Many times I have been breathless and panting after walking up campus, having just tackled the Basser steps, and I stumble across ‘The Hub‘.
Four years into my degree and I am still not sure what it is that they do in there. Today my curiosity finally got the better of me and I ventured inside.
Have you been to The Hub? Ironically, no.
Turns out, The Hub is run by the Student Development office. Located in the basement of the Morven Brown Building (across from Boost Juice), the Hub serves as a general ‘hub’ for students to explore professional and personal development opportunities, ask questions or just hang out. They have a lot of stuff inside and a lot of programs and initiatives to get involved in. It can be overwhelming, but it’s worth a visit.
To map it out for you, here is a list of some things you can do when you visit The Hub:
Join a Discussion Group. This is not as lame as it sounds…promise.
This is actually a really lovely initiative that aims to provide a comfortable learning environment for international students, which includes meeting new people and making new friends.
Led by student volunteers, the Discussion Group Team helps international students improve their conversational English skills, learn more about Australian culture and make new friends. Discussions are held in the Hub on Mondays at 4pm and have a fun and informal vibe. Whether it be discussing the news, pop culture or aussie slang, no topic is out of bounds.
Every 3 weeks, the group meets for “DG & Chill” where they grab dinner at one of their favourite restaurants. A simple, yet effective initiative that one can join as a Group Discussion Volunteer (leading the discussions) or member!
Grab a Lollipop!
Who doesn’t love a freebie?
Charge your phone.
Fun fact: the hub has a charging station for all devices (phones, tablets, laptops) which you can just pop in and use. A helpful and handy tip for all those who have been draining their batteries playing Pokemon go.
Eat lunch and relax on a couch.
Again, this may not sound too glamorous right now, but come wet or just plain crazy weather days, keep the Hub in mind as a place where you can enjoy your lunch in comfort and style.
Book a meeting/study room.
I know this doesn’t sound like the most exciting adventure. But for those times when all the library study rooms are booked out, you should know there are meeting/study rooms in the Hub (just like those in the library) with large monitor displays, whiteboards and seating for up to 10 people, that you can book for 3 hours at a time. That is some fine-ass studying real-estate so grab it before everyone else learns about it! If this fails, there is a lot of study space within the Hub itself which can be used for group work, student projects or anything really!
Become a Hubster Volunteer!
What even is a ‘Hubster’, you may ask? Hubsters are volunteers who support the Student Development team with heaps of events and marketing activities throughout the semester. Both current students and new students alike are encouraged to join and hours are flexible. It is also recognised on your graduation statement. So there’s that too.
Become a Peer Mentor/Mentee.
The Hub is the best place to find out about Student mentoring programs and which one is right for you (as a mentor or mentee). UNSW has programs that are run by Faculties, Student services and student organisations and to figure out which one is right for you, simply ask the lovely people at the help desk!
Being a mentor, you can share your university and lifelong experience and it is a great way to help others through the new, (and for some, scary) environment. You even have the chance to start your own program if that tickles your fancy!
As a mentee, you can benefit from your mentors experience and it’s a great way to make a buddy and to help you realise that your new, scary experiences at university aren’t actually that daunting.
Join the leadership skill development program.
This student-led program sets out to help develop your skills that employers look for in candidates. Examples include, teamwork, communication and leadership skills where you learn to connect with other students. In this program there is a large focus on creative freedom and passion to pursue projects. If you’re looking to up your skill set a bit, take a look.
Visit the prayer room.
That’s right, the Hub has it’s own prayer room, open to all students! Whether you’re feeling spiritual or need to pray for some good grades, this is the place!
Join ALLY.
ALLY UNSW is a lighthouse program that is aimed at ensuring the safety and welfare of students and staff who identify as LGBTQIA . The ALLY training program aims to make UNSW a great place for everybody by reducing break down barriers of fear and ignorance that lead to discrimination and prejudice. ALLIES can be recognised by the rainbow ALLY@UNSW logo on the badge they are wearing, or by an ALLY sticker on their office door. To become an ALLY, you can attend a training session, held once a month. As an ALLY member, students know you as a supportive member who is able to offer confidential referral to appropriate services.
Grab a free student planner!
Practical and Organised – who doesn’t love a new wallpaper?
So next time you find yourself out of breath when venturing towards upper campus, why not do something different and venture inside to UNSW’s place which has “a little bit of everything”.
By Camilla Newman