Truck overturned causes delay for students

Yesterday a semi trailer overturned on Mt Ousley Rd causing southbound gridlock traffic for over six hours.

The driver, a woman in her 40s, lost control of the vehicle causing a collision with another truck and hit the highway barrier after complications with brakes.

Both drivers were taken to hospital in a stable condition however the accident created traffic banked up to Darkes Forest till after 6:00pm and caused major delay for university students.

“I was able to get past just after midday but I was late for an assessment” said one third year student from the University of Wollongong. “We heard about the traffic on the radio and just went straight back home” said a group of students carpooling to UOW.

Carpooling is a popular option of transport for students of the University of Wollongong as many travel from northern suburbs such as Sydney or the Sutherland Shire and south such as Kiama. UOW offers free parking for those who carpool; an appealing incentive as it can cost up to $10 a day for students to park within the campus grounds.

Students travelling via the south coast train line have access to free council shuttle buses to and from the North Wollongong station and UOW campus. Travelling by train can avoid peak hour traffic however train tickets can become expensive for a full time student and the shuttle buses are often over-crowded. 


“Sometimes I have to wait for the second shuttle bus to arrive because not everyone can fit on the first morning bus from the station” said a UOW student waiting for the bus this morning.

The University urges students to leave their cars at home as there are limited parking spots available (see more information about parking at UOW here). Public transport can have its downfalls though can put a parents mind at ease and provide a safe option for young students not confident with the steep winding road of Mt Ousley Rd. 

Hidden gems at UOW

The University of Wollongong campus is a very big place and including parks and bushland covers 82 hectares of land. There are students who attend a full course that will spend at least 3 years at uni and will only ever see half the campus in their time. There are many hidden treasures and places to see that people miss out on by following their daily routines.

It was only thanks to exams ('It's not often we thank exams') that this student stubbled upon hidden gems in the Sciences building. By hidden gems I literally mean gemstones. In building 41 near the Sports Hub where end of semester exams are often held there is a vast collection of precious rocks and minerals lining the hallway. The collection ranges from fossils to shells, shaped semi-precious rocks and a large amethyst geode.

The collection was acquired by UOW after it was generously donated by Professor Howard Worner in 2000. Professor Worner was an Australian metallurgist who died in 2006 at the age of 93. Professor Worner was noted for his passion and his legacy will be continued with his rare and valuable mineral collection on display as a reminder along with a scholarship at UOW in his honour.

Another place of wonders that might go undetected from students is right across the road from the front entrance of the University in the Botanic Garden. The Sir Joseph Banks Glasshouse marks the Bicentenary of the landing of Captain Cook in Australia and houses plants along with hundreds of cacti and various desert plants since it was opened in 1970. “There are so many (plants). I never knew this was here!” said a UOW student who was also admiring the collection when passing by.

The gardens also have a herb garden, a rose collection and best of all provide a lovely walk as students take a short cut through the gardens from the distant free parking to the University.

International Week at University

Photos: A range of stalls during International Week

The university was taken for a global trip last Wednesday September 7 when stalls representing different countries were presented side by side as part of International Week on the University of Wollongong campus.

The campus was transformed into a sight reminiscent of a music festival on Wednesday as the sun was shining and students were treated to foreign food samples, djs playing tunes from different cultures, giant board games and even Turkish Water Pipes.

Lines formed as students experienced new food and one student stated ‘I’ve never tried this type of food before, so it’s new to me!’ International week aims to showcase the diversity of the universities students and increase involvement from the Illawarra community.

International Week is an exciting example of events that can be enjoyed by students while having a break from their studies. Activities are also held at night for those with full schedules during the day.

All events, which celebrated the contribution international students make to the University, were free to participate including a Global Film Night and International Trivia at the Unibar.

The Global Film night was highly praised, ‘The host was hilarious!’ said a student. “I’ve definitely been learning by accident tonight,’ said another student attending the International Trivia Night on Wednesday night where prizes were received by the winning team.

International Week is an annual event at UOW and is open to be experienced by students and members of the community.

Photo credit: Emma Lucey

Blog Launch Soon!

This blog, 'Student Life at UOW', will be launched in the next few weeks.

A blog that will cover activities and the facilities on campus that are available for a student to spend spare time and occupy themselves during breaks at the University Of Wollongong.

It will be particularly focused on how best to spend money or save money whilst on campus. The posts will aim to provide an insight into student life at UOW but also inform and help future students become familiar with the university. 

The blogger is a 20 year old student of UOW and will give an insider perspective to student life and what goes on at the UOW campus.