Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the University of Southern Queensland?

You can access directions to the USQ Toowoomba campus as well as a Toowoomba campus map from our website.

You will also receive a USQ campus map with your confirmation letter.

What time do I arrive and leave each day?

On Wednesday 6 July, there will be a sausage sizzle from 5.00 - 7.00 pm which families are invited to attend for a small charge. Following the sausage sizzle, weather permitting you will be viewing the night sky via telescopes at USQ's on campus public astronomy facility. This facility is situated off Baker Street (near the areas marked as P on the campus map) so it will only be a 5 minute walk from the USQ campus. Parents/guardians are also invited to attend this session and may park in the Toowoomba Education Centre car park or Parking 13 section - see campus map for area locations.

On Thursday 7 July, an afternoon tea will be held after the farewell ceremony. Parents and/or guardians are most welcome to attend. There is no cost to attend the afternoon tea.

Where do I get dropped off and picked up from each day?

Room locations are listed on the program and above and you can use your campus maps to locate these rooms.  A roll of attendance will be taken each day - on Wednesday and Thursday, please report to your assigned YSA (Young Scientists of Australia) mentor who will mark your name on the roll.

On Tuesday 5 July, registration will take place in C204. C Block is one of the buildings surrounding a large open area in the centre of the University. Please arrive as early as you can so that everyone can be registered and seated prior to the welcome by the Dean.

On Wednesday, 6 July, we will be travelling by bus to the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries in Tor Street, Toowoomba. The meeting place for the bus will be at the entrance to the Japanese Gardens.

On Thursday 7 July, we will meet at C 204, C Block.

Can my parents park on campus?

There are designated car parking areas on campus.  As you are starting in C204 on Day One, your parents may wish to park in Parking Areas 2 and 3A (closest to West Street entrance) to drop you off or near the Japanese Gardens in parking areas 4 and 5.  Parking Area 10 off Baker Street is a large unsealed car park so there will be plenty of room to park there.

What if I arrive late to the workshop?

Don't stress - just let Mary McGilvray know on (07) 4631 1414 or mobile 0412 057 837.  You can either try and find your way to the designated area or let us know where you are and we will come and get you and take you to the relevant room.

What if I need to leave early?

A roll will be taken each day as we need to know your whereabouts whilst you are in our duty of care.  It is important for us to know where you are and that you are safe at all times.  If you need to leave early, please bring a note signed by your parent/guardian and let Mary McGilvray know on the morning you need to leave early.

Can I get a lift home with my friends?

Yes you can, however we will require written permission from your parents/guardian.  USQ has a duty of care to ensure that you are safe at all times in our care.

A Transport and Attendance form (PDF*40.3KB) should be completed by your parens/guardians and brought with you on Day One.  This can be amended each day if necessary.

Can I leave the grounds during lunch breaks?

Students are not permitted to leave the grounds during lunch breaks.  As we are providing you with lunch each day and as our schedules are fairly structured, you will not have enough time to undertake any activities external to the campus during lunch breaks.

What should I wear?

As some of your time will be spent in laboratories each day, it is important that you wear suitable clothing, preferably something comfortable and fully enclosed shoes at all times.

What should I bring?

• Note pad
• Water
• Money (if you wish to make a phone call etc.)
• Umbrella (just in case)
• Hat
• You may like to bring a camera
• If you have a mobile phone, please ensure it is switched onto silent during the day
• Sunscreen (optional as the majority of activities will be indoors)

Morning Tea and Lunch

We will be supplying morning tea and lunch every day.  There will be a pizza lunch on Thursday. There are also facilities on campus to buy food. If you have made a note of any dietary requirements on your registration form, we will try and cater to your needs.

What do I do if I get lost on campus?

USQ is a small and friendly campus so if you happen to lose your way, just ask someone to point you in the right direction. The Young Scientists of Australia will be providing mentors for the Science Experience and these mentors will accompany the students to each activity throughout the three days.

*This file is in Portable Document Format (PDF) which requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. A free copy of Acrobat Reader may be obtained from Adobe. Users who are unable to access information in PDF should contact Mary McGilvray to obtain this information in an alternative format.