Get involved in informal, fun and inclusive chats via Zoom (online) with your peers through Couch Conversations. There's something special about connecting with fellow students and staff from UOW. There's a learning, a comradery, a unity that comes with it and we know you are missing it. While we can't connect in person on campus like we once did, it's time to take those conversations virtual.
Couch Conversations
Join the conversation
Couch Conversation session are back in 2021 with a new timetable. Join a session that suits you.
Register to join in the conversationCouch Conversations introduction (image)
"Laughter during the session"
Student: You go, all good.
Student: I was saying, all good, thank you Sarah. Yeah, just quiet a lot of things on the to-do list which I’m obviously ignoring.
Friends from all campuses & all countries (image)
Student: How about you guys? Um, I have like 50 million things to do on my to-do list, and I’m just kind of hiding it behind my laptop so I can’t see it.
Pets, Netflix & taking a break (image)
Student: Yeah I kind of feel like I’m in the same boat as Ana, just so many things to do and no time to do it at all. But then I feel like I do sometimes have time and I just watch Grey’s Anatomy, so I need to get my life together and sort that out.
You’re on mute (image)
Facilitator: Do you have a dog in the background?... You’re on mute.
Student: Yes, he’s got the sock and I’m trying to [get it back]. This is Nelson, he’s very playful.
Facilitator: Very cute.
Facilitator: Hi, Nelson!
Student: Any other Netflix suggestions? I am open to everything.
Tips & tricks (image)
Facilitator: Because everyone’s got experience, what would be your top tip for someone starting this semester or beginning remote learning? Something for them to look out for or to start working on now so that they’re not falling behind in a couple of weeks’ time.
Student: So, what works for me is to have a big note / to-do list in front of my desk so whenever I sit here watching a Netflix series, I can look at it and go into the good trap that oh my god I still have to do that. So that it still kind of helps me to do stuff a little bit more than I used to, so I have a big paper there like ‘assignment is due on this date, stop watching this show and start working’, so that pretty much works for me. I think constant reminders are going to help because you have the choice to postpone things now, so yeah, that's pretty much it for me.
Student: I would say, don’t forget to do breaks and not just breaks when you are again watching Netflix which is exciting and relaxing, but also breaks when you go outside and breathe fresh and air and maybe walk or do some exercises because it is very tempting to stay at home.
A little social interaction (image)
Facilitator: [I know] it’s a bit weird to start with to connect through this way, but I think that it’s nice to then see people’s faces. Yeah, I don’t know how everybody else is feeling.
Student: Yes, it’s really nice to see you all because after a long time we are meeting like in such a platform, and yes it’s really great in this new semester.
Couch Conversations session are on throughout the week. You can join in one, or a lot – it’s your choice, or you can even become a regular – just sign up.
Couch Conversations participants are also formally recognised through UOWx.
What can you expect?
- An intimate group of students joining in a conversation (just so everyone feels comfortable and heard).
- CC sessions are a platform through which all our UOW students - from all campuses and countries, all study areas and all walks of life - can connect. Whatever your motivation, whether it's to share experiences, develop cross-cultural relationships, practice your English or hear about tips and tricks for work, study and play - everyone is welcome!
- We will be there (a few student and staff facilitators from the UOW Peer Connection Team) to simply guide the conversation if required and give it a bit of structure. We're happy to sit back and let the conversation flow but if you're looking for a topic or an activity to get you started, that is where we can help.
- Each conversation will go for approximately an hour (60 minutes).
- You drop in and out as you need to - this really is purely about re-establishing that connection all UOW students like to feel with their peers.
Once you register, you'll receive a confirmation for your booking and before your session starts, you will get an email with the details on how to join.
Couch Conversation session schedule
Couch Conversations will initially run 4 weekly sessions from 1 March to 4 May (Week 1 to Week 6 / Trimester 1 Week 5 to Trimester 1 Week 9).
Keep an eye on this page for any upcoming session schedule changes.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm |
| Thursday | 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm |
| Friday | 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm |
| Friday | 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm |
CC Staff and mentors
Sarah
Originally a London lass, Sarah came to Australia on a GAP year and never left! With an Executive MBA from UOW Sydney Business School, Sarah now heads up the UOW Student Programs team and has a true passion for working with students. She's an avid global citizen, a social justice advocate. and dreams of going to Giraffe Manor in Kenya one day.
Justin
When Justin isn't out in the garden tending to his large collection of plants, he's playing with his miniature poodle, Otis! Well that is in between working with Sarah in the UOW Student Programs team. He grew up in Australia (where he graduated with an Arts/Commerce double from UOW) but his family is from the Philippines so culture is a big deal.
Soutara
You're probably wondering where her name is from - it's Laos! Soutara's mum was born in Laos, her dad in England and the travel gene has clearly been passed on, as she has travelled to both, as well as the USA and Thailand. Studying Commerce at UOW, Soutara loves being a CC mentor - sharing experiences and cultural notes with anyone who joins in!
Seamus
A Scottish lad in his first year at UOW, Seamus is aspiring to study medicine after he graduates (his current degree is a Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation) and work as a ski patroller all over the world! A mad sports fan as well (AFL, Rugby and Cycling mainly), Seamus has been in Wollongong for 15 years now but still loves heading home.
Ana
Born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ana (or Anastasija in full) is a bubbly, warm and vibrant girl who is loving meeting new faces in Couch Conversations sessions. Studying a Masters of Social Work (after completing a Bachelor of Public Health at UOW previously), she loves travelling the world, immersing herself in European cultures and hot coffee!
Shenjie
Shenjie - an interesting chap from China who speaks Mandarin and English, loves road trips and photography, and got his first degree in the USA! Studying a Masters in Environmental Engineering at UOW, Shenjie loves talking about culture with fellow students and reminiscing about his favourite roadtrip to see the Aurora lights in Fairbanks, Alaska!
Jamie
Jamie loves the great outdoors and getting amongst nature! Growing up in Milton on the south coast of Australia, she came to UOW to study Indigenous Studies and now a Masters in Social Work. She has travelled throughout Australia, as well as all over the world. She took a fancy to the south of France though and may pack up and move there one day!
Gayani
An Island girl from Sri Lanka, Gayani came to UOW to do a Masters degree and just never left! There is a lot to like about her - she has a high spice tolerance, a passion for researching the concept of 'identity,' loves good coffee and says trekking in Manali Himachal Pradesh India is next on list. Her top tip - be kind to others but also yourself.
Conversation starters
What reality TV is helping you unwind after study?
We all have our guilty pleasure when it comes to TV - Bachelor in Paradise, Farmer Wants A Wife, Ninja Warrior - what's yours? Maybe you've found a new series to binge on Netflix (Tiger King is proving hard to beat though!). Sometimes it's an essential part of a study routine - finding a good show to unwind to.
Where are you dreaming about travelling?
We may not be able to travel right now but we can certainly share where we have been and chat to each other about where we want to go! Maybe someone in the chat lives in a country you want to go and can give you some ideas for the future.
Anyone been missing the Aussie beaches in iso?
Have you been getting back to the beach and the outdoors lately now restrictions have started to ease? Where have you been getting your fresh air fix - bushwalking, swimming, surfing, running, something more adventurous?
Share something special about your culture
Tell us something we may not know about where you are from and the amazing culture that comes with it! The most exciting thing about us connecting is our access to such diverse and wonderful people - let's make the most of it by sharing those fun things that make our countries of origin unique.
Get in touch
If you want to know more about Couch Conversations, our team is here to help.