Student Penpals

Connect & meet new friends studying at UniSA through Student Penpals! 


Penpals are a great way to learn about different cultures, become a friend for life or just branch out and try something new! The Student Penpals is a fun, educational, and rewarding opportunity to connect and meet new friends while studying at UniSA. 


How does it work?

Are you looking to connect with fellow students, but not sure where to start?
 

  1. Read the Terms of Service to make sure you are on board with the program.
  2. Sign up with your details - choose traditional snail mail or email
  3. Wait for an email in your UniSA inbox from USASA introducing you to your Penpal.
  4. Check out the FAQ & helpful resources to assist you in getting the most out of the program. 


Register now to meet new friends over email or snail mail. Open to all UniSA students - Online, International, External and Domestic. 

   

FAQ

Discussion Ideas

Online Icebreakers


What do I say? 
Learning how different people live is always intriguing. What might seem boring to you could be positively exotic to someone halfway around the globe. Consider sharing your cultural traditions, local lingo, favourite TV shows, or even photos of the place where you sit down to write – then they’ll have something to imagine next time they receive your correspondence.

My penpal hasn't responded to me.
Your letter-friend may not get back to you straight away, but that’s OK: maybe they’re taking their time to get your mail just right, or maybe they’re just busy with other things (aka life). Instead of stressing, focus on how cool it is that you have this special bond with another human, whether they live overseas or down the street.

If you would like to connect with a new pal - get in touch with us and we can make that happen. 

I don't think my penpal is a good match.
If things aren't going great with your pal, that's okay - it happens. Send them a polite email letting them know that you won't be continuing to communicate with them.

But don't give up - get in touch with us and we can organise a new match. 

Anything else I should know?
Having a penpal is supposed to be fun, so try not to put too much pressure on the process. You don’t have to be super-creative or deep if you don’t want to – just go with what feels natural to you! 

Having a little trouble igniting the conversation? These questions could be useful for conversation that has become a little stagnant or if you're stuck on what to ask.

Give these a go...
  1. What’s your favourite childhood memory?
  2. What is your favourite film?
  3. What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
  4. Do you prefer being indoors or outdoors?
  5. What is your favourite holiday destination?
  6. What do you do for work, and do you enjoy it?
  7. Who is your favourite actor or actress?
  8. Do you enjoy playing board and card games?
  9. Do you prefer cats or dogs?
  10. What is your favourite snack?
  11. What has been the funniest text you have received this month?
Find more questions here

Looking to level up the friendship? Why not suggest playing one of these FREE online multiplayer games to strengthen your bond! 
  Explore more games here


Terms of Service

If you are not of legal age to form a binding contract (18 years or older), then you must obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian to read these terms and agree to them on your behalf, before you register for USASA’s Student PenPal service or provide us with any information. 

User Consent to the Terms
By proceeding to use USASA Student PenPals, you are consenting to the Terms as if you had physically signed an agreement containing the Terms. If you do not accept the Terms, please do not get involved.

Registration
By registering for USASA Student PenPals, you certify that you are a UniSA University student and are using this platform for its intended purposes. 

Prohibited Conduct
Users of USASA Student PenPals may be subject to international, federal, state and local laws, including but not limited to laws regulating the privacy and security of personal information. As a user, you are solely responsible for complying with all applicable laws.
It is a condition of your use of USASA Student PenPals that you do not:
  • Impersonate or claim the identity or characteristics of any person or entity, falsely claim an -affiliation with any person or third party, or submit false, misleading, or inaccurate information pertaining to your identity;
  • Transmit any fraudulent, unlawful, threatening, abusive, libellous, defamatory, scandalous, inflammatory, obscene, racist, vulgar, pornographic, hateful, profane, criminal, or -offensive material of any kind, including any material that would violate any local, state, national, or international law, or give rise to any civil or criminal liability;
  • Transmit material that victimizes, harasses, degrades, or intimidates an individual or group on the basis of religion, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, or disability;
  • Transmit any material that violates or infringes the rights of others, including material that is an invasion of privacy or publicity rights or that infringes on any intellectual property or contractual rights;
  • Violate confidentiality of restricted information or reveal any trade secret information that you have either explicitly or implicitly agreed to keep confidential;
  • Transmit material that encourages criminal conduct or conduct that might create civil liability for USASA Student PenPals
  • Invades a person’s privacy, or encourages any conduct that would constitute a criminal offence or give rise to any civil liability or that violates any local, state, federal, national, or international law or regulation;

Confidential Information
If you register to participate in USASA Student PenPal, you may be exposed to private and confidential information, such as Personal Information, thoughts, and writings. You agree that you will not at any time use, disclose or otherwise make Personal Information available to others.

Privacy Policy
Any submission or information that you send to USASA Student PenPals will be treated as confidential and will not be used without consent.

Legal Disclaimer
While we endeavour to maintain accurate information, we make no guarantee or warranty as to the accuracy of the information. All information is subject to change. Information is not offered, nor should be construed as, advice, including but not limited to investment or legal advice, or as a substitute for consultation with legal counsel or investment professionals.

Consequences and enforcement
Members of the USASA Student PenPals should immediately report all inappropriate content, behaviour and underage users by writing to usasa.events@unisa.edu.au with a detailed description of the content in question.

Violations of the USASA Student PenPals will result in consequences consistent with their severity. If users of the USASA Student PenPals break the law or engage in illegal activities, law enforcement agencies will be contacted, and the incident turned over to authorities.

 

The University of South Australia Student Association acknowledges the Kaurna, Boandik and Barngarla First Nations People as the traditional custodians of the unceded lands now home to the University of South Australia’s campuses in Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Whyalla. We respectfully acknowledge their Ancestors and Elders, past, present and emerging. We also acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia. It was and always will be Aboriginal land.

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