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.
Studying in 2021
- On Saturday 17 July, NSW Health announced additional restrictions for Greater Sydney to further limit the spread of the COVID-19 Delta strain.
- Current restrictions and stay-at-home orders in place for Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong, and Shellharbour have been extended until 11:59 pm, Friday 30 July 2021.
- Students who reside in or whose usual workplace or study are within these areas should continue to work or study from home where it is not essential to be on campus.
- Our Sydney CBD and Southern Sydney campuses will continue to be closed during this time. All other UOW campuses will remain open.
- All students and visitors to campuses must carry a mask at all times, to be worn when indoors, in queues or retail outdoors, and if within 1.5 meters of another person.
- 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.
Subject delivery for Session 2
While we plan to return to campus when NSW Health advice allows, to protect our university community, and give certainty in relation to teaching and learning, we have decided to move most classes online for the first four weeks of Session 2 – that is, to the end of Week 4 (20 August 2021). The remainder of Trimester 2 will also be online.
A decision about class delivery beyond 20 August 2021 will be communicated in early August, allowing students sufficient time to plan before Session 2 census date (31 August 2021).
Our decision to move classes online past the extended lockdown date end is based on the fact that beyond 30 July 2021, it is unclear how long restrictions will remain in place or how they will change over time. What is clear is that the road out of lockdown from this outbreak will take some time, and we want to allow sufficient time for staff and students to plan ahead.
Studying in 2021
To protect our university community, and give certainty in relation to teaching and learning, we have decided to move most classes online for the first four weeks of Session 2 – that is, to the end of Week 4 (20 August 2021). The remainder of Trimester 2 will also be online.
In response to student feedback, we’ve recently upgraded technology in many of our Wollongong campus classrooms, improving how we capture, record and live stream lectures for students studying online.
For offshore students unable to travel to Australia due to international travel restrictions, online delivery will continue to be offered, where possible.
Understanding your subject timetable
The Spring 2021 timetable (and other associated timetables) was published on 11 June and is available to view on our Timetabling page. The timetable outlines what subjects are running, the class options for each subject, and how those classes will be delivered (e.g. face-to-face, online or both).
Read our frequently asked questions about subject timetables, which you find on our website.
Enrolling in subjects
If you haven’t already enrolled in Session 2 subjects, you can do this now via SOLS and once the timetable is released, your class options will be available for you to view.
Exams
Most exams for Trimester 2 will continue to be held remotely online (off-campus). Some exams may be held on campus, due to accreditation or specific learning requirements. For more details, visit our Exams website.
Information on exams for Spring and Trimester 3 will be provided later in the year.
Research activities
Research students should be adequately supervised on-site by a staff member with appropriate expertise, and to ensure that both physical distancing and appropriate health and safety measures are undertaken.
Further information pertaining to research activities is outlined in the COVID-19 Safe Work Plan – Research Activity and the COVID-19 Safe Work Plan – Office Areas.
All researchers are also required to follow the Restoring Research Operations Principles and Guidelines (Stage 1) when using the UOW COVID-19 Safe Work Plans.
New students commencing in 2021
Domestic and Onshore International Students
If you’re commencing your course in Session 2 2021, you’ll start your UOW journey with an online orientation event, which will include a Faculty Welcome Session and Transition Workshops, to help familiarise yourself with your course and get the best possible start at UOW.
For information on enrolling in your course, orientation and starting your studies, visit our Get Started website.
Offshore International Students
We are mindful that COVID-19 and resultant travel restrictions may impact the ability of international students to arrive in Australia to commence their studies on campus. For more information on study options available for new international students located offshore, read more here.
Accessing our libraries & campus facilities
- Wollongong campus
- Innovation campus
- Batemans Bay & Bega campuses
- Shoalhaven campus
- Southern Highlands campus
- Southern Sydney campus
- South Western Sydney campus
- Sydney CBD campus
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): 8 am - 10 pm
- Building 11 (100 capacity): 8 am - 6 pm
Retail and food outlets
- Early Start Discovery Space is closed
- Kids' Uni childcare is open
- UniShop is closed
For opening hours of our retail and cafe outlets during lockdown, 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.
- Campus Clinic (closing permanently from 30 July)
- Campus Pharmacy
- Capps Dental
- Phytness Health Care
- Northfields Clinic - offering all services online
For opening hours of our health and medical services during lockdown, click here.
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.
- Open 10am - 4pm Monday - Friday without a swipe card. (access card required after-hours)
- For campus Library information, visit the Batemans Bay and Bega websites.
- At UOW Bega, swipe card 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 after-hours. 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.
Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home rules, the Southern Sydney campus will continue to be closed.
- Campus is open 8am - 10pm Monday to Friday
- Computer lab (G.30) and informal study spaces on campus are open and available for students to use.
- For campus library information, visit the South Western Sydney 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, 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.
- Teaching at UOW’s CBD Campus has reverted to online.
- Due to the extended COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home rules, the Sydney CBD campus will continue to be closed.
- 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.
- 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 signposted at the entry where required.
- Signage, stickers and posters are displayed around campus to remind visitors of physical distancing and hygiene practices.
- 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
As per current NSW Health restrictions, visitors and students to UOW campuses in NSW must carry a mask at all times, to be worn when indoors, in queues or retail outdoors, and if within 1.5 meters of another person.
Students and 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 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.
Transport & parking
- Face masks required when waiting for or using public transport (including taxis and rideshare services)
- Consider travel options if you need to come to campus - walk or ride instead.
- Practise good personal hygiene.
- 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.
- Paid parking on the Wollongong campus resumed on 6 April 2021.
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 service points.
Frequently asked questions
- Will classes return on campus in Spring Session 2021, given the current COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home rules across Greater Sydney?
- What does dual delivery mean?
- I’m no longer living near campus. Can I complete my studies online in 2021?
- Are physical distancing and other restrictions in place on campus?
- What is COVID safe capacity?
- Will the SSAF be charged in 2021?
- Can I still access Wollongong or my local campus for study, to use the wi-fi and other facilities, or to get help/ support?
- Why are there now weeks when the University is completely closed? What does this mean for students?
- Can I withdraw from my subjects if I don’t like the method of delivery (i.e. if they are online delivery or on campus)?
- Can I still access UOW libraries?
While we plan to return to campus when NSW Health advice allows, to protect our university community, and give certainty in relation to teaching and learning, we have decided to move most classes online for the first four weeks of Session 2 – that is, to the end of Week 4 (20 August 2021). The remainder of Trimester 2 will also be online.
A decision about class delivery beyond 20 August 2021 will be communicated in early August, allowing students sufficient time to plan before Session 2 census date (31 August 2021).
Our decision to move classes online past the extended lockdown date end is based on the fact that beyond 30 July 2021, it is unclear how long restrictions will remain in place or how they will change over time. What is clear is that the road out of lockdown from this outbreak will take some time, and we want to allow sufficient time for staff and students to plan ahead.
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. We will advise soon whether they will reopen on Monday 19 July as was initially planned, pending any further extensions to these restrictions.
All other Australian campuses remain open and accessible to both students studying online or attending on-campus classes. Our libraries, study spaces, service counters, outdoor areas, and other 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, over the phone or in person.
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.