TransportPublic TransportThe UOW campus is easily reached by public transport from the centre of Wollongong and surrounding suburbs. Buses Buses are the main form of public transport to and from the University. The University bus stop is on Northfields avenue and buses run direct to the University from all areas of Wollongong. All students are entitled to a student concession on Premier Illawarra and Dions bus services in Wollongong. A bus concession symbol will be printed on your student ID card when you enrol at UOW. Trains The nearest railway station to the Wollongong campus is North Wollongong station. A shuttle bus connects the North Wollongong train station to the University every 20 minutes (between 7:30am and 10:00pm). Each ride on the shuttle bus costs 60 cents. Alternatively, it is a 15 to 20 minute walk from the station to the University. Private international students in State of New South Wales are not eligible for a student concession on the State’s public transport system (including the rail network). This is a government regulation for international students at all universities. The only eligible international students are those sponsored by the Australian Government and students involved in formal reciprocal university exchange programs. For more information about the Campus Shuttle Timetable click here. Click here for more information about public transport to UOW and around Wollongong city, including maps and links to timetables for buses and trains. Shuttle buses to University AccommodationCampus East is located in the suburb of Fairy Meadow (approximately 40 minutes walk from the main UOW campus) so many students catch the shuttle buses that run to the University at regular intervals from Monday through Friday. This is a “user pays” service. International House and Weerona College are located approximately 20 minutes walk from campus and only have a shuttle bus service between 5pm and 10pm. A shuttle bus fee is included in the housing contract fee. Kooloobong and Graduate House are located on campus and regular bus services operate to Wollongong city from the University bus stop on Northfields Avenue. CyclingBicycles are a cheap alternative method of transport. There are dedicated cycle paths located around Wollongong and surrounding suburbs. Second-hand bikes are available from bicycle stores, or from other students as advertised on notice boards around campus. It is compulsory to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. Helmets cost approximately AUD$20 to AUD$50 from department stores like K-Mart, Target or Big W. DrivingIn Australia, we drive on the left hand side of the road. To drive a car you must be over 16 years of age, have Third Party Insurance Cover and have a licence to drive in Australia. If you are in Australia on a student (temporary) visa and you do not intend to become a permanent resident, you will be regarded as a visiting driver and will be permitted to drive on your home country licence. If the licence is not written in English, an International Driving Permit, or an English translation must also be carried with the licence when driving. Further details on driving in New South Wales, including licence requirements and road rules, can be obtained by contacting the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA). Travelling Around AustraliaBuses connect most major tourist destinations. However distances and traveling times can be huge. As such, most students choose to fly between states when traveling. Sometimes discount travel options within Australia (e.g. air passes) are available in your home country but not available for purchase after your arrival. Check with your own travel agent if you are thinking of travelling extensively within Australia. You can also purchase an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) from the STA travel agency on campus which allows for some discount travel in Australia. You may be also able to purchase this card from a STA travel agency in your home country. Click here for further information about Australian travel packages available to UOW students
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