![People at the University of Wollongong campus. Picture by Sylvia Liber People at the University of Wollongong campus. Picture by Sylvia Liber](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/gzajA9j5yvatvSgWamdNVy/f4ac410c-d26c-4ce8-9493-55878453721d.jpg/r0_613_6000_4000_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The student union at the University of Wollongong says the serious assault of an international student is concerning for an already vulnerable cohort.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
An 18-year-old man remains in a critical condition a week after he was attacked near Fairy Meadow Surf Life Saving Club on Elliotts Road on Thursday, February 22.
It is understood the student had arrived in Australia just days earlier.
A man and three teenagers aged between 14 and 16 stand accused of the crime.
Wollongong Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) general secretary Ela Akyol said the incident was "worrying" for international students at the university, who were already vulnerable.
Ms Akyol said such students in Wollongong had previously faced harassment on public transport.
![The area near Fairy Meadow Surf Life Saving Club. Picture from Google Maps The area near Fairy Meadow Surf Life Saving Club. Picture from Google Maps](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/gzajA9j5yvatvSgWamdNVy/dbc99bbf-1372-4a22-a6e1-9d12a6e3d652.png/r32_0_1747_965_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
UOW had not reached out to the broader international or general student body in the wake of the incident, she said, which was "very disappointing".
However, it is understood some specific groups of students have been contacted by the university.
UOW declined to comment on how it was supporting students, due to alleged offenders having been charged in relation to the assault.
Cheyne Howard. a student at the university, said she was horrified by news of the attack.
"All students, especially those who move from other countries have the right to get an education without fear of violence or discrimination," she said.
"I hope UOW are doing all they can to support this student and will look at ways they can better protect international students going forward."
Several other students approached on Thursday told the Mercury they were not aware of the incident.
The university has a 24-hour wellbeing support line for any student studying in Australia, which can be called on 1300 036 149 or contacted via text at 0488 884 164.