Orientation FAQs

Starting university can be very exciting, but can often bring up many questions. We have collated some of our most frequently asked questions, to help you prepare for life at ANU and in Canberra. If you have any other questions relating to starting at ANU, please don’t hesitate to email us at student.experience@anu.edu.au.  

 

How do I get my student card?  

First, you’ll need to enrol! You can learn more about how to enrol here. Once you’re enrolled, visit the Student Cards webpage for more information.

Please note: student cards are only available to onshore students, as we are unable to post student cards internationally.

How can I get in contact with my Academic College?   

You can find your Academic College’s contact details at the Key Student Contacts webpage.

You can contact your academic college/s for enquiries relating to your program, courses and study plan. 

For fees-related questions and general enquiries, contact Student Central at student@anu.edu.au 

I need help with my timetable, who do I contact?

You can view your timetable and self-allocate to classes using MyTimetable

It is a good idea to view your course timetable prior to enrolling in courses to make sure that you do not have any tutorial clashes. 

During orientation week, student central will host webinars, information sessions and drop-ins to help you with your timetable. 

How do I make friends?    

Come to Orientation Week events, join ANUSA (for undergraduates) and PARSA (for post-graduates) clubs and societies, go to your classes, join SET4ANU mentoring, attend events throughout the year - there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people on campus!

How much storage space will I have in my room in the residential hall?    

Depending on your hall, your room will come with a wardrobe and sometimes some storage space under your bed. You can look up your residential building here as there may be a picture or floor plan of a standard room.

Will I need a car in Canberra and is car parking free?   

Canberra is a very easy city to get around without a car. However, if you plan to drive to campus, the University offers various types of parking options to staff, students and campus visitors.

Parking options include hourly parking, surface permit parking and parking station permits. Be sure to come in early as there are limited parking spaces on campus.

Students with a Government Disability Parking Permit can apply for ANU Disability Parking Permit in order to use accessible parking spaces on campus, free parking and extended parking times.

To find out more about parking costs, eligibility, where you can park and to purchase a permit click here.

What is public transport like in Canberra?  

Public bus and light-rail services run regularly in Canberra. To use public transport, you can either pay in cash or obtain a MyWay card. You may be eligible for student concession fares.

Shared e-scooters are a convenient option for short trips on their own or combined with public transport. There are two main providers of shared e-scooters in Canberra: Beam Mobility and Neuron Mobility. Ensure you have checked the corresponding app for important info, road rules and to see where the e-scooters can be used. For more information about e-scooters on campus, visit here.

Do I need to wear a helmet while riding a bike on campus?   

It is against the law to ride a bike anywhere in the ACT without a helmet - you could be fined if caught.

What support services will I have at university?  

While at university, you will find a number of initiatives, programs and resources that will support your physical, social, spiritual and mental health to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle during your studies.

For more information, visit the Health, Safety & Wellbeing webpage.

I require adjustments with my studies. Who can I contact to assist me with this?

The Access & Inclusion (A&I) team supports students within our community whose participation in academic studies is impacted by physical and learning disability, mental health conditions, chronic medical conditions and short-term illnesses/conditions. A&I also support carers, international under 18 students and elite athletes. To get in touch with A&I, visit the Access & Inclusion webpage.

While at university, you will find a number of initiatives, programs and resources that will support your physical, social, spiritual and mental health to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle during your studies. For more information, visit the Health, Safety & Wellbeing webpage.

What can I do if I feel unsafe walking on the campus?  

There are several options. You can request a Unisafe escort (02 6125 2249), or you can try to walk with a friend, or a group, especially at night.

The ANUOK app also has the virtual and walk home with a friend options.

What is the ‘lighted path map’?   

The lighted path map (see Maps and way finding page) is produced annually by ANU Security. It identifies the best lit walking paths around campus at night. Printed maps are available from ANU Security.

What do I do if a fire alarm goes off?   

Follow the directions of fire wardens and evacuate the building as directed. 'If in doubt get out'. If there is smoke in the building, 'get down low and go! Go! Go! More information can be found on Fire Safety.

Where are the Emergency Call Points?  

The Acton campus is equipped with emergency call points that are distinguished by an illuminated 'Emergency Telephone' sign and are located as follows: Fellows Road and Sullivans Creek Road Copland, Crisp Archway Union Court University Avenue (opposite Biochemistry Building)

Is it true that the Police cannot come onto campus?  

The Police are always available and willing to assist in public and personal safety matters. Police can come onto campus and enforce any breaches of the law including driving offences, drug offences and offences against persons. There is no special treatment or considerations given to ANU staff or students.

I have lost/found something on campus. What should I do?   

The Lost and Found Office is located in the Anthony Low Building (124), entrance from Garran Road. It is open between 8.30 am - 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Their contacts are 6125 6956 or 6125 0179, or email fs.clientservices@anu.edu.au.

What sort of shops are close to the University?  

The Canberra Centre is within close proximity to ANU campus. It has major retail stores, banks, mobile phone and sim-card store and restaurants. Alternatively, Kambri at ANU also has a number of specialty stores, a grocery store, bank and restaurants.

What is the easiest way to visit my family in Sydney?   

You have a few options. Both Murrays and Greyhound offer frequent bus services which travel between Jolimont Bus Station (2 blocks from ANU) and Sydney Central Station and Sydney Airport. There is also a train which departs from Kingston Station (a 20 minute drive from the ANU). You can also book a domestic flight from Canberra airport.

What is the easiest way to visit my family in Melbourne?   

Both Greyhound and V/line offer frequent bus services which travel between Jolimont Bus Station (2 blocks from ANU) and Southern Cross Station. You can also take a bus/train journey via NSW train link. By road, the trip takes approximately 8 hours. There are also frequent daily flights to Melbourne from Canberra airport flying on Jetstar, Rex, Virgin or Qantas. The flight time is just over an hour.

Privacy Information for Orientation Week registrations

The information is being collected by the Australian National University, to engage with students of the University, and to promote University activities, including events, programs, newsletters and fundraising initiatives. The information may also be used for analysis, quality assurance and planning purposes and to ensure your interests are met.

The information collected will not be shared with contracted service providers or other third parties. We will not disclose your personal information to anybody else, unless you have given consent, or we are authorised or required to do so by law.

If you choose not to your personal information we may be unable to engage with you or provide you the services requested.

ANU recognises that your privacy is very important to you. As an 'agency' within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), ANU complies with the obligations of the Privacy Act including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) which govern the way we collect, use, disclose, secure and dispose of your personal information.  A copy of the APP's may be obtained from the website of the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at www.oaic.gov.au.

The ANU Privacy Policy outlines the personal information handling practices of ANU. You have a right to access personal information that ANU holds about you, subject to any exceptions in the Privacy Act.

If you wish to seek access to your personal information or inquire about the handling of your personal information, or make a complaint about how we have handled your information, please contact the ANU Privacy Officer by email at privacy@anu.edu.au.