It's no secret the cost-of-living is increasing in Sydney. However, we at Arc are here to help ease the load for every UNSW student!

From Student Subsidies to The Borrowing Centre, we offer several free services available to students. These are available for all UNSW students, so have a scroll through and see how we can support you!

How much does everything cost?

According to Study Australia, students typically spend between $2,000 and $5,000 a month on living costs, including rent, food, utilities and social activities. With the time and effort required to keep up with studies, many students find it challenging to earn enough to comfortably cover these expenses.

Calculate your average monthly cost here.

International Students

UNSW recommends that international students budget at least $29,710 per year, with an additional $3,000 upon arrival to cover initial costs such as textbooks, rental bonds and basic furniture, These estimates do not account for larger household expenses, such as appliances or a car, which can further add to the overall cost.

Arc Savers Workshops

Meal Prep Mastery Class | Wk 3 Wednesday 4th March | 12:30pm to 1:30pm

Want to save money, eat better, and stop stressing about what to cook? 🥗✨ Join us on campus for a practical, student-friendly Meal Prep Mastery workshop that makes weekly food prep simple and achievable.

sign up!

Cooking Classes | Wk 4 Thursday 12th March | 11:30am to 1pm

Want to learn how to cook a new meal? 🌞 Join us for a beginner-friendly workshop on campus! In this beginner friendly, hands on workshop, you'll learn how to cook a main meal and a side dish!

Sign up!

Cooking Classes | Wk 4 Thursday 12th March | 1:30pm to 3pm

Want to learn how to cook a new meal? 🌞 Join us for a beginner-friendly workshop on campus! In this beginner friendly, hands on workshop, you'll learn how to cook a main meal and a side dish!

sign up!

Cooking Classes | Wk 7 | Tuesday 31st March | 11:00pm to 12:30pm

Want to learn how to cook a new meal? 🌞 Join us for a beginner-friendly workshop on campus! In this beginner friendly, hands on workshop, you'll learn how to cook a main meal and a side dish!

sign up!

Cooking Classes | Wk 7 Tuesday 31st March | 1:30pm to 3pm

Want to learn how to cook a new meal? 🌞 Join us for a beginner-friendly workshop on campus! In this beginner friendly, hands on workshop, you'll learn how to cook a main meal and a side dish!

sign up!

Laundry 101 & Home Hacks | Wk 7 Wednesday 1 April | 12:30pm to 1:30pm

Ready to get on top of laundry? 🌞 Join us on campus for a beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop where you will learn how to care for your clothes, tackle common laundry challenges, and keep them looking as good as new.

sign up!

Sew Clever: Basic Hand Sewing Skills | Wk 7 Thursday 2 April | 12:00pm to 1:30pm

Want to learn or improve your sewing skills? 🌞 This beginner-friendly workshop at UNSW Sydney will help you build sewing basics and confidently repair, customise, and care for your wardrobe.

sign up!

Sew Clever: Basic Hand Sewing Skills | Wk 7 Thursday 2 April | 1:30pm to 3:00pm

Want to learn or improve your sewing skills? 🌞 This beginner-friendly workshop at UNSW Sydney will help you build sewing basics and confidently repair, customise, and care for your wardrobe.

sign up!

The Sunday Reset | Wk 7 Friday 3 April | 12:30pm to 1:30pm

Need a fresh start before the week begins? ✨ Join us on campus for a chill Sunday Reset session designed to help you reset your space, schedule, and mindset so you feel calm, organised, and ready for Monday.

sign up!

free resources

Arc Savers Borrowing Centre

Don't want to buy an appliance just for one use? Students can borrow essential items like vacuum cleaners, air fryers, tools, and more, completely free of charge!

Read More and Book Now

Food Hub

Save major $$ by swinging by our free pantry, Food Hub! Stock up on pantry staples🥦, snacks 🍪 and a variety of seasonal fruits 🍎, vegetables 🥕 , as well as health and hygiene products 🧼!

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Second Life Hub

Second Life Hub is your on-campus destination for free and affordable pre-loved goods - from homewares, small appliances, accessories, and of course still stationery.

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Check Point

Fuel up on nutritous meals with Wellness CheckPoint! Grab a FREE brekky every Tues-Fri from the Quad.

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Financial Counselling

Arc Financial Counselling is a FREE service that helps students navigate the complexities of budgeting, managing debt, and planning for the future.

Read More and Book Now

Bike-ology

Sick of spending money on your uni commute? Fix up your old bike or buy a discounted refurbished one from Bike-ology. You can even swing by their free workshops to gain skills to maintain your bike yourself!

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Clubs Takeover

Arc is teaming up with your favourite clubs to bring YOU free food- from BBQs to boba to baklava! Find us EVERY Wednesday of term in the Quad!

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other facilities

Wellness Resources

Mental health is something everyone has and understanding it helps you take care of yourself. Explore Arc's mental health resources here.

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Tax Help

Get the most out of tax season, and make sure you're not overpaying by using our free tax help service.

Book Now

UNSW Financial Aid

UNSW offers a range of financial assistance, including payment plans, scholarships, loans and grants, travel concessions and information on Centrelink payments.

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Money Matters

Money Matters is your student guide to everything you need to know about money! We've got all the tips and tricks you need to know, from budgeting, Centrelink payments, and even how to manage traffic fines.

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Centrelink [Welfare Payments]

Centrelink Is a Commonwealth Government Agency That Provides Welfare Payments. Check to review eligibility.

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UNSW Health & Wellbeing Services

Find out more about the services and resources UNSW can provide if you need assistance with your physical and mental wellbeing.

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Arc Savers Officer

E:arcsavers@arc.unsw.edu.au

SRC Welfare Officer

Emma Terry

E:welfare.officer@arc.unsw.edu.au

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