Student Support

There are a range of housing options available for students in Adelaide, including residential colleges, student apartments and private rentals. Torrens does not own or operate its own accommodation facilities. However, the Student Services Team can help you find a housing option that best suits your needs. Torrens University is also registered with the Australian Homestay Network (AHN).   Residential Colleges Residential Colleges provide safe, furnished, fully catered accommodation with a central focus on the student community. They offer social, recreational and sporting activities which encourage peer networking. In addition, the colleges include academic and pastoral resources to maintain the welfare of the students in their care. Options include:

• Lincoln College
• St Marks College
• St Ann’s College

  Student Apartments Atira offers modern apartments and first-class facilities coupled with a supportive, engaging student experience, helping our residents to succeed academically and maintain a healthy life balance. Their unique approach to providing exceptional environments for student living is a combination of thoughtful design with comfort, security, and enjoyment in mind. To find out more, visit Atira or call 1300 848 888. Urbanest offers fully furnished self-contained apartments with shared social spaces. A variety of options are available from large studios to single and twin ensuite rooms in a shared apartment. To find out more, visit www.urbanest.com.au or call 1800 260 801 (international+61 2 8091 9959)   Private Rental If you prefer private or shared rental accommodation, the following websites may be of assistance in finding suitable housing:

• www.realestate.com.au
• www.domain.com.au

Note that private accommodation arrangements are subject to a tenancy agreement (lease) and generally require the payment of a security deposit (bond) which is refundable at the end of the tenancy provided there is no property damage or rent owing. A bond is usually equivalent to 4 weeks of rent. Additional expenses include charges for connecting electricity, telephone and gas, and the costs of furnishing your accommodation. Signing a lease imposes certain responsibilities so you must ensure you understand these obligations. Infringements can lead to legal proceedings and associated expenses. For further information and to assist with tenancy agreements and grievances, contact The Residential Tenancies Tribunal.   *Note that Torrens does not provide oversight or accept any liability for the accommodation options listed.

Are you attempting to manage the demands of study as well as a health condition, learning disability or caring responsibilities? If you feel that your studies are being impacted, our Disability Services may be able to provide you with some academic adjustments. Our Disability Services help you gain access to reasonable adjustments and can provide additional advice. If you identify as having a disability or condition that may impact on your ability to complete your studies, talk to us about the services we can offer. Adjustments are reasonable if they balance the interests of all parties and do not affect the academic standards or inherent requirements of a subject or course. “Inherent requirements” refers to the fundamental abilities, skills and knowledge that all students need in order to successfully complete a course or program, regardless of their ability, because they are essential to the relevant career. Who can access Disability Services? Current and prospective students who have any impairment, injury, illness, physical or mental health condition, whether permanent or temporary, that impacts on their capacity to study. What help is available?

• Confidential discussions about your circumstances and needs with a Disability Liaison Advisor
• Information to prospective students given in an alternative format
• The provision of accessible course materials and other specialised assistance
• Alternative arrangements for examinations and assessments, including extra time or the use of specialised equipment

How do I access Disability Services? It is important that you let us know about any special requirements as soon as possible. Our Student Services staff will work with you to develop a personalised Action Plan based on your needs. You will need to provide documents completed by a health professional that support your request for assistance. Health professionals include medical practitioners, psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and psychiatrists. Contact the Student Support Office by email, or call +61 02 85884752 to make an appointment to discuss your individual needs. Confidentiality and privacy We understand the private nature of the information that you may disclose to us in relation to your medical condition or disability, and we will respect the privacy of that information. With your consent, we may advise other university staff of the existence and nature of your disability or medical condition so that they can assist in implementing any adjustments required. We will not disclose information to any person outside the university without specific written consent, unless the university is required by law to provide the information. Resources: Further information about the university’s approach to supporting students with a disability can be found in the Disability Resource Pack for Student and Students with a Disability Policy. The following agencies can also provide information, support and advocacy: Australian Disability Clearinghouse for Education and Training Australian Human Rights Commission National Disability Coordination Officer Program

The health and wellbeing of students is a priority of Torrens University Australia. Our Student Services team is available to assist you if you have a health concern that is impacting your studies. Please contact the Student Services Office by email or call +61 8 8113 7888. International Students The Department of Immigration and Border Security requires all student visa holders to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their visa at the time of admission. OSHC covers up to 100 per cent of the scheduled fee for most medical services and 100 per cent of scheduled fees in hospitals and for emergency ambulance services. Students may consider taking out additional insurance such as dental, physiotherapy and optometry services. How Do I Access Health Care? The University has arrangements with 2 Adelaide Health Practices located in the CBD which are available to Torrens students (details below). These practices are familiar with student medical needs and the pressure of the academic cycle. They provide bulk-billing to students who are eligible for Medicare benefits and you can make an appointment online. Remember to take your Medicare card to your appointment. Gawler Place Medical Practice Level 1, 49 Gawler Place, Adelaide Call: +61 8 8212 7175 www.adelaideunicare.com.au Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm Ultimo Medical Practice 82 Mountain Street, Ultimo Call: +61 2 9212 1400 www.ultimomedical.com.au Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am-7am, and Saturday, 10am-5pm Please note that not all medical practices provide bulk-billing to students who are eligible for Medicare benefits. For further information about the Medicare system or bulk-billing through Medicare, please consult the Medicare website or call 132 011 with any enquiries. What If I Have A Medical Emergency? In the event of a medical emergency, contact emergency services on 000 for an ambulance. You may also attend the emergency department at your nearest public hospital. Most treatments will not incur any out-of-pocket expenses for students with a Medicare or OSHC card. Some private hospitals also offer emergency services but require an up-front payment before treating a patient. How Do I Access Modified Arrangements For Assessment? Torrens acknowledges that students may be academically disadvantaged when unforeseen circumstances such as illness impair their ability to complete their assessment tasks by or on the assessment date. The University’s Coursework Assessment Policy sets out the process for applying for modified arrangements for assessment based on medical, compassionate or extenuating circumstances.

All students of Torrens University Australia have access to a free and confidential counselling service. Our passionate counselling team are dedicated to helping ensure you have a smooth and positive learning experience. Students are encouraged to use the service to talk about any study or non-study related issues, such as:

• Adjusting to study demands
• Transitioning to life in a new country
• Stress, anxiety and depression
• Work-related problems
• Family and relationship difficulties

Appointments can be face-to-face on campus or over the phone, guaranteeing that all our students whether studying full-time, part-time, on campus or online, have access to a quality counselling service. Hear more about the service from one of our campus counsellors.   Get in touch with your closest Torrens counselling support team: Adelaide: counsellor.adelaide@laureate.net.au Ultimo, Sydney: counsellor.ultimo@laureate.net.au The Rocks, Sydney: counsellor.rocks@laureate.net.au Pyrmont, Sydney: counsellor.pyrmont@laureate.net.au Brisbane: counselling.brisbane@laureate.net.au Melbourne: counsellor.melbourne@laureate.net.au Fitzroy, Melbourne: counselling.fitzroy@laureate.net.au

The University’s complaints and appeals processes are designed to resolve student complaints regarding academic and administrative matters appropriately, fairly and in a timely manner. Students also have avenues of external appeal. Read our Student Grievance Management Policy here.

Our campus and online libraries resources provide you with access to a wide range of learning and teaching resources to enrich and build your learning and studying experience. You will have access to:

• The Torrens on campus Learning Resource Centres
• The Torrens online library

Our online library offers access to an extensive range of full text journals, databases, journal articles and electronic books – available at any time, from anywhere you have internet access. Workshops are also available to help you research resources more effectively, and our library staff can give you support along the way.

Student Charter At Torrens you have the right to expect to be treated fairly, to study in a positive and safe learning environment that allows you to reach your full potential, and to have access to clear, consistent and timely information. The Torrens Student Charter outlines your rights and responsibilities while you are studying with us. Policies Torrens' policies and procedures are designed to guide both students and staff in a range of practical matters. Your feedback on the content and application of our policies is very welcome. Please contact the Student Services by calling +61 8 8113 7888 with your comments or for help in interpreting policies and procedures. Grievance Management We recognise that effective management of student grievances and equitable and transparent appeal processes contribute to a positive study environment. You should feel confident in the knowledge that your complaints about academic and administrative decisions, or your concerns about the behaviour of others towards you, will be addressed appropriately, fairly and in a timely manner by the University. You should also feel confident that you will not be penalised or disadvantaged as a result of lodging a grievance. The Student Grievance Management Policy includes internal review and appeal processes aimed at resolving grievances promptly, with sensitivity to all parties, and in accordance with the principles of procedural fairness. Students may also seek external appeal and review at any stage of the grievance resolution process by consulting a solicitor or the Legal Services Commission of South Australia, or by seeking assistance from agencies such as: Office of the Training Advocate which offers an advocacy service and can speak for students or negotiate on their behalf in addressing training-related problems or disputes. Call: 1800 006 488 (toll free within Australia) Fax: +61 8 8226 4278 Email: trainingadvocate@sa.gov.au www.trainingadvocate.sa.gov.au Equal Opportunity Commission of South Australia which provides assistance in relation to grievances about discrimination and unfair treatment. Call: +61 8 8207 1977 Freecall: 1800 188 163 (within Australia) Fax: +61 8 8207 2090 www.eoc.sa.gov.au Administrative Appeals Tribunal which hears appeals against decisions made by the University in relation to the re-credit of FEE-HELP liability and remission of FEE-HELP debt. Call: +61 8 8201 060 Email: Adelaide.Registry@aat.gov.au Address: 11th Floor, Chesser House 91 Grenfell Street Adelaide, SA, 5000 www.aat.gov.au Australian Human Rights Commission which investigates and resolves complaints of discrimination, harassment and bullying based on a person’s sex, disability, race or age. Call: +61 2 9284 9600 General enquiries: 1300 369 711 Fax: +61 2 9284 9611 www.hreoc.gov.au Services offered by these agencies are usually free of charge or may involve a nominal fee.

Torrens' policies and forms are designed to guide both students and staff in a range of practical matters. Your feedback on the content and application of our policies is very welcome. Please contact Student Services with your comments or for help in interpreting policies and procedures.

Study can be difficult sometimes, especially when you are busy juggling work, family and friends. Torrens University Australia offers a range of online tutorials called with tips and tricks that can get you ready for study and meet those deadlines! Through the Learning and Academic Skills Unit (LASU), Torrens University Australia offers support to help students learn their material effectively, reach deadlines and keep their studies moving forward. Your LASU lecturer will assist you to continue to improve your skills during your study, both in specialist academic skills tutorials and bookable appointments. This service aims to significantly improve your assessment grades. Further study support is also provided through the Torrens University Language Centre where students can receive help with their English language skills through a variety of English programs. Students will be given the opportunity to improve their speaking, writing, listening, reading comprehension and study skills.