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Studying in 2021

On this page you’ll find what you need to know about learning at UOW in 2021, staying COVID-Safe on campus and accessing our services and facilities.

COVID-19 status updates

UOW continues to follow NSW Health advice on COVID-19 protocols and requirements. For information about what rules apply to our campuses, please visit our COVID-19 response website. We also encourage you to stay updated on the latest rules and advice via the NSW Health website.

NSW Reopening Roadmap

Our COVID Safe Transition Plan (PDF) details a phased approach to restarting social connections from October to the end of December 2021. The safety of our community is the guiding principle behind all decisions made at UOW; that is why our plan aligns with the NSW Public Health Order and the Reopening NSW Roadmap. 

Vaccination requirements

  • As per Public Health orders and the Reopening NSW Roadmap, until 1 December 2021, access to certain UOW facilities will only be permitted to people who are vaccinated (fully vaccinated for Greater Sydney or at least one dose for Regional NSW)
  • These rules apply to staff, students and visitors to hospitality, retail, sporting venues, libraries, events and related activities
  • These rules also apply to visitors to student accommodation. Residents are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated

Studying in 2022

We are delighted to announce that most subjects will safely return to on-campus delivery in Session 1 2022, with students encouraged to enrol in on-campus class options. We will also continue to offer online class options for many of our subjects, where possible. Find out more about what studying in 2022 will look like on our website.

Engaging on campus

Studying in 2021

Accessing our libraries & campus facilities

Staying COVID-Safe on campus

UOW accommodation

Transport & parking

Getting active & social

Service points & support

Frequently asked questions

Studying in 2021

To provide certainty for students, we will continue online delivery for the remainder of Spring Session and all of Trimester 3.

Exams

Final exams for these sessions will be held online and remotely, except for a small number of exams requiring a practical assessment component. Some exams will be invigilated (supervised) online due to accreditation or specific learning requirements. Students will receive more detailed information about exams via SOLS mail, and the Exams and Results website will be updated regularly.

Pilot program to return international students

The University of Wollongong (UOW) welcomes the NSW Government’s announcement on a plan to start returning international students to NSW. While the pilot will initially only bring a small number of eligible international students back to Australia, it's an important milestone that will lay the foundation for the safe return of more students in the future. Find out more on our Returning to Australia webpage.

Research activities

The Research and Innovation Division (RAID) team, together with Faculties/AIIM and UOW Workplace Health and Safety team, have prepared a COVID Safe Transition Plan for Research, which has been updated in line with recent NSW Public Health Orders and UOW’s COVID Safe Transition Plan (PDF).

Please contact your supervisor to discuss what this means for you. Your supervisor has additional details from their Faculty on how essential research is being managed.

It is important to continue to document the impact of COVID disruptions, using the HDR candidate contingency plan. Documenting impacts can help you apply for scholarships or candidature extensions if your research is disrupted by the pandemic.

For more information and FAQS regarding Higher Degree Research during COVID-19, visit this page.

Accessing our libraries & campus facilities

UOW Library

  • Wollongong Campus library will remain open and accessible for students who may require quiet study spaces and computer or internet access
  • View Library opening hours and view live occupancy counter
  • Must scan QR code when entering and exiting Library; if you cannot scan QR code, see staff at Loans Desk
  • Furniture placement altered to adhere to physical distancing requirements.

For more information on accessing library services, visit the Library website.

Study spaces

  • Building 17, Level 1 (50 capacity): See opening hours
  • Building 11 (100 capacity): 8 am - 6 pm

Retail and food outlets

For opening hours of our retail and cafe outlets, click here.

UOW Wi-Fi

The University provides wireless internet access to the Wollongong Campus and its regional campuses and is available to staff, students and guests of the University. Learn more about UOW wi-fi.

Health and medical services

The following heath and medical services are open. Refer to the relevant website for further information.

QR code scanning

Mandatory Service NSW QR code scanning is in place at all UOW buildings, including residences. Students must check-in and out every time they enter or leave a building on our campuses – this may include checking in multiple times a day.

For opening hours of our retail and cafe outlets during lockdown, click here.

  • Science Space is closed
  • UniActive is closed

The Innovation Campus Management office remains open and available to respond to your questions and queries, please reach via email or phone out if you require any assistance.

Innovation Campus Management
Email: ic-admin@uow.edu.au 
Phone: +61 2 4221 5115

QR code scanning

Mandatory Service NSW QR code scanning is in place at all UOW buildings, including residences. Students must check-in and out every time they enter or leave a building on our campuses – this may include checking in multiple times a day.

  • For campus Library information, visit the Batemans Bay and Bega websites. 
  • At Batemans Bay, the campus is currently closed with swipe card-only access. Contact campus admin if you do not have an access card.
  • At UOW Bega, swipe card is required to access 340.G04 computer lab and common spaces. Contact campus admin if you do not have an access card.
  • Students with laptops can access the UOW wi-fi from the car park.
  • Strict physical distancing rules apply on campus.

QR code scanning

Mandatory Service NSW QR code scanning is in place at all UOW buildings. Students must check-in and out every time they enter or leave a building on our campuses – this may include checking in multiple times a day.

  • Swipe card required to access all buildings. Contact campus admin if you do not have an access card.
  • 24/7 computer access available in Building 301 (LG.02), as well as access to common spaces in CG 02 and CG 01.
  • For campus library information, visit the Shoalhaven campus website.
  • For best UOW wi-fi connection, park near Mind the Gap Building.
  • Strict physical distancing rules apply on campus.

QR code scanning

Mandatory Service NSW QR code scanning is in place at all UOW buildings. Students must check-in and out every time they enter or leave a building on our campuses – this may include checking in multiple times a day.

  • Swipe card access only, including 360.G02 computer lab. Contact campus admin if you do not have an access card.
  • For campus library information, visit the Southern Highlands campus website.
  • Strict physical distancing rules apply on campus.

QR code scanning

Mandatory Service NSW QR code scanning is in place at all UOW buildings. Students must check-in and out every time they enter or leave a building on our campuses – this may include checking in multiple times a day.

With the easing of restrictions for vaccinated people, UOW Southern Sydney Campus will reopen for essential study from Monday 1 November 2021.

In accordance with Public Health orders and the Reopening NSW Roadmap, until 1 December 2021, access to facilities at the Southern Sydney campus will only be permitted to people who are vaccinated (fully vaccinated Greater Sydney or at least one dose for Regional NSW). Refer to our COVID Safe Transition Plan for further details on our phased approach to restarting social connections from October to the end of December 2021.

With online learning continuing at UOW for the remainder of 2021, we ask that students only attend campus if they have essential study requirements and cannot study from home.

If coming on campus you must:

  • Bring your UOW student card and proof of vaccination status to gain entry
  • Scan the QR code upon entry and exit and adhere to building occupancy limits (if you are unable to scan the QR code, please see staff at the Student Services desk).
  • Follow these COVID Safe rules, which include wearing a face mask in all indoor areas and staying home if you feel unwell.

Study spaces

Rooms G06 G03 and Computer Lab G04 will be open between 9 am - 4.30 pm Monday – Friday for essential study only.

Parking

Student parking will be available in the car park directly adjacent to the campus.

Have a question?

If you have any questions relating to campus access, please contact us on 8536 2000 or email ssydney-enquiries@uow.edu.au

With the easing of restrictions for vaccinated people, parts of UOW South Western Sydney Campus will reopen for essential study from Monday 1 November 2021. The Student Hub and Library services are expected to reopen from Monday 8 November.

In accordance with Public Health orders and the Reopening NSW Roadmap, until 1 December 2021, access to facilities at the South Western Sydney campus will only be permitted to people who are fully vaccinated.

With online learning continuing at UOW for the remainder of 2021, we ask that students only attend campus if they have essential study requirements and cannot study from home.

If coming on campus you must:

  • Bring your UOW student card and proof of vaccination status to gain entry
  • Scan the QR code upon entry and exit and adhere to building occupancy limits
  • Follow these COVID Safe rules, which include wearing a face mask in all indoor areas and staying home if you feel unwell.

Campus open hours

For the month of November, the campus will be open from 9.00 am - 7.00 pm Monday - Friday. Standard opening hours are planned to resume from 1 December.

Study spaces

Computer labs and study spaces on the ground floor and level 1 only will be open for essential study.

Have a question?

If you have any questions relating to campus access, please contact us on 8763 6000 or email sws-enquiries@uow.edu.au. For further details on UOW’s phased approach to reopening, refer to our COVID Safe Campus Transition Plan.

  • Teaching at UOW’s CBD Campus has reverted to online.
  • Sydney Business School remains closed, with some limited access available for staff from 15 November.
  • Service staff are available via telephone +61 2 9266 1300, or email: business-enquiries@uow.edu.au
  • Please check the UOW Sydney Business School website for the most up to date opening hours

Staying COVID-Safe on campus

  • Stay home if unwell and seek medical advice. Anyone who attends campus and is displaying COVID-19 symptoms will be asked to leave and get tested. If you need help arranging transport to a medical centre or COVID-19 testing clinic, you can contact UOW Security.
  • Continue to check the list of case locations, exposure venues and public transport routes. If you attended a venue during the times and dates listed, you must immediately follow the health advice listed against the relevant venue and do not visit a UOW campus for any reason.
  • Maintain 1.5m physical distancing from others where practical in all open and closed spaces.
  • Wear a mask in all indoor venues on campus, while waiting for or while on public transport services.
  • Mandatory Service NSW QR code scanning is in place at all UOW buildings, including residences. Students must check-in and out every time they enter or leave a building on our campuses – this may include checking in multiple times a day.
  • Occupancy limits apply as per public health order restrictions across campus and are signposted at the entry where required.
  • Wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitiser. Hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes stations have been installed around campus and in classrooms. Students are required to use disinfectant wipes provided to clean their desks and any shared equipment before and after class. Please dispose of used disinfectant wipes in the general waste bins (landfill).

Students are also encouraged to find out when and where they can receive a COVID-19 vaccine, book an appointment if eligible, or register interest. Check your eligibility here.

Face masks

From 11 October, face mask rules changed. Visitors to UOW campuses in NSW must wear a face mask in an indoor area of premises other than a place of residence, when waiting for or on public transport, and if you cannot maintain 1.5 meters distance from others. For the latest rules, visit the NSW health website.

Students are encouraged to bring their own reusable masks when visiting campus, however, this may not be appropriate in laboratory settings due to the risk of contamination. Teaching staff in local areas will be able to provide students with advice on what type of face mask is suitable for their class.

If you use a disposable mask please ensure that you dispose of it appropriately in the general waste bins (landfill). Breaking the ear elastics before disposal will also help to protect our wildlife.

Wearing a mask is not a substitute for physical distancing. Masks are a "fourth line of defence" after staying home if unwell and getting tested, maintaining social distancing and good hand hygiene.

Please refer to the NSW Government website on how to wear a mask correctly.

UOW Accommodation

Our residences continue to provide students with a vibrant and supportive community while they study at UOW.

Each residence offers easy access to a range of facilities and social events, academic and wellbeing programs. Our focus is on ensuring students feel supported and connected.

We have plans in place to ensure our residents have a COVID safe environment, including physical distancing protocols, staggered dining times at catered sites and clear signage.

Applications are now open for new and returning students.

COVID-19 Accommodation FAQs

Transport & parking

  • Pay and display parking across the Wollongong campus is closed (tickets currently not required).
  • Public parking arrangements at all regional and metropolitan campuses operate as normal.
  • Students who have paid up-front for an annual parking permit can register with Facilities Management to receive a refund: transport-project@uow.edu.au
  • Consider travel options if you need to come to campus - walk or ride instead.
  • Avoid travelling during peak periods if possible and allow extra travel time in case you need to wait for a less crowded train or bus.

Getting active & social

  • UniActive offers top-class fitness and sporting facilities on campus including two fully equipped gyms, a 50m heated Olympic pool, group exercise classes and much more. Government guidelines and capacity limits apply at UniActive gyms.
  • Pulse Student Engagement programs are delivered on campus and online, offering a range of workshops, events, resources and giveaways.
  • Join one of over 150 UniClubs and get involved and connect with other students.

Service points & support

  • Student Central is the first point of contact for student enquiries. You can find their contact details here.
  • UOW also has a wide range of academic and personal support services available to students. We encourage students to make use of these services, as they need them.
  • Face masks are mandatory when visiting on-campus indoor service points.

Frequently asked questions

To provide certainty for students, we will continue online delivery for the remainder of Spring Session and all of Trimester 3. A small number of courses have compulsory skills development that requires on-campus training. We are developing options to ensure that students in these courses will be able to complete their studies. We will contact these students directly to advise of arrangements.

Dual delivery means that in 2021 some classes are being delivered online, others are being delivered on-campus, and some offer both on-campus and online delivery options.

Your subject timetable and tutorial enrolment process provides information on the available delivery method for each class.

We are mindful that some students may not be able to attend on-campus classes due to COVID-19 travel restrictions or other legitimate personal circumstances, and so online delivery will continue to be offered where possible.

If you are enrolled in a subject in 2021 that has on-campus components, but you are no longer within travelling distance of your campus, please contact your subject coordinator to discuss your study options.

Yes. The following COVID-Safe rules are in place for anyone visiting a UOW campus or residence. We will continue to monitor the latest health advice and adapt these rules as and when they change.

COVID safe capacity means that the layout of UOW’s teaching spaces allows for physical distancing between students in accordance with Government guidelines. The COVID safe capacity (or maximum capacity) of each room on campus has been determined on this basis.

Our SSAF funded projects, essential services and programs play a critical role in supporting our students and enriching their university experience. Most of these essential services continue to be available for students whether studying online or on campus. To ensure these essential services continue to be available for students in 2021, the SSAF Fee will be charged as per normal. To learn more about how SSAF relates to you, visit the SSAF website. 

Our Sydney CBD and Southern Sydney campuses are currently closed in response to the current COVID-19 situation across Greater Sydney.

All other Australian campuses remain open and accessible to students. Our libraries, study spaces, outdoor areas and facilities on these campuses are open and operating with physical distancing and other safety measures in place. Students can also continue to access our full range of academic and personal support services online.

See more on accessing campus facilities

As part UOW’s COVID-19 business recovery strategy, the University will close many of its campuses from 4 – 8 January, 19 – 23 April and 12 – 16 July 2021. While these dates fall in student breaks, it does mean that a number of on-campus services and facilities will be unavailable to students during these times. Detailed information of what services will – and will not – be available with be communicated to students directly in the lead up to each break period. 

If you wish to withdraw from a subject you’ve enrolled in for a particular session, there are some important things to consider. Successful withdrawal from subjects depends largely on at what point in the session you withdraw. You can learn more about withdrawing from subjects here.

UOW Libraries are open, with appropriate physical distancing protocols and occupancy limits in place.

For details of opening hours, occupancy limits and accessing services for the Wollongong Campus Library, visit the Library website. For other UOW libraries, check their library websites for the most up-to-date information.