 May 2020
                                                         Second trimester, 2020                   13 July–23 October 2020
                                                         Third trimester, 2020/2021               26 October 2020–
                                                                                                  19 February 2021

                                                        * eg Master of International Business, Graduate Certificate in Management,
                                                        Master of Business Administration.

                                                                                     University of the Sunshine Coast                |   13
cricos provider no. 01595d
Student
     support
     services
     As a USC student, you are
     encouraged to access the
     services available to you on
     campus. Whether you need
     information about your studies,
     extracurricular activities, or
                                                  Student Central                                     Career Development
     personal issues, you will find
                                                  Student Central offices are located at each         Career Development offer a range of services
     support at USC.                              USC campus and are your first point of contact      to support the career development of USC
                                                  for anything student related. Staff at Student      students. They can assist in preparing you for
     Student support services                     Central can offer help and advice about most        your future career, gaining part-time work or
     may vary across USC campuses.                facilities, services and procedures or put you in   getting some work experience.
                                                  touch with the relevant service.
     Check individual study locations                                                                 Services for students include:
     for more information in                      Services includes:                                   • individual career counselling, guidance
     this guide and at                             •   enrolment advice                                  and planning
                                                   •   program advice                                  • assistance with resumes and job
     usc.edu.au/explore/usc-locations
                                                   •   student finance                                   applications
                                                   •   scholarships                                    • Career Hub, an online site for students
     For more information on all                                                                         of USC
                                                   •   student leadership opportunities
     student support services, visit               •   academic skills support                        For more information, visit
     usc.edu.au/studentsupport                     •   progression                                    usc.edu.au/career-development
                                                   •   exams
                                                  For more information, visit
                                                                                                      Tenancy and welfare
                                                  usc.edu.au/studentcentral                           services
                                                                                                      The Welfare and Advocacy Officer at the
     USC International                            Student Wellbeing                                   Student Guild can assist you to understand
                                                                                                      your rights and responsibilities under
     USC International is here to assist you      Studying in a new country can be challenging.
                                                                                                      the Residential Tenancies and Rooming
     with your application to USC and help        Student Wellbeing staff are ready to help
                                                                                                      Accommodation Act (2008). They can also
     you through the application process,         during your study. They can provide timely
                                                                                                      provide information, resources, advice and
     answering any questions you have about:      assistance with any problems that may be
                                                                                                      referral in areas such as:
                                                  affecting your studies and provide a range
      • assisting you to obtain credit transfer
                                                  of support and services for academic and             • Residential Tenancies Authority
        towards your studies
                                                  personal issues.                                       (RTA) legislation – the ‘RTA’ is the
      • Student visa matters                                                                             state government statutory body for
      • Overseas Student Health Cover             Services includes:
                                                                                                         Queensland’s residential rental sector
        (OSHC)                                     •   Counselling service
                                                                                                       • Budgeting
                                                   •   AccessAbility services (disability support)
     For more information, visit                                                                       • Dispute resolution
     usc.edu.au/international                      •   Equal Opportunity (EO) Online for Students
                                                   •   Equity Information                              • Referral to free legal services
     ‘Like’ us on Facebook                         •   Health and wellbeing                            • Referral to Emergency and/or crisis
     USC International uses Facebook to            •   LGBTIQ Ally Network                               accommodation only
     connect you with:                             •   Social activities and clubs                    To book an appointment with the
      •    important information                   •   Widening participation in higher education     Welfare and Advocacy Officer email
      •    other international students                                                               welfarestudentguild@usc.edu.au or
                                                  For more information, visit
      •    events on and off campus                                                                   call 07 5456 3742.
                                                  usc.edu.au/studentwellbeing
      •    student clubs
     Visit facebook.com/USCinternational
     and ‘like’ us.

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                                                                                                                                           cricos provider no. 01595d
IT services
   A range of Information and Communication          All University communications will be sent to     Transport
   Technology (ICT) services are available to        your student email. It is important to check
   you. ICT help is available — on campus, by        your student email regularly to stay informed.    USC Express shuttle
   telephone or via email.                           Electronic communication is considered            The USC Express shuttle service
                                                     official communication from USC.                  connects some USC study locations
   For more information, visit
   usc.edu.au/itsupport                                                                                and major transport hubs. It’s a
                                                     USC Central                                       FREE service for all students and
   Student IT Help Desk                              This is one of the most important online          staff who hold a current University
                                                     services you need to become familiar              identification card.
   The Student IT Help Desk provides students
                                                     with. USC Central is the online system
   with assistance to access the USC network and                                                       The shuttle service operates during
                                                     you use to manage your enrolment and
   troubleshoot problems with logins, passwords,                                                       teaching weeks from Monday to
                                                     personal details.
   and access to USC information technology                                                            Friday in Semester 1 and 2 only
   systems including email and WIFI.                 This includes:                                    and does not run during University
                                                      • Completing task items                          breaks, including the Easter intra-
   Computers on campus                                • Planning your timetable                        semester break, the study break,
   Computers are available 24 hours a day unless                                                       Orientation week and exam period
                                                      • Enrolling in courses and classes
   otherwise specified and scheduled classes                                                           or on public holidays.
                                                      • Updating your personal details
   always have priority access. You will need                                                          For more information and timetables
                                                      • Viewing your financial details
   your student card to access the room. Quick                                                         visit usc.edu.au/express
   access computers are available in the Library’s    • Viewing grades
   Information Commons and Building T, Level 1.       • Generating an unofficial
                                                        academic transcript
                                                                                                       TransLink ‘Go Card’
   These computers are only for checking email,
                                                                                                       TransLink’s ‘Go Card’ provides a quick
   accessing files and printing study materials.      • Viewing your class and exam timetables
                                                                                                       and easy way for you to travel on
   Visit Find A PC to locate an available PC                                                           public transport. Simply touch your
                                                     Blackboard
   on this campus or for locations, visit                                                              Go Card on at the beginning and
   usc.edu.au/maps                                   Your one-stop-shop for study materials.           touch off at the end of your journey
                                                     Find course outlines, study resources, access     across all TransLink bus, train and
                                                     student forums, and submit assessments.           ferry services. The correct fare is
   USC account
                                                     Through Blackboard you can also access the        automatically deducted from
   Use this account to access USC systems
                                                     Train Station which connects you to free online   your balance.
   including student email, USC Central,
                                                     training tools (including Lynda.com) covering a
   Blackboard, wireless internet and computers                                                         When you use a Go Card, fares are
                                                     range of topics.
   on campus.                                                                                          approximately 30 percent cheaper
   If you have accepted your offer and not yet       Copyright                                         than the cost of a single paper ticket.
   received your username and password, please       Australian copyright laws are strict. As a USC    To be eligible for a concession
   contact USC International.                        student, you must comply with copyright laws      Go Card with student fares, you will
                                                     and with the USC Copyright Policy.                need to be an award student and
   WIFI networks                                                                                       carry your USC full-time student
                                                     Please observe the copyright notices around       identification card when travelling
   USC students generally use the University’s
                                                     campus, including at copiers and print stations   on any TransLink services.
   eduroam network to access the internet, USC
                                                     in the library, and in computer labs. You will
   Central, Blackboard and student email.                                                              Go Cards can be purchased from
                                                     also see a copyright notice when you log in to
   This means that when you are on campus            the USC Network.                                  the Co-op book store (USC Sunshine
   this will allow you to connect to the wireless                                                      Coast campus, Ground floor, ICT
                                                     USC’s Copyright Policy can be viewed at           Centre, Building J), train stations,
   eduroam network using your USC credentials.
                                                     usc.edu.au/Copyright                              by telephone on 13 12 30, from the
                                                                                                       TransLink website and many other
   USC Email
                                                                                                       locations around Queensland.
   Every USC student is provided a University
   email account provided by the Microsoft                                                             You will find more information
   Office 365 for Education system. You can access                                                     about Go Cards at translink.com.au
   your email and calendar using Microsoft’s
   Outlook Web Application (Email), via the
   Login link in the USC website’s header or via
   Microsoft Outlook.

                                                                                                          University of the Sunshine Coast       |   15
cricos provider no. 01595d
USC Sunshine Coast
     90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs QLD | usc.edu.au/maps

     USC Sunshine Coast is home to some of the          Travelling times on the Sunshine Coast
     most innovative learning and visualisation
                                                        Bus           Campus to Kawana                                           25 minutes
     facilities in Australia.
                                                                      Campus to Mooloolaba                                       10 minutes
     Campus facilities include a $37m Engineering
     Learning Hub with 3D CAVE2TM visualisation                       Campus to Maroochydore or Nambour                          30 minutes
     studio, simulated nursing and paramedic labs,
                                                                      Campus to Landsborough Railway Station                     20 minutes
     specialised computer, science, manufacturing
     and design labs, nationally accredited sport                     Maroochydore to Noosa or Caloundra                         55 minutes
     science labs, and a range of interactive digital
     learning spaces.                                                 USC Campus to Brisbane (bus and train link)                2 hours, 30 minutes

     Students have access to the award-winning          Car           Campus to Mooloolaba                                       10 minutes
     USC Library and Art Gallery, modern teaching                     Campus to Kawana                                           15 minutes
     and study spaces, a community garden, the
     Co-op Bookshop, and a space for multi-faith                      Campus to Maroochydore, Caloundra or Nambour               20 minutes
     prayer and quiet reflection.                                     Campus to Noosa                                            40 minutes
     USC Sunshine Coast also includes a high-                         Campus to Brisbane                                         1 hour
     performance sport precinct with Olympic-
     standard swimming pool, fully equipped gym         Train         USC Campus to Brisbane (bus and train link)                2 hours, 30 minutes
     and the 2000-seat USC Stadium, which is                          Landsborough to Brisbane                                   1 hour, 30 minutes
     home to the Sunshine Coast Lightning
     netball team.                                                    Nambour to Brisbane                                        1 hour, 45 minutes
                                                        Bicycle       Bicycle track between USC and Mooloolaba                   30 minutes
     Getting around the
     Sunshine Coast
     USC’s bus interchange provides services to
     Sunshine Coast communities and connects               Weather
     with trains to Brisbane and other inland towns.       The Sunshine Coast climate suits the outdoor lifestyle and leisure activities enjoyed here.
                                                           While the area does live up to its name, the Sunshine Coast also has its share of rain and the
     Bus services operate to and from USC Sunshine         Australian summer months are usually the wettest. If you are coming in winter, you should
     Coast seven days a week. However, services are        bring warm clothes.
     limited at weekends and on public holidays.
     The average cost of a one-way, full-time
     student award, on-peak bus fare from USC to
     Maroochydore is approximately $A2.40 (paper
     ticket concession) or $A1.63 (‘Go Card’
     concession). Timetables are available from
     Student Central — Ground floor, Building C.
     For more information, visit translink.com.au               Sunshine Coast climate
     or call 131 220.                                           JAN   FEB    MAR     APR MAY JUN          JUL AUG SEP               OCT     NOV           DEC
                                                                                         Average minimum temperature (ºC)
     The USC Express shuttle service connects some
     USC study locations and major transport hubs.               19    19     18      15      11     9     7     8        10         14        16           18
     For more information and timetables visit                                           Average maximum temperature (ºC)
     usc.edu.au/express                                          30    28     27      26      23     21    21    22       24         26        27          28

16     |   START AT USC 2019/2020                                                                                               usc.edu.au/international
                                                                                                                                              cricos provider no. 01595d
Arranging accommodation
                                    and airport transfers

                             Private accommodation                              The Village
                             providers                                          Tel: +61 7 5430 2500
                                                                                thevillage.net.au
                             Many international and Australian students
                             live in one of the three privately-owned, fully-   The Village offers two and three bedroom
                             furnished accommodation complexes that are         share villas, some with private garages
                             conveniently located next to the University.       attached.
                             UniCentral, Varsity Apartments and The             Each apartment is furnished and has a shared
                             Village all offer modern self-contained            living room, kitchen and laundry facilities.
                             accommodation in resort-style complexes and
                                                                                Each private bedroom includes a double bed,
                             are all linked by a pathway to the campus,
                                                                                some with a private bathroom, telephone,
                             which is an easy three-minute walk away.
                                                                                study desk and chair, internet connection and
                             You can book directly through the private          a free intercom system.
                             accommodation providers’ websites. Once
                                                                                Facilities include:
                             you have signed a lease, it can be difficult and
                             expensive to change your accommodation, so          • three pools including a four-lane 25-metre
                             it is important you understand the terms and          lap pool
                             conditions of your lease arrangement.               • a flood-lit tennis court / basketball court
                             On departure, you will have to pay for any          • outdoor recreational areas and barbecues
                             damage to your room/apartment, and                  • secure gated complex with on-site
                             you risk eviction if you do not follow the            managers and night security
                             accommodation provider’s rules.
                             If you have any problems with your
                             accommodation, ask the managers for
                             assistance.

                                                                                         University of the Sunshine Coast        |   17
cricos provider no. 01595d
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