Saturday, 29 October 2011

Amusing student sites! ... and some worthwhile pages too!

Hey students! Click here for a fun read.. and a small procrastination! Here are some links to facebook and university pages that contain information and happenings around the uni! I wonder if you have heard any of it before!

Overheard at UOW:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000125490658&ref=ffl#!/pages/Overheard-At-Uow/154773801278443

University of Wollongong Stalker Space:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000125490658&ref=ffl#!/pages/University-of-Wollongong-Stalker-Space/123199667729816

Here is a link to a page that publishes news and information for students, student life and news about the University.
UOW Student life:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000125490658&ref=ffl#!/uowstudentlife

And of course.. the university's media channel. Covering your University...
UOW TV:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000125490658&ref=ffl#!/pages/UOWTV/127998263889706


http://now.uow.edu.au/uowtv/index.html

Some great sites! These web pages are definitely worth a surf!

Tuesday, 25 October 2011

Various Transport Modes; Want to go for a ride, or walk, or skateboard or drive... oops what was i saying?

Students, employees and academics have many options as to how to travel to work. They can opt to ride a motorcycle or scooter, drive or be driven, car pool, bus, bus in conjunction with trains, walk or make use of a bicycle. Many paths around uni for walking and riding.

For many, travel to the University involves two modes of transport. It is very common for people to drive to certain location, one which there is no charge for parking, and walk or ride the bus the remainder of the way.


There are many signs and notices around the Uni warning to slow down and use caution. This particular sign, outside the entrance of the UniCentre, is cautioning cyclists to slow down and watch for pedestrians.

Ah cyclists... What's your opinion on cyclists, blogosphere? Hmmm? I'm all for riding to uni, yay good on you for being healthy and eco-firendy and what not. And when cyclists are on bike tracks, I'm happy. It is when they are on the road, but I do not have a problem with that. My problem lies with, if they are riding the road with cars, trucks and other vehicles why do they make exceptions to the road rules! So many times I have seen them run a red light or go on and off the bike path and road weaving to get to where they need to go. My pet peeve is when cyclists move up between the cars at the traffic lights! Oh my!

There are many warning signs around the uni encouraging safety in the shared traffic spaces.The University is to be applauded on their effort to integrate different modes of transport. On the foot path that follows along Northfields avenue specific tracks have been set out. There is a painted line separating the two sides of traffic. Not only is this beneficial for users of the track for bike, walking, scooter and skateboard purposes. But also  for international students. This arrowed and clearly marked lanes help people to know where is best to walk. This eases congestion and accidents!


Here you can see one of the many bike racks the UOW provide to students and academics. With an increasing amount of bike riders the university put in more bike racks. Many of these racks are undercover so provide a shelter for your bike. The University of Wollongong aims to be able to provide for the students and all their modes of transport; and they do a great job!


Pictured above is one of the various carparking stations around uni, P3. In this picture you can see specially marked spots for scooters and motorbikes.

So how do you get to Uni?

Superb security!

The University's security office. Located on Northfields avenue. UOW take their security matters seriously.

The University has many security personnel circulating the campus everyday. The common attire of security officers is usually dark pants, closed in shoes with a dark black or navy and fluro coloured top identifying them as "Security". They are usually carrying a radio. Through their respectable uniform they have an authority and are respected.
Above is a close up of UOW's security office. It is situated in prime location; on Northfields Avenue. Shown in the picture is a blue security phone, which can be used in emergenies.




The University Security group offer a great option for students. They offer security escorts. Here is a picture of signs located in P3. This involves being escorting to your pick up venue of car park. It provides a feeling of safety and security for both those who use it and their careers.

Now, I don't want to say or make you think that women are weak or can't protect themselves because I don't believe that is true. But as a woman, I can only speak as a woman. I don't know how a man would feel in a situation of darkness and solitary. After late classes, one doesn't exactly get excited about walking in the darkness by themselves. Strange noises and shadows can make an individual think up all sorts of things. The imagination is a wonderful thing!

Ah, Security! Us students are glad you're around! A security guards presence has an air of confidence around it. There is no need to be afraid! It is kind of the same with a police officer, all they have to do... is be there! Thank you to UOW security!

For more information on security at the University of Wollongong follow these links:

Identifying Security Officers:
http://besafe.uow.edu.au/oncampus/securityofficer/index.html

Security Telephones:
http://www.uow.edu.au/about/security/securityphones/index.html

Security News:
http://www.uow.edu.au/about/security/news/index.html

Public Transport: Buses bonanza!

Regular bus routes frequent the University of Wollongong. Many students make use of this type public transport for financial reasons and ease of travel.

First year,medical bio-technology student,  Rebecca Borst says "Buses are great! They are a great idea when you can't get there yourself and they help with the whole parking issue. Also it's much cheaper than fuel! Go buses!"

Another first student, Rachel Hamilton says of the Buses "I live further away, in the Shire, so i have to drive because of the distance, but when i have a break when at Uni, they are really great to dash in and out of town. The Bus travel means I can make extra use of my free time during breaks!"

The University's bus stop is located on Northfields avenue near by the western entrance to the Uni. Located at the bus top are various bus timetables. This is useful as, if students cannot access the computer they can still find out what buses are going when. There is a map located on the green shuttle bus signs showing information and details on the routes of the green buses.

There are 3 undercover bus shelters. Though you might think that 3 shelters would be enough, and some of the time it is, but during peak sessions there is not nearly enough room to shelter as many students that occupy the space. If there are bad weather conditions, one would hope to be one of the first under the shelters!



The streets are constantly buzzing around the university. The number of students and academics that require parking, exceed the number of parking spaces available on campus. Many choose to park their cars a few streets further away or near a bus stop, in order to be able to drive to uni and get to uni with as little congestion as possible.

First year International Studies student, Jessie Kendal, says "As I live in Jamberoo, it is not exactly an option not to drive. To take a bus into Wollongong from Jamberoo would take over 40 minutes, and i can't justify that 4 days a week; money or time wise. The green buses are great for me. It gives me the opportunity to get free parking AND get to uni, hassle free. I park near a green (shuttle) bus stop near the beach and take the bus from there! I love the free bus!"

Arts Student, Ione Davis uses the service as way to travel to work from the uni and back again. Through this service being available, many people are benefited! Including the environment, by people choosing the bus, be it the free bus or bus lines like Premier Illawarra or Greens, carbon emissions and the burning on fossil fuels through the use of petrol are decreased.

The green buses and other bus lines are a popular option for students. As Jessie's statement exemplified students love free stuff! The public bus service at the Uni is an essential aspect about the Uni. Public transport option is used by many every day! Save on petrol, time and money and hey.. we can even help the environment while we're at it!

Sunday, 23 October 2011

Student social hot spots





The Markets: The markets take place at UOW on Wednesdays. They commence in the morning at approximately 8.30 and continue throughout the day until the afternoon. There are over 10 stalls weekly; ranging from fudge stands to nut and dried fruit stands and from clothes stalls to candles, accessories and jewellery. 
   
The market place provides a shopping opportunity for University of Wollongong students whilst at Uni. it can be a relief or a break from study or just an opportunity for more clothes (that you don't necessarily need)! 
   
Prices are average at these stalls, depending on what you are searching for the average price range stems between about $8- $30. There are some bargains but the fudge nuts and accessories are similar to store and franchise price ranges. A perk of markets at Uni is the opportunity to access a wider range of clothes that you may not see in a conventional and contemporary mall. What student doesn't love a little shop!?



                                               Student's socialising everywhere!

The Communication Centre: the two above images show the communication centre of the University of Wollongong, or as the students affectionately know it as - building 20. 

The communications centre is located across form the library and always has a social buzz surrounding it! The building consists of 5 lecture theatres with a very high standard of decor and resources. There are amenities and two vending machines. You could communicate in there all day long! Building 20 is, as aforementioned situated around the centre of the uni and it's surrounding plays home to a social hub! 

As the name suggests... this building sure is a centre for communicating!


The Mckinnon Building: The Mckinnon building is located toward to the top of the University. 

It is a large centre for learning with one large main lecture theatre and many other classrooms and learning spaces spanning over 3 floors. On the third floor there are many academic spaces dedicated for learning. The main large lecture room is located on the middle floor. Also on the second floor is a cafe' "Sixty - Seven". All floors have amenity facilities. 

The Mckinnon building is also known as building 67. The ground floor is a home to many beautiful aromas. On the ground floor there are food outlets such as "Kew Thai", "Subway" and "Rush". You can bet your bottom dollar to always find students swarming around this location with a buzz of conversation, actions and energy!
The UniBar
The UniBar is one of the most prominent and popular social hot spot for students. 

The Unibar often plays host to gigs and performances of band. Also at the UniBar is regular trivia nights and fun events. Students regularly frequent the location. Inside the Unibar is a jukebox, two snooker tables, a dance floor, the UniBar's food complex, lots of seats and tables and a smoking area. 

The UniBar's food complex provides great food including chips, schnitzel burgers, pizzas and salads to name a few. You will never see the Unibar unattended! 


The Duck Pond Lawn
The Duck Pond Lawn is a popular attraction for students. Situated between the UniBar and Building 11, you are sure to always see student gathering here. 

Building 11 is the main food complex for the Wollongong University with more than a few places to buy food. There are vending machines, places to eat and places to relax. Also situated at the top of building 11 is a games room and a few foosball tables. The students have the opportunity to play PlayStation and Xbox games on a big screen TV whilst enjoying the ambiance and comfortable space of building 11. 

Many events are held on the duck pond lawn such as UOW's Fittest Student competition and regular gigs. As well as being situated near the UniBar and building 11 , the duck pond lawn is also in close proximity to the UniShop. The duck pond lawn is well maintained and  feels safe and peaceful! and The duck pond lawn is seldom bare of students, and it is no wonder why!





Student social hot spots!

The Library: A very popular student social spot. Many use the entrance and the area surrounding the library as a meeting place. 

Panizzi's is the coffee shop outside the library. You can see two of their black umbrellas there, these are two of many of their tables. Students always have an excuse to enjoy a coffee. Whether it be a coffee date, a study break or just some time out. 

The library has many facilities available to students. The library plays host to many computers and books. Resources are readily available for students and the library also has more than 10 group study rooms for collaborative work.. which can some times just turn a little too social!

Ah sweet summer sunshine! Whoops, I mean spring!

Don't you just love the perfect summer day!? The sun is out, nice cool breeze and not a cloud in the sky! Well, not any clouds of the menacing sort! Although final assessment and exam time is creeping up and there is the feeling of impending stress and a few late nights the sun can make you smile! 


Spring time is such a beautiful time of the year, there are more colours, more smiles and generally a better ambience around the Uni! It may be spring but you couldn't be blamed for mistaking this lovely weather for a sweet summer day! In saying all this, you may want to be out in the sun, and not do university work but it can also be a good reason to push yourslef into the UOW library! 


Many head into the library for a spot of releif from the heat via the more than capable air - conditioning and may even get some work done! ... maybe!

Vegans? Who are you helping? haha A funny read!

Here is a humourous read about Vegans! Sure to put a smile on your dile!
http://yeahdardy.tumblr.com/post/11758075080/think-twice-about-becoming-vegan-in-todays-trendy#notes

Tuesday, 18 October 2011

Are you a litterer?

Are you a litterer? You'd like to say no, right? Immediately you would say no to this. You want to be seen as a 'good citizen'. But i pose this question to you.. is walking past a bit of rubbish on the ground equivalent to littering, yourself. Do you pick up rubbish as you walk past it?

The campus of Wollongong University is a quite pristine environment with numerous bins locates around campus. Also cleaners frequent the campus often.

http://www.uow.edu.au/about/environment/index.html