Why choose Sydney?

We help you develop the skills, knowledge and values to become a leader in a rapidly changing world. Whether you are finishing high school, continuing your graduate studies, pursuing your passion or looking to advance your career, we have a wide range of courses to suit your interests, strengths and career goals.

Living in Sydney

The college is surrounded by many vibrant and multicultural suburbs. You can choose to live in independently run student housing or rent accommodation privately.

We recommend you book a temporary place to stay before committing to long term accommodation. Our Accommodation Services website is a great place to get started. It offers helpful advice on areas to live, accommodation options and expected costs.

College Life

College is more than what happens in the classroom. Make the most of it by getting involved in campus life: join student clubs or societies, connect with others and find the support you need. Become a leader in a rapidly changing world.

Various clubs and societies provide opportunities for networking, fun and leadership. In our diverse community of students, you’ll be able to make friends from all around the world. There are also numerous facilities, programs and events to keep you healthy and active during your time at college.

Tips to help you find your own housing

Some students prefer to find their own housing in nearby suburbs around Sydney.
Renting can be a little daunting at first, but this advice will help improve your house-hunting skills.
Rent will only be one of your expenses but don’t forget gas, electricity, internet and furniture, as many properties come unfurnished. You’ll also need to pay a bond, which is normally the equivalent of four weeks rent. If your rental isn’t near the University, figure out how much it will cost to travel there over the year.
Accommodation in surrounding suburbs is extremely popular and can be booked up fast – especially at the start of semester. Start looking at least two to three months before you want to move in. You need time to check a few places before making a decision.

In addition to the usual flat-share in a privately-owned apartment or house, why not investigate some of the other low-cost accommodation options near campus.

Purpose-built student apartments are a great option if you’re looking to explore Sydney independently, but want to stay close to a student community. Many offer fantastic city views, and quiet places for group work and solo study.

Student boarding houses are also very common around the inner west of Sydney, offering a similar collegiate experience to living on campus. Most are run by a church or humanitarian group. What’s included in your rent will vary from one place to another.

Write a list of questions and ask the landlord or property manager. Does the rental include utilities or internet access? Are you allowed to have guests? What facilities are shared? (eg, laundry). What about pets, parking, bicycle lockup?
Make sure you thoroughly inspect any property before paying a deposit or signing a contract. Never pay money through a funds transfer to someone you don’t know.

Sydney is…

Beautiful

Sydney's natural beauty is world renowned, from the stunning Sydney Harbour to our iconic beaches. We're also home to gorgeous national parks, where you can encounter Australian wildlife, hidden waterfalls, and private beaches. Why not try the new Bondi to Manly walk, an urban coastal walk which will take you past some of our most iconic landmarks.

Safe

Moving away from home can be daunting, so it's important that you feel safe in your new home.

Sydney was rated the fifth safest city in the world, in the Economist's Safe Cities Index 2019. (https://safecities.economist.com/safe-cities-index-2019/)

Multi-cultural

We're proud to be a vibrant, diverse and inclusive city. In fact, only 17% of people in Sydney were born in Australia (2016 census).

This multiculturalism has shaped our food, shops, customs, hobbies and cultural scene.

The campus is surrounded by international cuisines and grocers. Within a short walk, you'll find Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Mexican, Indian, Pakistani, Spanish, Chinese, Malaysian, Greek, Lebanese and Turkish restaurants.

There are also streets and suburbs with strong communities from specific countries. (http://www.visitsydneyaustralia.com.au/experience-multiculural.html)

Vibrant

You'll never run out of things to do in Sydney. Spend your weekends exploring our array of museums, art galleries, music venues, theatres, festivals and annual events. (https://www.sydney.com/things-to-do/arts-and-culture)

For the fashion-lovers, we're also home to designer fashion, unique boutiques, outlet stores, markets and bustling malls. (https://www.sydney.com/things-to-do/fashion-and-shopping)

We're also well-connected, with a number of daytrips accessible by public transport. Take a ferry to Manly, or catch a train to the World-Heritage listed Blue Mountains or pristine South Coast beaches. (https://www.sydney.com/things-to-do/sydney-itineraries/long-weekend-in-sydney-with-kids)