Seven things you probably didn't know about living on campus

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Are you considering living on campus but not sure what to expect? Let us surprise and delight you with these seven reasons to choose UNSW accommodation. 

#1. Live the full UNSW experience 

Student living enables you to fully immerse yourself in university life and build friendships from the start of your student career at UNSW Sydney. The Kensington campus has sprung back to life and our student residences are hives of activity. You can pick and choose the events and activities that appeal to you and take part in as much or as little as you like, enabling you to balance study with the countless opportunities available to you.  

Try a new sport, catch nearby public transport to Coogee and Bondi Beach, explore beyond Sydney on an organised day trip or contribute to important fund-raising initiatives for youth charities like Headspace and Beyond Blue. Every activity is an opportunity to make meaningful connections with friends who become like family and help to shape one of the most transformative experiences of your life. 

#2. Receive incredible value

Every room option includes utilities, fast Wi-Fi and staff on hand to support you and your needs at no extra cost. Many options also include catered meals, an ensuite and room cleaning services. Our student apartments, colleges and facilities are safe and secure, and the on-site UNSW campus security team are only a call away should you ever need assistance.  

Angus

I highly recommend living in a college early on in your degree. It’s a great way to meet other students and participate in loads of fun events. College gives you the independence of living away from home without leaving you to fend entirely for yourself.

Angus Ritossa
House President, Fig Tree Hall 

#3. Gain access to more student leadership opportunities

Living on campus gives you access to a huge range of growth and leadership opportunities. Each college has its own elected House Committee who organise social, cultural, sporting, fundraising and other events as well as Student Fellows who create and run wellbeing initiatives for the colleges. Every college also has a team of Resident Assistants, employed part-time by UNSW to provide daily academic and pastoral support to fellow residents.  

Many of our residents become elected members of the university’s Student Representative Council or lead and contribute to our student organisation Arc, helping to ensure that the student experience at UNSW is the best it can be. Arc supports over 300 student clubs and societies. Whether you have a passion for sport, events, special interests, creating business start-ups or volunteering in the community there is bound to be one for you. 

Grace

There is always something happening, whether that be college sport, BBQs, community events or nightlife. Whenever I feel like a break from study, there is something to do. I have met lots of people from all the colleges and got involved in what interests me.

Grace Ayton
Charities and Communities Director, Phillip Baxter College

#4. Become part of a rich and proud history

Did you know that more than 60 years ago, the Kensington Colleges were established and quickly became an important part of the life and soul of UNSW Sydney? Playing a vital role in the lives of tens of thousands of students, traditions and cultures have been nurtured, passed on and adapted with each student resident. 

Over the years, our residents have used their time in college and share apartments to make life-long friends who go on to form the foundations of their professional networks. UNSW Accommodation’s notable alumni include inspirational practitioners and leaders - Rhode Scholars, celebrated educators and professors, CEO’s and captains of industry, accomplished and awarded judges, ministers and lawyers, renowned artists, professional athletes and Olympians.   

What will you go on to achieve in your career?

#5. Join a truly global student community

While there is an even mix of Australian and international students in colleges, our resident community have come from far and wide.  

Every year our diverse and inclusive campus accommodation becomes home to students from all over Australia and the world. Our current residents represent 60 nationalities allowing students to share and experience new cultures and make friends from all over the world. 

Shivani

Living on campus broadens your horizons, gives you multiple opportunities to connect with new people, experience new traditions and events, and the best part is the convenience of heading to class in no time.

Shivani Lalji 
Cultural Director, Fig Tree Hall 

#6. Get more academic support

On average, residents of UNSW Accommodation achieve a higher weighted average mark than other students! 

When you live on campus, you join a proud culture committed to excellence in a community centred around your education. Our residents receive academic mentorship, make more peer connections, and often study together. Social events are held outside of study periods and UNSW’s learning spaces and student support services are conveniently found right at your doorstep. 

Anthea

There is lots of academic assistance, and it is so easy to make study groups with flatmates in campus accommodation.

Anthea Warne
Basser College

#7. Have as much privacy and independence as you like

While our world class student housing means you have access to countless opportunities and a community of peers around you, if you just want to chill out and have some ‘me time’, we accommodate that too. Your private room on campus is your own space to customise and make comfy. There are group study areas in many of the accommodation options for quiet study or to get that group project done. There are also many quiet nooks, green spaces, sunny corners and cafés in walking distance to sit with your laptop and study. 

If you’re coming to Sydney to study and want the convenience and confidence to lock in your accommodation before you arrive, then explore our virtual tours, compare student accommodation options, view FAQs and contact us so that we can help you find the right choice for you. 

UNSW Student Accommodation, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052 Australia 

Telephone: +61 2 9385 4346 | Email: accommodation@unsw.edu.au