Whether you’re about to apply to UTS or almost on the plane, you’re probably wondering what awaits you when you arrive.

At UTS, we go above and beyond to help you get settled in, so you can get on with enjoying your international study experience.

To help you find out more, here’s what to expect during your first month at UTS.

Orientation

Your time at UTS starts with Orientation. Held the week before classes begin, Orientation is designed to help you settle into uni life, meet other students and feel confident before your first semester starts. If you're travelling to Sydney from overseas, make sure you plan your arrival so you can attend.

As an international student, there are a few sessions you'll want to prioritise:

  • International Advice Session (IAS): this compulsory session covers important information about your student visa responsibilities, support services, settling into life in Sydney and studying at UTS.
  • Faculty welcome: meet your lecturers, fellow students and learn what to expect from your course.
  • Campus tour: familiarise yourself with classrooms, study spaces and key student services before classes begin.

For the full Orientation program, including event schedules, workshops and social activities, visit the UTS Orientation page.

 


 

Student at an on campus health clinic talking to a medical receptionist

Support services for international students

At UTS, we know moving overseas to study is a big deal. That’s why we have a range of specialised international student support services to help you with any challenge, big or small.


Campus life

Your UTS campus will be your home away from home for the next few years, so it’s a good idea to take some time to explore it and settle in.

Here are some things to know about campus life at UTS.

Getting around is easy

Need to travel between UTS campuses? No problem!

Our city campus is located in the neighbouring suburbs of Ultimo and Haymarket. You can also easily get to our sport and exercise facilities at Moore Park by public transportation.

Need to get to the UTS Tech Lab? Catch the free shuttle bus from the city campus!

Library services are your go-to

At UTS, the library is more than just a place to study. Our library is recognised as one of Australia’s most forward-thinking, offering a range of study spaces, student areas and computer facilities, plus both digital and physical books available to loan. As a student you'll have access to our award-winning UTS Reading Room, featuring a three-storey glass facade overlooking the university lawn.

Need some help with your studies? The library team can help you conduct research, plan your assignments and build critical academic skills.

Security

Your safety is the most important thing. That’s why the UTS security team is on-hand 24/7 to patrol our campuses and keep everyone safe.

If you need to contact the security team, you can do so easily by dialling 6 on any internal phone, or by calling them directly on 1800 249 559. You can also contact them from any of the Help Points around campus.

You can also request a security escort to a UTS building or residence, or to Central Station.

Clubs and societies

Joining a club or society is one of the easiest ways to meet people, explore your interests and feel part of the UTS community. Whether you want to make friends, develop professional skills or stay active, there are more than 180 student-run clubs and societies to choose from.

A group of students holding up prints in front of a booth sign the reads "design society"

Faculty societies

Enhance your studies by joining one of our many faculty clubs and societies, such as:

Three students on campus riding a surfboard in front of an event stall

Sports clubs

Get active with UTS sports clubs. You’ll find groups for a huge variety of sports and activities, including:

Two students standing at an event booth with the sign Traditional Chinese Cultural Association; one student holds two swords while the other holds a tea receptacle.

Faith and culture

Sydney is one of Australia’s most diverse cities (external link), with 50% of residents born overseas! To reflect the multicultural community around you, UTS offers a large range of faith and culture societies. Some of these include:

Student from K-pop society holding up small cutouts in front of stall.

Hobbies and interests

Of course, there are lots of UTS clubs and societies for different hobbies and interests! For example:

3 students on the UTS campus smiling with arms around shoulders

Professional development

Want a head start on your career? Check out clubs like the Fabrication Society, AERIS UAV and the Society of International Diplomacy and Domestic Affairs (SIDDA). 
 
You can also find ways to connect with industry through societies like 180 Degrees Consulting UTS. This is a student-led consulting service that partners with non-profits and social enterprises, giving students consulting experience under the guidance of industry professionals.

Starting classes

So, it’s time for your first class at UTS! Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Check your timetable

Your timetable is where you’ll find information on your classes, including where they are and when they start and end. You can find your timetable anytime via the Student Portal.

Make sure you check your timetable carefully so you know what classes you have each day.

What to bring

Here’s what you might want to bring with you on your first day of classes.

Navigating campus

When you’re planning your day, make sure you give yourself enough time to arrive on campus and find your classroom or lecture hall.

If you get lost or have trouble finding your way, you can check the UTS campus map online. Or, simply ask a staff member or fellow student, and they might be able to help point you in the right direction.

FAQs about your first month at UTS

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See what's on in Sydney

Find out what to expect from life in Australia's biggest city in our guide for international students.

Information is correct as of the date of publication but may change over time.