UMSU Student FAQ | Lost Property, Clubs, Events, Support Services – UniMelb
Welcome to your go-to FAQ for all things UMSU – from lost property and student clubs to advocacy and campus support.
Lost Property
What should I do if I've lost something on campus?
If you’ve lost something, come visit us at the Information Centre on level 1, Building 168, to see if your item has been handed in.
You can also report your item as lost in the lost property database It's Found. The database is used by both UMSU and University security, so if it's handed in on campus, we'll be able to contact you!
How do I report a lost item at the University?
To report something you've lost, follow this link to the It's Found reporting page: Report Your Lost Item
Note: When filling the 'Venue location' field, type '000' and select '000 - Parkville Grounds'
How long are lost items kept at Lost Property?
Most lost property is kept for a minimum of 3 months (excluding non-semester periods).
Exceptions include:
- Water bottles: kept for 1 month
- Soiled, dangerous or illegal goods: disposed of immediately
- Any other item deemed unsuitable, inappropriate, etc. for storage: may be disposed of earlier
What happens to unclaimed lost property?
After this period, safe-to-donate items are cleaned and donated:
Items that are of lower value (e.g. most water bottles, stationery) are placed directly on our Free to a Good Home table at the Information Centre, while anything kept for 3 months or longer will be donated through donation programs (the Welfare department’s semesterly second-hand market or a local op-shop).
Items that cannot be donated (e.g., heavily used notebooks, damaged clothing, electronics) are either given to e-waste, destroyed or handed over to the appropriate authority (e.g., to an embassy for passports).
Navigating Campus & Parking
How do I get to [insert your building or location] on campus?
If you’re in the area, come visit us at the Information Centre—we’ll happily help you find your destination!
Otherwise, you can give us a call or use the University’s interactive map—it includes a customizable accessibility feature to avoid stairs and barriers. Check it out here: University Map.
Where can I park my car or bike on campus?
For bikes: Check out the Bicycle Map here and information about using a bike on campus here.
For cars: Details about car parking (excluding deliveries) can be found here.
Are there accessible routes and facilities for disabled students?
Absolutely! The University’s map includes an “Avoid stairs and obstacles” feature. Once you select your destination, just check the box for accessible routes.
For advice and resources or to get involved with the Disabilities community on campus, have a look at our Disabilities page here: UMSU Disabilities
Shops, Services & Merch
What shops are available on campus?
Explore all the food and retail venues on campus here: Food and Retail Information.
How can I book a tour of the campus?
There are three types of tours available for the Parkville campus:
- For New Students: Host tours run during Orientation Week (the week before Week 1 of Semester 1). These tours are held hourly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the week. Check the UMSU Summerfest schedule for more details closer to the date!
- For Anyone (In-Person): Free tours are held every Tuesday and Friday during semesters at 10 a.m. Registration is essential: Free tour sign up
- For Anyone (Online): Can’t make an in-person tour or just prefer to go at your own pace? Take a free self-guided tour here!
Can I get documents certified by a Justice of the Peace (JP) on campus?
Our JP is available Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments can be booked by contacting us, or we accept walk-ins (subject to availability).
Find more information on our JP information page.
Where can I buy official University or UMSU merchandise?
University merch is available at The Welcome Centre in the 1888 Building. Otherwise you can check out their Online Merch Store.
UMSU merch is sold at the Information Centre, Level 1, Building 168.
Can the Info Centre assist with delivering packages to offices?
UMSU does not provide mail services for students or non-UMSU staff.
For deliveries, use the Australia Post automatic mail lockers: Mail Lockers Info.
Facilities: Study Spaces, Lockers, Pianos & Special Venue Booking
Where can I find quiet study spaces or libraries on campus?
Looking for somewhere to study? Check out:
Library locations and opening hours: Library Information
Real-time library space availability: Study Space Availability
Bookable study spaces: Book a Study Space
Are there lockers available on campus for students?
Yes! There are lockers available for student and staff use across UniMelb campuses.
Our in-depth locker page is under construction right now, but check out the uni's locker information page in the meantime: Locker Information
What should I do if my locker was empty when I opened it?
No problem! Come to check lost property at the Information Centre (Level 1, Building 168).
If we don't have it, you may have simply been assigned a new locker number. Call security on 8344 6666 and they can help open your old locker.
Where can I find pianos on campus for student use?
Pianos are available for both public use and music students:
Pianos for public use
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Market Hall
(Building 189)
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- One in a private room on level 1 (room bookable through DiBS)
- One on the indoor balcony on level 1
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Arts West
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- Upstairs, near the balcony
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Law Building
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- On the ground floor, near the entrance
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Pianos for music students
Pianos and other practice rooms are available for music students in Melba Hall (the Conservatorium of Music on the Parkville campus) and across the Southbank campus.
To book these spaces, refer to the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music room booking webpage: Current student resources
How do I book Wilson Hall or the Old Quad for an event?
Wilson Hall: Details and bookings can be found under the “Wilson Hall” drop-down on the Venue Management Special Venues page.
Old Quad: Visit the Old Quad Booking Information page for more information.
Events & Clubs
Where can I find a calendar of UMSU and student club events?
Check out all UMSU events on our Events Page!
How do I join or start a student club?
Browse the full list of student clubs: UMSU Clubs & Societies database.
Can’t find the right club? Start your own! Club applications open at the start of each semester. Find all the details here: How to Affiliate a Club.
For other questions, visit or call the Clubs Office (9am–4pm, Monday–Thursday, Level 1, Building 168) on 8344 4834, or email them at clubs@union.unimelb.edu.au
How do I borrow equipment for a club event?
We loan out picnic rugs, tables, eskies, first aid kits, and BBQ cleaning packs for club use—all for free!
These can be booked through the DiBS portal: DiBS Booking.
How can my club get access to TE Reserve/DiBS?
Student clubs can get executive access to TE Reserve and DiBS (the two main booking systems for UniMelb).
Links for access request below*, but there are strict instructions on how to gain access, so look at the information webpage before requesting access to make sure you won’t be rejected here: https://services.unimelb.edu.au/venuehire/clubs
TE Reserve Access Request Form
https://go.unimelb.edu.au/bo38
DiBS Access Request
Email info@union.unimelb.edu.au
*GSA (Graduate) and Sport clubs request access by contacting the following:
GSA: info@gsa.unimelb.edu.au
Sport: clubs-coordinator@unimelb.edu.au
Safety & Concerns
How can I report suspicious or concerning activity on campus?
The best place to report anything (even if you’re unsure if it’s serious) is security.
Call them on 8344 6666 and they will give you the best information for the situation.
Where can I get help if I experience discrimination or unfair treatment?
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For Study-Related Concerns
E.g., issues with a subject, grade, teacher or classmate, or you’ve been accused of academic misconduct
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Visit our Advocacy web pages: Advocacy Support
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For Sexual Harm Response and Prevention
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If you have experienced or witnessed any unwanted sexual behaviour, please contact UMSU’s Sexual Harm Response services immediately on our Resources for Survivors webpage.
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For Non-Study-Related Concerns
E.g., feeling harassed or discriminated against on campus, or witnessing inappropriate behaviour
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For general concerns, contact the Safer Community Program on the Safer Community Webpage
For any immediate assistance, call security on 8344 6666
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For Something Else or If You’re Not Sure
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Visit either Stop 1 or contact the Information Centre (contact details at bottom of page) for guidance on your situation, including what options are available to you.
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Support & Wellbeing
Can students get free legal help at the University of Melbourne?
Yes! University of Melbourne students can access free legal advice through UMSU's Legal Service. Our lawyers can help with issues like tenancy disputes, fines, contracts, and more.
To contact the legal team, you'll need to complete an online contact form here, available between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Thursday. Please note that our legal team is small, and response times are typically 7–10 business days.
If your issue is urgent, or you need help outside these hours, we recommend contacting the free Victoria Legal Aid service for support.
Who can help me with academic misconduct, plagiarism, or appealing a grade?
If you’re facing issues like academic misconduct, allegations of AI or plagiarism, grade disputes, or need help appealing to the Academic Board, you can get free, confidential support from UMSU’s Advocacy Service.
Our team can help you understand your rights, navigate university processes, and support you through things like complaints, grievances, or formal appeals.
Before making contact with our team, you should start with their Self-Help Resources. If the issue is complex or if you still need help after reviewing the resources, you can get in touch with the team by submitting an enquiry via their Contact Form.
The contact form is the only way to contact the Advocacy team - when filling in the form, you're also making a profile of your case that staff will refer to when providing support. For students who prefer to fill out the form verbally, there is a voicemail-only phone number where you can dictate the answers to the form instead: (03) 9035 5793
The Advocacy Service can also assist with complaints to the National Student Ombudsman.
How do I access mental health or counseling services?
The University provides a range of mental health services, including free and paid options.
The best place to start will be CAPS (Counselling and Psychological Services) - they will help you figure out which service is the best for your situation.
Their locations, phone number and business hours are all listed on their webpage here.
Where can I find support with assignments or subjects (excluding tutoring)?
If you need help with assignments or a subject, here are your options:
For One-time or Ongoing Assistance
Start by discussing your needs with your subject coordinator. If you require additional help, you can apply for Special Consideration. This is useful for situations like extensions, adjusted deadlines, or ongoing support (e.g., extra time during exams).
What If You Are Unfairly Rejected for Assistance?
If your request for an extension, Special Consideration, or other support is unfairly denied, you can refer to UMSU’s Advocacy resources. Our Advocates are here to help! You can find more information and contact details here.
Where can I find someone to tutor me in a subject?
While neither the University nor UMSU offer direct tutoring services, you can:
- Contact a Faculty Club: Many clubs host study sessions, can connect you with senior students willing to help, or can connect you with other students who have found tutors. Find a list of faculty clubs here.
- Consider ongoing support: Apply for Special Consideration if your needs are broader than tutoring.
Student Admin
How do I get help with enrolment or changing my timetable?
Stop 1 is your go-to place for enrolment or timetable changes. You can get help:
- In-person
- By phone: Call 13 MELB (13 6352).
- Online: Visit the Stop 1 webpage.
How do I replace or pick up my student card?
Stop 1 can assist with student card replacements. Note that there is a replacement fee for lost cards (but not for cards that are believed to have been stolen).
Learn more here.
I have a question about graduation — who can help?
Find answers to all your graduation-related questions on the University’s Graduation FAQ page.
Who do I contact about scholarships or financial aid?
Scholarships: Explore the Scholarship FAQs.
Financial aid: Learn about financial aid options here.
Questions About UMSU
What is UMSU and what do they do?
UMSU (University of Melbourne Student Union) is the representative body for students at the University of Melbourne. We aim to enrich student life by providing:
- Advocacy services
- Clubs and societies
- Social events and festivals
- Free legal and financial advice
- Support for academic and personal challenges
UMSU is run by students, for students, ensuring your voice is heard on campus.
Want to see your brand at UMSU events? Shoot us an email at advertise@union.unimelb.edu.au
If our International student team is better suited to your needs, reach out to partnership-umsuintl@union.unimelb.edu.au
Who are the UMSU Office Bearers and how do I contact them?
UMSU Office Bearers (OBs) are the student representatives who lead our different departments, elected every year in semester 2.
Although these are official roles, OBs are students first and foremost, so their work is conducted around their classes rather than working regular office hours.
You can find more information on each department, including their contact details, on the UMSU Office Bearers webpage.
How can I become an Office Bearer or join the Student Council?
Office Bearer and Student Council positions are elected each year in semester 2.
How to Run:
Either reach out to an existing party, or you can run independently.
For more information on running for any position and registering as a candidate, check out 2024's elections page here.
For UMSU International positions, check out their election page here.
Parties that ran in the 2024 UMSU election (in alphabetical order):
2024 election results can be found here: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/ko38
UMSU Membership
Am I an UMSU member? How can I check my membership?
Most students will find that they are already members - membership is applied during your enrollment as a UoM student.
If you're unsure, you can check your membership status by following these steps:
- Go to the Student Portal
- Click on the profile icon on the right side
- Select "Personal Details"
- Select "Student Union Membership Details"
I'm not a member — how can I join UMSU?
Joining is easy (and free)!
Follow the steps on our Become a Member page.
Do I have to be an UMSU member? How do I cancel my membership?
Membership is optional, and you can cancel it at any time, however please note that students are not exempt from paying the SSAF, even if they are not UMSU members.
Membership can be withdrawn by following the same steps as becoming a member (see above question).
If you have any questions regarding membership, feel free to contact membership@union.unimelb.edu.au.
I have a question about UMSU membership — who can I talk to?
For any other membership questions, please feel free to reach out to us at membership@union.unimelb.edu.au.
Still have questions? Give us a call or come visit us! You can find us at:
UMSU Information Centre
Level 1, Building 168, The University of Melbourne
(+61) (03) 8344 6966
Or email us at info@union.unimelb.edu.au