Hi everyone!
My name is Lushy Chinganya, your UMSU President for 2026!
Before I started uni I wish I knew of the support systems in place stop me from feeling left behind! I’ll admit it, coming to uni was scary. I moved out for the first time, I was the only one from my high school here and I really didn’t know anyone. I didn’t even find UMSU until the second half of my first year, don’t be like me! The amount of resources UMSU has to offer to ensure students stay afloat is incredible.
Making friends at uni can be so daunting! You can’t just start playing on the playground together or get excited because you have the same lunchbox like when we were kids. But don’t let that stop you, trust that everyone is feeling it! Living in accommodation myself, I went to a lot of events my accommodation put on in the first few weeks of Uni. That’s the perfect chance to meet people right there in your building (think about the potential for movie nights!).
Baillieu Library: With five floors to choose from, there's heaps of different study areas in the Baillieu to suit everyone's way of working. You can book group study spaces, monitors, and PCs.
Western Edge Biosciences: The newest building on this list, WEBS is a beautifully designed space with lots of natural light AND a free zoology museum in the basement to check out when you need a break.
Eastern Resource Centre (ERC): A good quiet library to set up for a long, intense study day.
South Lawn: Generations of students have spent many sunny afternoons on the iconic South Lawn. It's a great outdoor space to recharge alone or hang with friends.
Rowden White Library: With gaming stations, puzzles, a cinema room, and all the books you could ever want, there is no better place to relax than the Rowdy. It's UMSU's pride and joy and we cannot recommend it highly enough. It’s the only place on campus where you’re not allowed to study.
BEST COFFEE: Melbourne is one of the best cities in the world for coffee, so most cafés do a pretty great job no matter where you go.
We never want to dissuade students from activism – we love a good demo and protest! Please use this information to help you understand the rules of the engagement so you can stay safe.
There is a rich tradition of students at University of Melbourne exercising their right to raise awareness about issues and attempt to change laws and policies through protests.
UMSU supports your right to protest, and we want to help you make informed choices about what you do.
The University of Melbourne is a big place — with countless buildings, faculties, schools and departments, it can be hard to know how to make friends or where to turn to get help.
That’s where the University of Melbourne Student Union comes in.
My name is Daniel Motika and I’m your 2026 UMSU General Secretary! I am an Arts Student and this is my third year at the UniMelb. A big welcome to all the new students starting their uni journey this year and welcome back to everyone returning! While the UMSU President serves as the face of the organisation, the General Secretary is responsible for the internal operation of UMSU. I am responsible for governance and minute taking, publishing all communications, administering grants and much more.
Students’ Council is where decisions are made about UMSU’s departments and governance. All students are invited to come along, move motions, and take part in how YOUR student union is run. You can find a list of upcoming meetings and locations on the UMSU website.
How does UMSU provide so many free services and events for students all year long? We use funds allocated to us by the University from your Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). The SSAF was introduced by the Australian Government to specifically fund student services and representation, and is included in your student fees.
We don’t get all the SSAF funding the University collects, but we make a little go a long way! Learn more about SSAF here.
Clubs and societies are one of the easiest ways to get involved, meet new people, and enrich your university experience. With over 230 different clubs to choose from at UMSU, there really is something for everyone!
Clubs range from areas such as cultural, musical, spiritual, and political, to specific interests and hobbies. There are also faculty- and course-related clubs that provide study and work opportunities and help students get to know people within their degree.
UMSU Collectives are student groups that meet throughout the year to socialise, run events and provide opportunities to hang out with other like-minded students.
Some Collectives are ‘autonomous’, which means they are only for a particular group within the community (like people who identify as queer, or a person of colour), while other Collectives are open to all students.
UMSU also runs heaps of awesome events all throughout semester, including live music, cultural celebrations and mo
UMSU is here to help you navigate your way through University life. We have a number of support services available to help you with cost-of-living, course issues and more.
Don’t let the name fool you – the Rowden White Library (aka ‘the Rowdy’) is NOT for studying. It’s the ultimate oasis from the stresses of uni life.
We’ve got comfy couches and some luxurious bean bags for relaxing in if you need a break. There’s always new stuff to borrow, and it’s all FREE!
UMSU has plenty of opportunities for you to get creative, whatever you study.
Running since 1975, the George Paton Gallery is a contemporary art gallery that presents projects by University of Melbourne students throughout the year. We accept exhibition proposals at the end of each semester, so get in touch if you have a project idea.
The Gallery also runs a variety of arts activities led by distinguished professional practitioners as part of our ‘Creative Workshops’ program.
The Arts Lab is an open-access art studio for creative activity. It’s an ideal space for individuals and groups to get together to embark on a creative project – whether this be the building of simple props and sculpture, painting projects, theatre set design, craft or drawing.
Think of your old art classroom but there’s nobody telling you what to do. It’s equipped with large movable tables, artist easels and an array of essential art materials.
Union House Theatre is the hub of extracurricular student theatre at the Parkville campus. We program a range of theatrical activities including shows, workshops, professional pathways, mentorships, residencies, and more.
UHT also supports 25 autonomous student theatre groups as they produce their own productions in the state-of-the-art Guild and Union Theatres.
AVM are your in-house specialists for live production within events.
AVM staff have extensive experience in all things sound, lighting, staging, projection and more!
AVM also provide hire service for sound and lighting systems, projectors and screens.
Check out the AVM web page to make a booking enquiry.
The Activities Department is your go-to source for transforming your university journey from lectures and exams into an exhilarating adventure. We’re not just organising events; we’re about creating unforgettable experiences.
We offer opportunities to make lifelong friendships and be part of a vibrant community.
The C&S department helps support and manage the 230+ clubs and societies affiliated with the UMSU student community. If you have any club-related questions or just want to say hi, please come by our office or email us!
The Creative Arts Department opens the door to a lively, inspiring world where expression knows no bounds. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just beginning to explore your artistic side, this is your chance to discover your voice and let it resonate.
The Education department here at UMSU consists of two distinct branches of representation, covering fair and equitable access to education (Education Public) and advocating on your behalf to ensure the University’s academic and policy processes are fair for students (Education Academic).
We are the official representative body for all international students at UniMelb. We aim to enhance your international student experience so that you can make the most of your time at uni. More than anything, we are about having fun, making friends, and turning Melbourne into a home away from home!
Welcome to the home of student media on campus. We publish six annual editions of Farrago, Australia’s oldest student publication, and we air Radio Fodder, the University of Melbourne’s only student Radio Station.
UMSU Southbank represents all students studying at UniMelb’s Southbank campus.
Our mission is to ensure that you get the most out of your education and the UMSU community. We advocate on behalf of individual student issues, run campaigns to address broader issues on campus and host events that build community across disciplines.
With 160 years of gardening history, Burnley is the beating heart of all things plants in Victoria. Our relaxing horticultural campus is home to heritage-listed gardens, magnificent trees, cozy facilities straight out of the 70's, and the most peaceful library in the whole university.
The Welfare Department provides a broad variety of initiatives, some that are seen on and around campus, such as Union Mart (see page XX) and regular free meals, and some that go on behind the scenes, such as advocating for increased mental health care and maximising safety on campus.
Come join us at UMSU Enviro, where we unite over our shared passion for the environment and sustainability! We work on projects empowering students to enact real tangible change across individual, community and systemic scales.
Welcome to the People of Colour Department!
We advocate for and support students of African, Asian, Pacific Islander, Aboriginal, Indigenous, Latin, Arab, multiracial and other relevant backgrounds. We provide a safe, autonomous space on campus where POC can chill and take a step back from the pressures of campus life.
Come along to our various collectives for a bite to eat and a chat.
Whether you're gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, asexual, or aromantic, or even if you're questioning, we're here for you!
The Queer Department is responsible for organising social events, hosting collectives for different identities and experiences, and advocating on behalf of the queer community at the University.
The Women’s Department is your space to feel empowered, informed, and supported throughout your university journey.
The Women's Department is passionate about promoting women's rights, raising awareness for female health issues, and making sure all female students feel heard, seen, and understood.
Whether you're looking for advice, want to study, or simply want to meet like-minded people, here is the place for you to make it happen. Join our many events throughout the year!
We’re here as a safe, inclusive and active space on campus for ALL disabled students, whether those disabilities are visible or invisible.
We hold collectives, events, workshops and other awesome activities in our Disabilities Lounge, which is a safe, low lit sensory-friendly space for any time you need to chill and take a breath away from busy campus life.
Hi all, I hope this semester has been treating you well. There are a few things I wanted to bring to the attention of students as we rapidly move towards the end of the year.
As a democratic student union constitutionally opposed to militarism in all its forms, UMSU welcomes the announcement that the University of Melbourne is pausing construction of the Fishermen’s Bend Campus.
UMSU is aware that a number of predatory cult organisations are attempting to recruit students on campus and surrounds.
UMSU Education will be running a series of workshop-style panels in the coming weeks called the UMSU Assemblies.
JOIN THE CLIMATE STRIKE, meeting at 12:30pm THIS FRIDAY at South Lawn on the Parkville campus..
Statement – Nauru Detention Centre Re-opening
Content Note: Discussion of detention of Asylum seekers
These are difficult times we are living through. I wanted to speak briefly to some areas of development regarding student and staff safety within our community.
If you're an UMSU Club or Society or a Student Theatre Group then you can order your alcohol for your next event through The Ida Bar
This is a test news article for new way
Don't forget to validate your vaccination status BEFORE you return to campus! Every student attending campus MUST validate their vaccination status (vaccinated or exempt) beforehand if you haven't already.
The President of the Academic Board has resolved that results from Semester 2 2021 will not be included in students’ WAM Calculation if they are below their current WAM benchmark. It is the exact same settings that were in place last year, on the back of UMSU’s initial WAMnesty campaign.
Sometimes, it’s fun to imagine that the pursuit of your education is like a grand quest in the tradition of Lord of the Rings (especially if you are trying to procrastinate). After all, you are after that precious (a.k.a your degree).
There’s only so much information a brain can hold. All those books talking about the brain that can heal itself or neuroplasticity of memory can go and stuff themselves.
UHT’s Jacob Shears takes us through the basics of lighting for a theatre environment
UHT’s Connor Ross takes us through the 5 Steps for making an effective sound design.
UHT’s Stage Carpenter/Mechanist Allen Laverty talks through how to use a hand saw correctly and efficiently.
Everything you need to know about the University's recent vaccination validation deadline.
There’s something really satisfying about watching Jim Carey over-enunciate and over-emote his lines in Liar Liar. Particularly “I object!”.
You’re nearly there at the end. You can’t wait to clear that last exam so you can fall asleep with a straw feeding you milkshake intra-mouthly from that Maccas post-exam feast. It’s only 3 hours and you’re home free.
UHT’s Stage Carpenter/Mechanist Allen Laverty talks through how to use a square.
UHT’s Head Technician Clynton Jones talks through the basics of how to correctly set up and pack up mic stands.
Everyone struggles at the end of semester. Sometimes the stress to meet deadlines or the pressure of sitting exams becomes too difficult for some students.
CW // Discussions of sexual assault and harassment, without explicit detail.
UMSU welcomes the University’s recent Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy as?an important step forward in creating a safer campus.
UHT's Stage Carpenter/Mechanist Allen Laverty talks through the contents of a basic tool kit for making theatre sets.
The beginning of first semesters at University have a particular magic to them – a sense of newness, re-invention, and of freedom. If you’re a first year, they’re the beginning of a course, shiny like glitter in the sun.