New Students

Welcome to Western! With classes commencing soon and Orientation activities happening over the next few weeks, we’ve prepared some helpful tips to prepare you for the start of your studies.

Orientation activities

Orientation is one of the first steps in your Unlimited journey. Take this opportunity to find out more information about your program, learn about the support services we offer, meet some of your academics and fellow students, or just virtually explore your new campus a bit more. Attendance at Orientation is compulsory.

There are two Orientation sessions that you must attend before commencing your studies with us.

INTERNATIONAL ORIENTATION SESSION

In this session you will learn more about student services that are available to you, how to manage your study obligations as an international student, careers at Western, safety online and how university life will work for you.

International Orientation Session

Date: Friday, 18 February 2022

Time: 3pm - 5pm AEDT

Online Webinar -  Zoom Link

View the International Orientation website

ACADEMIC PROGRAM ORIENTATION SESSIONS

These sessions will provide you with all the preliminary information about your program that you will need to start your studies at Western Sydney University.

Undergraduate Program Sessions: Monday, 28 February - Friday, 4 March.

Postgraduate Program Sessions: Monday, 21 February - Friday, 25 February.

For information about your specific program session, please check our International Orientation website closer to the date.

In addition to some academic program Orientation sessions, there are a number of Orientation activities you can participate in. Visit the Orientation website to see what’s available, including 'Campus Tours', ‘Confidence with Career Selection’ and ‘Staying motivated and getting the best out of yourself’.

Campus Tours and Ask Us Info Pods

Ask a question, seek advice and go on a campus tour during your first weeks of Uni. You can book a time that's convenient for you experience campus and learn how to find your classes and become familiar with key services and facilities. Limited places are available – you can register to secure a spot via WESTERNLife.

Parking on campus

Planning on driving to campus? Get ready for your upcoming session with a permit. We have daily, half-yearly and annual permits available.

Applying for a Student ID card online

You’ll need your Western Student ID card to access photocopier services, campus computer labs and lockers; travel on a shuttle bus; attend exams; and for identification purposes while on campus.

You can apply for your Student ID card online. Visit the Student ID card webpage to apply now.

A Student ID card is only required once you are on campus in Australia.

Equipment, apparel and textbooks

If you need items for units you are studying, such as ID holders, School or discipline uniforms, stethoscopes, or goggles, or wish to purchase apparel such as T-shirts and hoodies, visit the Equipment and Apparel website.

Textbook requirements will be outlined in your subject Learning Guide. Learning Guides will be available via vUWS (your learning management system) in the first week of session. When you’re advised of your textbook requirements head to the Booktopia website to order these. You can search for textbooks by program code, program, ISBN or title.

Upcoming workshops

Online Academic Literacy Workshops
Explore, at your own pace, a number of modules on academic literacy and grammar, including critical thinking, making sense of essay writing, how to read academic texts and make notes, research tips, referencing, designing reports and more.

Mathematics Education Support Hub - Maths Start Refresher Workshops
Brush up on trigonometry, statistics and calculus. These workshops are suitable for you if you are studying Engineering, Science, Computing, IT, Business, Health Science or a degree that includes mathematics or statistics.

Returning to Learning
If you’ve had a break from education or are coming to Western via a pathway program, this vUWS workshop is for you. You’ll gain skills in managing your responsibilities as a student and learn about the university and online environment – and you can complete the program at any time with the option to request a one-on-one consultation with a Western team member to discuss any concerns or needs you may have. Find out more

Careers workshops
Careers Workshops are designed to assist you with various aspects of find a job, networking, improving your resume and more. If you are seeking career or resume advice, you may wish to book a time with a Careers Consultant or submit your resume for feedback.  Find out more

Take a look at our Workshops, programs and online resources webpage for more resources that will assist you with your studies.

Useful online tools

As a student of Western, you will use a number of online systems to access information and interact with us. To access these systems, use your WesternAccount login, which you created when you completed registration.

Getting started with Western systems
vUWS is our online learning platform with program outlines, assessment and subject info, and study resources.
Log into vUWS

My Student Records (MySR) is where all of your registration, contact, fee and result records are stored.
Go to MySR

MyWestern is your student portal with links to many of the University’s online tools.
Log into MyWestern

The Handbook is the official reference for programs and subjects offered by the University.
Go to the Handbook

Seek assistance on everything from IT to career advice, your safety and wellbeing, and campus life to your Student ID, records, fees and more.
Log into Western Now

Other online tools
Further online resources and tools you can use to support your studies include:

Download the International Student Welcome Guide for useful information and tips for success at Western.
Welcome Guide

Free Wi-Fi  – simply use your WesternAccount to log in.
WesternWifi

Get free access to Microsoft Office on up to five devices.
Student Advantage

You may need to connect via videoconferencing for your learning activity. 
Zoom

For those undertaking a placement, learn about the hub for students, staff and placement provider agencies to manage and update placement info. 
InPlace

Be smart, sceptical and secure online.
Cyber Security

Get to know the essential facilities, services and learning resources at your library. 
Library Guide

Join the Student Services Hub queue online to ask any questions you may have. 
Student Services Hub

Download the 2022 Sydney Insider Guide for a guide to Sydney designed specifically for international students.
2022 Sydney Insider Guide

Contact Us
We are here to help – for assistance contact the Student Services Hub.