Hey, you! Are you stuck overseas or studying remotely at the moment? Well, we see you! But do you see us?  

Being off-campus can make you long for feeling a sense of community. The idea of being involved at uni can seem so far away, but… you don’t need to look any further! We’ve rounded together 5 ways you can take an active part in university life at UNSW, remotely.  

1. VOLUNTEER FOR ARC ONLINE  

No, volunteering isn’t always done in person! There are several flexible opportunities for you to volunteer with Arc virtually.  

If you’re into writing or content creation, you can contribute to Blitz, our guide to what’s on at UNSW, by creating content ranging from reviews to comedy, or send in your pitches to Tharunka, our longest-running student publication, about all things political, social, or cultural. If critical arts is something that interests you, consider pitching to Framework - our critical arts and literary journal.  

You can get the experience of working in a team by applying to be a Wellness Warrior with Arc Wellness and advocate for student mental health. If you want to immerse yourself in the melting pot of diverse cultures at UNSW, volunteer for or attend Culture Cafe’s virtual events and make some friends along the way! 

2. ATTEND UNSW CLUBS AND SOCIETIES’ EVENTS  

One of the best ways to be involved is by participating in events that cater to your personal interests. Thankfully, there are so many clubs to keep up with and you can browse through them all in Arc’s Club Directory. When you find the ones that you’re super keen on, be sure to follow their socials so you can be on the look-out for virtual events. Club-organised events can be great for professional development, meeting new people, or even winding down with a chill Netflix Party sesh… yeah that sounds so good right now. 

3. KEEP UP WITH UNSW DISCUSSION GROUP 

If you haven’t already, be sure to join UNSW Discussion Group on Facebook! It’s a page run by students and has all the updates on campus life - from the most relatable workload memes to tales of wild foxes (you’ll have to see for yourself!), it’s a great way to stay connected with the uni community.  

4. APPLY TO BE PART OF SOCIETY SUBCOMMITTEES  

Once again, you don’t need to be on campus to apply for leadership and volunteering roles! Don’t hold back and just go for it! Within a subcommittee, you can choose to take part in varying roles within your interests, from managing events to handling publications or obtaining sponsorships for the respective society. If you are hesitant about the availability of virtual positions/what they would require from you, shoot an email to the society! There are always ways to get involved.  

5. TAKE PART IN VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS & COMPETITIONS 

Throughout the year, there are a range of virtual events held that you can register for in advance. With webinars, business simulations, and more opportunities for self-development, what more could you ask for? If you’re entrepreneurial by nature, you can pitch your business idea to the Peter Farrell Cup or New Wave to receive guidance and support in bringing your idea to life.  

See? You’ve got a lot that you can explore because university life starts right here, right now - wherever you are!  

Culture Cafe is releasing more insider tips this term, so don't forget to follow us on our Facebook page for regular updates!