Many students from out of town make use of our campus accommodation, or ask UNSW Residential Communities to help them find the right place. You can choose from fully-catered or self-catered residential colleges on campus, independent living on campus, or renting privately in the local area. You’ll find more information at rc.unsw.edu.au
Deciding where to live – things to consider:
Residential colleges
• You won’t waste time on travelling to uni– you can simply walk to class.
• You only have to pay for the time you actually live on campus – so if you go home for the breaks you only have to pay for approx. 30 - 40 weeks, which can be quite a significant saving.
• If you don’t like grocery shopping and cooking, you are in luck! All your meals are cooked for you in the fully-catered colleges. There are also self-catered options available.
• Vacuuming not your favourite job? The deal is, someone else might clean your room - check individual college websites for details.
• You won’t be alone. Colleges are big, so you will meet a lot of people just like you and no doubt make lifelong friends.
• The collegial environment will foster lifelong friendships and professional networks.
• Loads of sporting and social activities are organised for you, as well as academic help.
• There is always a buzz of activities and something going on, so be sure to get your work and play balance right.
• Leadership opportunities are available which will give you valuable experience for your future career.
Independent living
University self-catered apartments
• Like the sound of having your own home? You can have your own space and lounge-room.
• Apartments are fully furnished and are located on or near campus which means you can walk to your lectures.
• You’ll have to cook for yourself but you might enjoy that - and they are important life skills.
• You won’t get out of household chores which might mean less time for studying, but it will give you a great workout!
• Opportunities to live either independently or share with others are available.
Private accommodation
• You can rent a place by yourself or with others.
• Decking out your new place with furniture can be quite costly if you rent an unfurnished room or unit, but it is also a lot of fun and you might be able to get some great second hand bargains.
• You’ll have independence to cook, clean and take care of your home.
• You will have to pay rent whether you are there or not even during session breaks.
• If you can’t walk or ride to uni, you will have to think about travel costs to get to your classes.
For more info on our colleges and apartments, click here