Vivid Sydney 2025 ©Destination NSW
From the world-famous Sydney Opera House to the sunny shores of Bondi Beach, Sydney is a city that captures global attention. As the capital of New South Wales, Sydney is a vibrant hub for education, business and culture, attracting around 36 million people visit Sydney every year – including 3.5 million international travellers (Destination NSW, 2024).
But what is it actually like to live and study in one of Australia’s most popular cities? And just how safe is Sydney? We are here to tell you everything you need to know about safety, studying and living in the beautiful, bustling city of Sydney.
What is it like to live and study in Sydney?
Let us get you up to speed on some important facts about Sydney. Located on Australia’s east coast with a population of around 5.5 million (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2025), Sydney has a humid, subtropical climate. The average temperature ranges from 9-17°C in winter and upwards of 25°C in summer, making it relatively comfortable all year round.
Sydney was ranked the 4th most desirable place to live and study in the world by international students (QS Best Student Cities, 2025). Why? Because there is so much to do, see and learn. The city has something for everyone – from pristine beaches that are just 20 minutes by bus from the UNSW Kensington campus to world-renowned museums, restaurants, some of the best coffee in the world and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Anise Wong from Hong Kong, who is studying a Bachelor of Exercise Science/Master of Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology, shares her experience studying in Sydney:
"I always wanted to come to Sydney – the weather, the beaches, and the people all felt so inviting. My parents encouraged me to study abroad, and living here has been everything I hoped for. Sydney offers the perfect mix of nature and city life."
How safe is Sydney for international students?
Sydney consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the world. It was named the 4th safest city (Economist Intelligence Unit’s Safe Cities Index, 2021) and 7th most liveable city in the world (Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index, 2024). This reflects Sydney’s high standard of living, supported by strong public safety infrastructure and healthcare standards.
Across the city, you’ll find extensive safety measures in place, including 24/7 CCTV surveillance in public areas, regular police presence including on public transport and at major events, and community programs that promote safety and awareness.
Australia also stands out internationally for its safety. Major crime is extremely rare, whilst petty crime and theft rates also remain low, especially in comparison to other global destination cities.
Choosing to study in Sydney means joining a community where safety is taken seriously – both on and off campus.
Lunar New Year celebration at Chinatown ©Destination NSW
Feel safe and supported with security on campus
As an international student at UNSW, you will join a supportive and inclusive community made up of friendly locals, respected academics and lots of other international students like you.
Our priority is to make you feel safe, secure and welcome – no matter what type of study you are planning or how long you are intending to stay. That is why we go above and beyond. We have a dedicated Protective Services team who are committed to keeping students, staff and visitors to UNSW safe. We offer a range of security services, including:
- Safety escorts: A free, 24/7 service where someone from our Security Operations team will meet you as quickly as possible at various locations across campus and escort you to where you need to go.
- Night shuttle bus: A free shuttle bus providing transport within and between campuses, operating Monday to Friday until 11.30pm.
- Help points across campus: Locations around campus where you can press a button to connect directly with Security Operations.
- SafeZone app: A dedicated safety app designed for UNSW students where you can quickly request emergency assistance, first aid help and wellbeing assistance. Plus, you can check night shuttle bus timetables and report anything suspicious you see happening on campus.
We also offer mental health services and emergency contact numbers that you can call at any time. Plus, the campus is monitored 24/7 by CCTV cameras.
Bachelor of Media student Sophie Dawson who is a resident of Goldstein College shared with us her experience living on campus:
“There’s amazing campus security – you can call them anytime if you feel uncomfortable. But honestly, I’ve never felt unsafe. Whether I’m walking back from dance or heading home with friends at night, campus feels like a safe bubble.”
Take the next step and apply now
Sydney is not only one of the safest cities in the world but also one of the most fun and rewarding destinations to experience as an international student.
Ready to study abroad at a global top 20 university (QS World University Ranking, 2026)?
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If you have any questions about studying at UNSW Sydney or how you can make your studies work for you, contact us below. We’re here to help.