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.
Global Community Series
Couch Conversations is extending, and we are excited to bring you the Global Community Series!
This is your opportunity to make global and local connections through 11 weeks of themed interactive sessions that will increase your global and cultural awareness.
With virtual and in-person opportunities available, this is your chance to go around the world through the lived experiences of our community.
This series is recognised by UOWx.
Couch Conversation session schedule
Couch Conversations is running 4 weekly sessions until Week 13 (Trimester 2 Week 3) followed by a reduced offering over the mid-year recess (Trimester 2 Week 4 to 7).
Couch Conversations will be taking a short break during the mid-year recess (Trimester 2 Week 8 to 9) before coming back in Spring!
Keep an eye on this page for any schedule updates.
Reduced schedule
Study Recess to Mid-Year Recess (Trimester 2 Week 4 to Week 7)
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Thursday* | 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm |
| Friday | 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm |
| Friday | 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm |
*Do you want to expand you professional network? Join our Thursday sessions as we invite our UOW community members to join us so you can make more connections!
Couch Conversations Team
Andrea
Always looking for a new adventure, Andrea came to Australia as a backpacker many years ago. Originally from Germany, Andrea completed her Bachelor degree in the UK followed by a Masters in Management at UOW. When she is not working with the UOW Student Programs Team, you will most likely find her outdoors or baking ‘proper' German bread.
Justin
When Justin isn’t out in the garden tending to his plants, he’s playing with his miniature poodle, Otis! Well that is in between working in the UOW Peer Learning and Transition team. He grew up in Australia (where he graduated with an Arts/Commerce double degree 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.
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!
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.
Riya
Coming from the desert of India, Riya is a motor head at heart. Travelling the world without getting on a plane, Riya is completing her Masters in Supply Chain Management at UOW – adjusting to the remote learning environment like a pro! When she’s not out finding her next adventure or adrenaline rush, she can be found with her two dogs.
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.