campus life
The university experience is so much more than lectures and tutorials, as it is a thriving hub of excitement and activity. It seems there is something on everyday to get involved in! Here are some of the top things not to miss as a UOW student (or even just an interested local!)
Words Matilda Jesiolowski Image Lucy Dinn
Lunch on the Lawn
Each week, the Duck Pond Lawn comes to life with live music at lunchtime. It’s a great excuse to leave the library and enjoy some fresh air, live entertainment and many of the delicious food venues around the area. The selection of hammocks, deck chairs and beanbags set up on the lawn creates a very relaxed atmosphere and one could be forgiven for forgetting you are even at uni.
You can find Lunch on the Lawn happening every Wednesday and Thursday during session, from 12:30-1:30pm.
Strawberry Boogie
Once a month, Uni Bar transforms into a ‘Strawberry Boogie’. Created by Wollongong-based group Strawberry Visions, the event encapsulates two aims: to celebrate the melting pot of creativity that exists within the Wollongong community, and to provide a platform for the creativity to thrive. Each month, the Strawberry Boogie features an array of local and national live music, as well as a selection of live creative art. Examples seen in the past include music from Moaning Lisa and Polish Club, photography exhibitions, independent fashion and interactive installations.
The popular event tends to sell out fast, so don’t miss out.
Check out the markets
Every odd week on a Wednesday during the semester, the main walkway outside the library fills with stalls and transforms into ‘Market Alley’. Local vendors sell everything from arts, crafts, clothes, books, food and tasty treats. You can check out the market all day, as vendors are on campus from 9am-4pm.
Not only for students, the markets are open to the general public with anyone able to experience this vibrant example of campus culture. The regular Market Alley is also a great opportunity for market traders or business owners to take part, with stall fees as little as $5.
More information on market dates and expressions of interest for stallholders
Live Art Week
The UOW campus transforms into a giant canvas during Live Art Week. Last year’s event saw many talented creative local artists brightening up the grounds of UOW with a number of amazing live art installations. This included the guys from Dreadful Maps who aspire to help connect people with the world’s beauty through the medium of cartography. The event is designed to encourage students to look at the campus in a different way, and engage with the artistic process by witnessing how a work of art comes to life. Among the art on display will be chalk murals, sculptures and painting by students and artists.
Live Art Week will be held this May, with exact dates TBA.
Join a club
One of the best ways to get involved in the social side of university is to check out the many clubs the campus has to offer. With more than 130 active student-run clubs, you’ll be sure to find one that appeals to your interests and allows you to connect with other like-minded people. There is a French Society, a Digital Media Society, a Snowsports Club, a Medieval Club, and even a Harry Potter Society, just to name a few. If you have any niche interest, you can be sure to find a club that will match.
One club worth checking out is Uni Movies, a UOW club that runs its very own cinema on campus! The club’s aim is to provide high quality screenings of the latest movies and limited releases to the Wollongong and UOW community. The movies are screened in University Hall on most Wednesday nights, and tickets can be purchased from $6 for members. Perfect for a student budget! Find their current program here.
Garden Party
Garden Party is coming back in 2020 for its 17th year running, with the lawns outside UniBar transforming into a huge concert to kick off the academic year. This year, San Cisco will headline, alongside Mallrat, Hayley Mary, Tyne-James Organ, Mady Jane and Debbies.
This is a not to be missed party, and with tickets selling out fast, get in quick!