Welcome to Graduate House
Graduate House mission
To provide a living and learning environment which fosters respect, along with the intellectual development and personal growth of all residents, so as to ensure the academic and social success of all residents who make Graduate House their home.
Principles for community life
Living in a community is a uniquely rewarding experience. It allows for personal and social development as well as the formation of lifelong friendships. Our goal is to form a community that embraces our mission. The following general principles are guidelines that apply to daily decision-making. Our dedicated efforts in applying them will enable our college community to be nurturing and a great place in which to live and learn.
1. Principle of accountability
Structure of some sort is an integral part of all communities. All members of our community share responsibility and accountability to uphold the community policies that we have agreed to accept.
2. Principle of consideration
In order to build and sustain a genuine community, we must overcome dislikes, differences and prejudices. It can be difficult to consider the interests of others before your own, and be willing to communicate lovingly and honestly. However, these actions are essential to creating a supportive and positive living environment.
3. Principle of encouragement
There are times in life when things don’t always go according to plan. Living in a community does not give immunity to facing difficulties; however it does provide support through encouragement to face life’s challenges and get past the hard times. Encouragement conveys the idea of giving someone the strength they need to handle the pressure of adverse situations. Encouragement is powerful as it enables individuals to persevere and grow through difficult times.
4. Principle of integrity
Individual integrity requires remaining true to ourselves; it encompasses our ethical standard of living, and how we live our lives. By following the policies and procedures in this handbook, you will embody the central component of this concept and contribute positively to the Graduate House community.
5. Principle of worth and dignity of individuals
Belief in the worth and dignity of individuals is fundamental to community life. Everyone is worthy of respect, and is responsible for respecting others. Unique personalities provide richness in a community in addition to the diversity of its individuals. Tolerance and acceptance are key to making communities thrive and flourish.
6. Principle of respecting property
A natural outcome of planning and hard work is the acquisition of both individual and institutional property. Attention to its maintenance, protection and stewardship, calls for our consideration when using or altering any of our community property. Communal equipment is here for everyone’s benefit so please look after it as if it were your own.
Staff and Leadership Teams
Associate Director, Student Residence
The Associate Director, Student Residence (ADSR) Simon O'Dea, is responsible to the Director of Student and Accommodation Services for providing leadership to the residential community. The ADSR has specific responsibilities for administration, student support and student and organisational development.
Graduate House/Bangalay Administration
The friendly administration team located in Bangalay are here to assist you in answering any queries or concerns you may have relating to UOW Accommodation Services. They are also responsible for maintaining the administrative processes for both Graduate House and Bangalay. If you require any assistance or you are not sure who to contact, the administration team is the best place to start.
Resident Ambassadors
Resident Ambassadors are responsible for facilitating a sense of community amongst the residents at Graduate House. They are also a source of academic, personal and social advice and support to the residents. The Resident Ambassadors work closely with, and report directly to, the Manager. All Resident Ambassadors possess current First Aid Certificates.
General Information
Office hours
The Administration Office located at Bangalay is open Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm.
After office hours the Community Assistants are on duty from 6pm - 8am weekdays, as well as weekends and public holidays.
Evacuation point and emergency procedures
In case of an emergency or evacuation, leave your unit and walk up to the designated evacuation assembly point which is on the grassed area behind Bangalay (building 120). In the event of a fire or similar emergency Resident Ambassadors will act as building wardens and you must follow their directions. All Resident Ambassadors possess current First Aid Certificates.
Fire alarms
Units 1-60 and Units 73-78
These units at Graduate House have fire detectors that are not directly linked to the NSW Fire Brigade. In the event of an alarm going off in these units the residents will need to follow the procedure below:
Emergency: (Fire in the unit)
1. Evacuate the unit and call 000 (emergency services; select FIRE).
2. During office hours: call/go to the Bangalay Office and notify staff.
3. After hours: call the Community Assistant on duty and notify them of the situation.
Non-emergency: (no fire in the unit; for example: burnt toast)
- Open the windows and doors to clear the air
- Push the reset button on the smoke detector
Units 61-66 and units 67-72
Two buildings at Graduate House (Units 61-66 and Units 67-72) have built in Fire Indicator Panels that are directly linked to the NSW Fire Brigade. If a fire alarm goes off in these buildings the alarm will sound and all residents will need to evacuate the building immediately. In the event of the alarm going off the fire brigade will automatically attend. Please note if you are responsible for the alarm going off you will be held accountable for any charges associated with the call out of emergency services. Please remember it is a criminal offence to tamper with fire safety equipment. Please refer to My Residence Rules for more information.
Safety
The safety of residents is of utmost importance and we ask you to be proactive in this area of residential living, as it is everyone’s concern and you must play your part. You should make sure when you are not in your unit, that your unit door is locked. The building doors must remain locked at all times. If you find you are followed into the building by someone you don’t know, please call the Administration Office during office hours or if it is after hours call the Community Assistant on duty and let them know. For more information please refer to UOW Security.
Quiet hours
Please note that the quiet hours at Graduate House are:
- Sunday to Thursday from 10pm
- Friday and Saturday from 12 midnight.
Please be aware of noise and be respectful to your neighbours, no matter what the time of day. A 24-hour Noise Ban applies during study recess and exam times. Double demerit points also apply during this period.
Mail
Your postal address for correspondence whilst living at Graduate House is:
Unit Numbers | Address |
Unit 1 to 8 |
43 Northfields Avenue |
Unit 9 to 18 |
6 Madoline Street |
Unit 19 to 28 |
4 Madoline Street |
Unit 29 to 36 |
2 Madoline Street |
Unit 37 to 48 |
2 Irvine Street |
Unit 49 to 60 |
35 Northfields Avenue |
Unit 61 to 66 |
37 Northfields Avenue |
Unit 67 to 72 |
39 Northfields Avenue |
Unit 73 to 78 |
41 Northfields Avenue |
Mail should be addressed in the following manner:
Do NOT use the names ‘University of Wollongong’ or ‘Graduate House’ in your address as your letters may go into the University mail room and be lost. Please ensure your postcode is always listed as 2500.
<Your Name>
<Unit Number> / street address listed above
WOLLONGONG, NSW 2500
AUSTRALIA
This example is for Unit 1:
Mr John Smith
1/43 Northfields Avenue
WOLLONGONG, NSW 2500
AUSTRALIA
The mail is delivered each day Monday to Friday. Units 37 to 48 have keys for mailboxes that should be collected on arrival and returned on departure in the same manner as other keys. We are not responsible for redirecting any mail after you have vacated.
If you need to post items or require stamps, please visit the Australia Post Shop in Building 11 at UniShop on main campus or Wollongong Post Office on Crown Street.
Types of units
Graduate House has a variety of units available for Post Graduate students and these are allocated with preference to the following:
Single Bedsit |
One single person |
Couple Bedsit |
A couple sharing a double bed (no children) |
2 Bedroom |
A couple with one or two children |
3 Bedroom |
A couple with three or four children |
Parking permits and bicycles
Graduate House has four parking areas. Parking Permits are required to park your car in these car parks. There are a limited number of parking spaces available and parking permits will be issued on a first come basis. Permits can be purchased by contacting the Graduate House/Bangalay Administration team.
Please be aware that parking in an allocated disabled and/or contractor car spaces will result in a fine from UOW Security. Parking in the Graduate House car parks without a valid parking permit will also result in a fine from UOW Security.
A reminder that Car Parks are not areas for children to play; please ensure the safety of your children by supervising them in the car park area.
Bicycle sheds are located in the grounds for your use. Personal bikes should not be left in building corridors or common areas.
Car share and bike share
Car Share and Bike Share services are available to residents living at both Graduate House and Bangalay. Residents can hire a car to use for running errands, heading to the beach or exploring the area with family and friends.
A free bike share scheme is also available to all Graduate House and Bangalay residents (available only to adults). Cycling is a great way to get around Wollongong, with many bike paths around the city and surrounding areas.
For more information on these services please see the Graduate House/Bangalay Administration Staff.
Stove tops
The hot plates on the stove/oven are NOT to be used as a heater for the unit, these are only to be used for cooking.
Rubbish removal and recycling
We strongly encourage all residents and guests to be environmentally aware while living at Graduate House.
Please separate your recyclable materials (clean paper, washed glass, metal tins, etc.) from your rubbish (food scraps, non-recyclables). For more details, ask a staff member.
Rubbish/garbage/non-recyclable materials:
Make sure you remove rubbish from your units on a regular basis and when your bins are full. You should place your rubbish in the larger bins provided in the grounds of Graduate House. There are two (2) three cubic metre (3m3) bins at Graduate House:
- in the eastern car park on Madoline St
- near the western car park on Northfields Avenue
Garbage is collected weekly. Any garbage/rubbish left outside the bins will not be collected. The lids on the bins must be closed for hygiene purposes and to prevent vermin. Please do not park in front of the bins as this may stop the bins from being emptied. Also ensure that the lids are on the bin are closed properly. If you have your children taking out rubbish, it is your responsibility to accompany your children and ensure that the rubbish is placed in the bin and the lid is closed.
Recyclable materials:
There are two recycle areas at Graduate House. Please follow the signs and put the correct material in each bag or bin provided. Please ensure that recyclable items are put in the bins and not left as litter in these areas. Ask a staff member if you are unsure of how to use these services.
DO NOT PLACE NON-RECYCLABLE MATERIAL IN THE RECYCLE AREAS.
Cleaning services
You are responsible for the cleaning of your unit and your unit will be inspected every two (2) months by a member of the contracted cleaning company team. These inspections are compulsory and you cannot refuse to have your unit inspected. We will issue you with a cleaning inspection roster for Graduate House which will show you the dates the cleaning staff will be coming to inspect your unit.
If you fail your cleaning inspection, you will be notified by a hard copy Inspection Report left in your unit and also via email. Your unit will be reinspected the following week. Should you fail the reinspection, your unit will be cleaned by the cleaning staff to bring it up to an acceptable standard; you cannot refuse this service and cleaning fees will be charged. Please see the cleaning section of My Residence Rules for more information.
We strongly encourage you to maintain a clean, safe living environment for yourself and others while living at Graduate House.
If you wish to have the cleaning staff clean your unit, you can advise the administration staff and we will organise for this to occur. Cleaning fees will be charged for this service, please see the administration staff for more information.
When you depart from Graduate House, you need to leave the unit free of all rubbish and in a reasonable condition; otherwise you will receive an additional cleaning fee and rubbish removal fee upon departure.
Vacuum cleaners
Vacuum cleaners are available to borrow from the Bangalay Office. Please take your student card (or photo ID) to the Bangalay Office to borrow the vacuum.
Toilet and bathroom
Please be aware that there is a waste water grid in the toilet areas. These are not urinals. Showers are for showering only and are not to be used as toilets. Toilet and bathroom areas should be kept in a clean condition at all times. Please refrain from placing tampons or sanitary pads, paper towels and other items in toilets. Toilet paper should be the only product (other than waste water) that is flushed down the toilet drain. All bathroom rubbish should be emptied regularly and placed in the garbage bins provided.
Bathroom sinks, similarly, are not for washing dishes. Please use the sinks in the kitchen for this.
Laundry
There are self-service laundry facilities available around Graduate House and on arrival you will receive a key to open your allocated laundry. Please only use the laundry facilities between the hours of 8.30am – 10.00pm each day. The cost is $2.00 per load to wash/dry and the machines ONLY take $1 coins. Residents are required to provide their own washing powder/liquid.
There are clotheslines located near the laundries where residents can hang out their washing. It is advised not to leave washing on the line overnight.
Private functions/parties - Use Of BBQ areas
If you wish to use the BBQ facilities for a group of 10 or less, please contact the Resident Ambassador. If you are having a private party, please request permission from the Senior Manager at least 72 hours prior to the event. Out of courtesy for your neighbours, please maintain ‘tolerable’ noise levels at all times. You are responsible for cleaning up after any event; the facilities should be left clean and tidy after use.
Social areas at Bangalay
Bangalay has a number of social common areas that Graduate House residents will be able to utilise. To book these areas for private use please see the Bangalay Administration Office. Please be aware that these areas are all alcohol free zones and are for the benefit of all Bangalay and Graduate House residents. There are also a variety of sporting equipment, board games and XBox console for resident use. Please look after these areas and equipment and treat them with respect, ensuring that you leave them clean and tidy after use.
Visitors
Any guest visiting or staying at any of the UOW residences needs to sign in and scan photo ID (Australian License or Photo Card) at the front counter each time they visit. All guests must be signed in at the office, have their sign-in slip on them and be accompanied by a current resident for the duration of their stay. It is important to remember that residents are responsible for their guests and their stay must not negatively impact on fellow residents or the residential community. There may be times when guest entry into any of the UOW residences is restricted, such as O-Week. Residents will be advised of these times by UOW Accommodation staff when required.
If you have visitors or guests staying more than 2 nights please contact the residence office to get permission prior to your guest’s arrival. Extended stays (3 nights or longer) are subject to approval by the Senior Manager and charges may apply. Please refer to the Overnight Guest Section of General Safety for more information.
Important reminder
It is against your Accommodation Agreement to sub-lease a room or unit to another person. It is also against your Agreement to operate any business out of your residence that competes with services provided by the University. This may result in exclusion from University Accommodation and you may/will be subject to various fees/penalties. Please be advised, this reminder acts as your first and final warning regarding this policy.
Important phone numbers
Associate Director, Student Residence (Office) |
4221 5556 |
UOW Security Office (Enquiries Only) |
4221 4555 |
UOW Security (Emergencies Only) |
4221 4900 |
UOW Security Supervisor on Duty |
0407 287 750 |
Wollongong Medical Centre |
4254 2600 |
Emergency Services (Fire, Police, Ambulance) |
000 |
Bangalay |
4221 5556 |
Graduate House administration - please contact the Bangalay office.
Who To See About What
Graduate House/Bangalay Management
- General issues relating to the management of Graduate House including: the Graduate House mission and strategic direction, business management, information technology resources, marketing and external relations
- Concerns about breaches of residential community standards
- Personal or academic concerns or referrals
- Financial advice and Alternate Payment Plans for rental fees
- Capital development and refurbishment/renovation program
- Issues relating to Accommodation Agreement
- Advice and assistance relating to general University issues (particularly those relating to student administration policies and procedures)
- Academic study support
- Community outreach initiatives
- Careers advice and assistance
- Personal or character references
- Any concerns about re-occurring maintenance issues
Graduate House/Bangalay Administration
- Rooms management issues (unit allocations, unit changes, transfers, applications for following year, etc.)
- Appointments to see the Student Residence Manager
- Lost keys, lock outs and room access
- Urgent maintenance issues
- Urgent cleaning issues
- Payment of fees
- Photocopying, electronic scanning services
- Car Share and Bike Share services
- Access to the Bangalay facilities (Pearl Room bookings etc.)
- Rental references
Resident Ambassadors
- Personal advice, support and referrals
- Issues relating to community development in Graduate House
- Concerns about breaches of residential community standards (for example: disruptive behaviour by neighbours, etc.)
Community Assistant (Outside Office Hours)
- Lock outs and room access
- Noise and disturbances
- First Aid
- Fire emergencies and evacuation procedures
- Medical emergencies or related issues
- Concerns about security (for example: unauthorised visitors, etc.)
If you are uncertain who to speak with please contact Graduate House/Bangalay Administration in the first instance so you may be directed to the most suitable staff member to assist you.
Lock Outs And Lost Keys
All UOW Residents will receive 2 free lock outs per year. There will be a $10 lock out fee for all subsequent lock outs after the second.
If you are locked out during office hours please see the Administration Staff at Bangalay for assistance. If you are locked out after hours, please call the Community Assistant on duty.
If you have lost your unit key please contact the Bangalay Office during office hours or Community Assistant after hours immediately. There is a non-refundable $110 lost key charge for lost keys. Lost Laundry and building keys also carry a non-refundable $110 lost key charges. Lost mailbox keys carry a non-refundable $50 replacement charge.
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