Basser College
Basser College is a close residential community where students can build friendships, pursue their interests and shape their university experience. With a balance of academic, social, sporting and cultural opportunities, residents can choose how they participate in College life.
Basser is a connected community where academic, social, sporting and cultural life come together. Residents have the independence to shape their own experience, with regular opportunities to connect, contribute and get involved in College life.
- Overview
- Community and Activities
- Student Support
- Why Basser?
Overview
Basser is a fully catered residential college with a strong sense of community and a diverse mix of residents. Students live alongside one another, share meals and common spaces, and have regular opportunities to connect across different years and areas of College life.
The Basser experience can vary depending on each resident’s interests and level of involvement. Some students take an active role in events, sport or leadership, while others balance College life with study, work and commitments outside the College.
Living at Basser
Basser is a fully catered College, with breakfast, lunch and dinner provided during the relevant catering periods. Meals are served in the shared Goldstein Dining Hall, alongside residents from other UNSW accommodation communities.
Residents also have access to a small communal kitchen on the ground floor for occasional cooking and food preparation.
A balance of opportunities
Communal living
Sporting and extracurricular culture
Find your way to get involved
Basser offers a range of sporting, cultural, social and recreational activities organised through the House Committee and student community.
Activities may include: Inter-college sporting competitions, run clubs, Blue Mountains hikes, informal and pop-up sports, puzzle and board game evenings, interfloor competitions, cultural and social events, volunteering and charity initiatives and student-led activities
Residents can participate casually or take on a more active role in organising and contributing to College life.
Participation at Basser
Students are encouraged to participate in College life through sport, cultural activities, social events, volunteering, student leadership and other activities. All events are optional, and residents can choose the level of involvement that suits their interests, commitments and personality.
The House Committee and student leaders help shape the College calendar and create opportunities for residents to connect. Students can participate by attending an event, joining a team, volunteering, helping organise an activity or sharing an idea.
Residents are also expected to meet their responsibilities as members of the College community and follow UNSW and College requirements.
Academic and social balance
Basser is an active community, but students also have access to quieter periods and spaces for independent study and personal time. Residents should expect some noise and activity as part of communal living while respecting expectations around study, sleep and shared spaces.
Community expectations
Basser is home to students from a wide range of cultural, religious and personal backgrounds. Residents are expected to: Treat others with consideration and respect, be mindful of different routines and lifestyles, take care of shared spaces, follow UNSW policies and accommodation requirements, respect residents who do not drink, make responsible choices around alcohol and contribute positively to the community where possible.
Basser is a secular residential college, and no particular religious practice is required as part of living there.
Support throughout your university journey
Residents are supported by the Dean, Deputy Dean, Resident Mentors, Student Fellows and Accommodation staff.
The team provides academic, personal, wellbeing and community support, with a range of people residents can approach for advice, guidance or assistance throughout their university experience.
Where additional support is needed, residents can be connected with UNSW Psychology and Wellness, academic support and other specialist services.
Academic support
Academic life is an important part of Basser alongside its social and extracurricular activities.
During term, Basser holds Study Nights each Tuesday evening. Each floor focuses on a different subject area, providing a structured opportunity for students to study together, share knowledge and support one another.
Residents can also access informal peer support through Resident Mentors and other students, while maintaining an academic routine that works for them.
Your support network
Dean and Deputy Dean: Provide pastoral care, community guidance and support with more complex concerns.
Resident Mentors: Offer day-to-day academic, personal and practical support while living alongside residents.
Student Fellows: Provide peer support, promote wellbeing and help residents feel connected to the community.
Accommodation staff: Assist with residential matters, practical concerns and connections to relevant UNSW services.
House Committee and student leaders: Organise activities, represent resident perspectives and create opportunities for involvement.
Kitiona Pasene | Dean of Basser College
Talofa, I’m Kitiona Pasene, but most people know me as Kiti. My faith and family are at the heart of who I am, shaping how I approach learning, leadership, and life.
I was born in Samoa and raised in Central Auckland, New Zealand, where I learned the importance of culture, connection, and community. I am inspired by my family’s strong work ethic and the love and support of my wife, who walks alongside me in all that I do.
I hold a Master of Education, and my journey in higher education has shown me how education can create opportunity and positive change. Together with my wife, we are blessed with three beautiful children, and our family life has strengthened my appreciation for balance, patience, and supportive communities.
Throughout my time in the education sector, I have been fortunate to mentor and support others, seeing how inclusive and caring environments can transform lives. I see Basser as more than a college — it’s a home where people support one another and form lasting connections.
My favourite Basser event is Monday night sports, bringing fun, camaraderie, and memories that last.
Jamie Lau | Deputy Dean of Basser College
I’m a 4th year medical student from Macau, China but grew up in Perth, WA. I took a couple years off Med School to play tennis in America and came back to UNSW just over two years ago. After returning from program leave, I wanted to reconnect with college life. Taking on the role of Resident Mentor and now Deputy Dean felt like a meaningful way to keep supporting the community.
I advise anyone new to Basser College to get involved with as many events as possible—you’ll meet more people and discover things you enjoy, even outside your comfort zone. I especially love Monday Night Sport. Whether you’re playing or cheering, the atmosphere is amazing and open to everyone, no matter your skill level.
Meet James
Originally from Canberra, James moved into Basser College last year when he started his Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Science. Now, in his second year, he’s taken on a leadership role as a social director for the Basser College house committee.
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What stands out at Basser College is the genuine sense of community. It’s more than just a place to live—it feels like a family. By the end of first year, you feel connected to everyone, and there’s always someone to talk to or something to be part of. Once you feel that sense of belonging, everything else, like social events, community nights, and even Family Weekend becomes so meaningful.
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I love it! There were so many moments last year where I’d sit with friends, look out at the city skyline, and just think—how good is this? Being so close to the beach and the city, with beautiful weather, it honestly feels like one of the most ideal places you could be.
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I became Social Director because I wanted to give back to the college that gave me so much in my first year. I’m so proud of the inclusive, welcoming culture we’ve built—there’s a real effort to involve everyone, and that sense of community means a lot to me.
My friends in college have become like a second family. Basser is much more than just a place to live—it’s a real community. I’m so grateful for the friendships I’ve made with people from all over the world and for the way college events and activities bring everyone together.
Josie Seeto
Resident Mentor
"Living in college has been an incredible experience. You get real academic support—study nights, second-year students who've done your courses, and mentors who help guide you. Seeing how much confidence and knowledge they’ve gained is so reassuring, and their support has been a huge advantage.”
Lani Taylor
B Engineering/Computer Science
I spent my first few months at UNSW living off campus and felt pretty lonely. But once I moved into Basser, everything changed. I made so many friends, and now it honestly feels like a second home. There’s a real sense of community—almost like family. When I travel, I catch myself missing college and thinking, ‘I want to go back.’
Zeyad Ali
B Computer Science
A balance of community, independence and opportunity
Basser may particularly suit students who value a strong sense of community alongside academic, social, sporting and cultural opportunities.
Students can choose how they participate, from taking an active role in College activities and leadership to joining in casually alongside their university, work and personal commitments.
Students who value Basser may appreciate:
- A close residential community
- A balance between social connection and independence
- Regular opportunities to participate in sport and extracurricular activities
- Academic support through Study Nights and peer-based opportunities
- Shared meals and communal living
- Cultural and social events
- Opportunities for leadership and volunteering
- Access to both collaborative and independent study spaces
- A diverse community of residents from different backgrounds
What applicants should know
Basser is a communal living environment. Residents have their own rooms but share dining, study and social spaces, so there are regular opportunities to meet and spend time with others.
The College has an active social and extracurricular calendar, but residents are not expected to participate in every activity. The experience will vary depending on each student’s interests and level of involvement.
Applicants should be comfortable being considerate of different routines, study commitments and lifestyles, and following the expectations that come with living in a shared residential community.
Features
average room size 10 to 12 square metres
fully furnished
private & shared bathrooms
all meals provided (including formal dinners)
Wi-Fi, electricity, gas and water included
cleaning of rooms fortnightly
24-hour campus security
social and group study rooms on each floor
large common room adjacent to landscaped gardens
rooftop terraces with outdoor barbecue facilities
cashless-operated laundry facilities
sporting, social and cultural programs
- opportunities for student leadership and volunteering
- 24-hour parcel locker access
Gallery
- Gallery
- Virtual Tour
Living area
Bedroom with ensuite
Bedroom without ensuite
Bathroom
Take a 360-degree tour of the on-campus accommodation options at Basser College with our VR interactive tours*. Depending on your device, use your mouse or swipe actions to explore the rooms and facilities.
*Please note: Our virtual tours show example rooms only. Room sizes, layouts, and features may vary. Any measurements shown are estimates and may not reflect exact dimensions.
Room types & fees
Room type | Meals | Bathroom | Cleaning |
Single | Catered | Shared | Yes |
Single | Catered | Yes | Yes |
- The contract period is 44 weeks.
- Weekly rates are for 2027 and are expected to change yearly. Rates shown are for full-year contracts only.
The contract period is from 6 February to 13 December 2027.
