Living in Sydney

Explore everything our city has to offer.

Students taking selfie in front of Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge

Fall in love with Sydney when you study in its heart. 

Sydney is one of the safest and most liveable cities in the world: diverse and inclusive, and made up of global citizens. We look forward to welcoming you. 

Beyond the famous landmarks, natural beauty and amazing restaurants, Sydney offers business and career opportunities as Australia’s financial and economic powerhouse. There’s always something to do in Sydney, and UNSW is right in the heart of it all. 

Feel safe and welcome 

Aussies are known for being friendly, and you will find a smile wherever you go. Feel safe and welcome as you join our vibrant and multicultural communities all over Sydney that span social, religious and cultural collectives. Sydney has been ranked one of the safest cities in the world. It will feel like a home away from home, no matter where you’re from.

Discover new tastes 

Possibly the best thing about Sydney is the influence of so many cultures, which means we have many different restaurants and eateries. You don’t have to spend lots of money to explore new flavours from all over the world. Explore Chinatown, Spice Alley, Little Italy and an array of fresh food markets all close by. 

Get ready for business 

Sydney is home to more global firms than any other Australian city. As a gateway to Asian economies, you will find many valuable networking opportunities to help you stand out in the global job market. With UNSW’s career support services, you will feel confident about establishing new professional networks. 

Enjoy Australian culture 

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Sydney – concerts at the Opera House and Metro Theatre, free events including Vivid light and musical festival, Chinese New Year celebrations and the multicultural Parramasala. We host world-class sporting events including cricket, soccer and rugby, as well as theatre productions and festivals to keep you entertained all year. 

Save your money 

There are lots of affordable indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy in Sydney. Visit a free art gallery, catch a movie at the local cinema, try a coastal walk, snorkel or surf at the beach, or enjoy a budget-friendly lunch or dinner in one of our neighbouring suburbs. Join a student social club and try a new hobby with new friends. 

Spend your money 

Sydneysiders like to shop – particularly with local Australian designers. Head to nearby Paddington to discover boutique shops. Wander over to Surry Hills to find one-of-a-kind streetwear or visit the Sydney CBD for all the top labels and luxury brands.  

Explore natural wonders 

Sydney is all about the outdoors. Head to one of our beautiful parks for an outdoor picnic with friends. If you want to go further, try the Blue Mountains to the west of Sydney, the Royal National Park to the south or stunning Palm Beach in the north. And east, of course, our beautiful beaches are a short drive or bus ride from the UNSW Sydney campus.

Things to do

Whether you want to explore Sydney or stay close to campus, there are plenty of things to do. Here is some inspiration and advice for you: 

  • Here are some big ideas to get you started: the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, the Botanic Gardens, Taronga Zoo and Luna Park

    When you are ready to adventure beyond central Sydney, try the Blue Mountains and the Royal National Park.

  • There are plenty of galleries and museums to choose from including the Art Gallery of NSW, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Australian Museum and the White Rabbit Gallery

    Later in the year, you can explore Sculpture by the Sea, one of the largest free public sculpture exhibitions in the world on the breathtaking coastal walk between Bondi and Tamarama.

  • Sydney is a city that loves sport. You can see that in the annual City2Surf running event. In the great battles that take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground (not just cricket – there’s also Australia’s own football code, AFL, and other sporting matches here). If you want to get active yourself, you can grab a bicycle and explore Sydney Cycleways. And, of course, you can join many student sporting clubs at UNSW, or head to the beach for a swim or a surf.

  • Our summer is from December to February, autumn (fall) from March to May, winter from June to August, and spring from September to November. 

    Sydney has a comfortable temperate climate; the hottest months are January and February and the coldest months are July and August.

  • Both the Sydney campuses have regular bus services to and from the CBD and Central railway station, with nearly 1700 UNSW Express Bus services to the Kensington campus each week. 

    There are also Light Rail Services running between the CBD, Central and the Kensington Campus. Sydney’s other public transport services include trains, ferries and trams. A shuttle service runs between the Kensington and Paddington campuses. Find out more about Getting to Uni.

Student Guide

Download our Student Guide today for more information on our courses, life at UNSW College and how we help you reach your goals.

Student Life

As a UNSW College student, you are connected to the wider UNSW community: active, vibrant and diverse. Discover more about what that means.

Living in Sydney

One of the world’s most liveable cities, Sydney is multicultural, safe, filled of natural beauty and home to many global companies. See what Australia’s iconic harbour city can offer you.

Accommodation

UNSW Sydney has a variety of student accommodation options to suit your needs. Walk to your classes, make new friends and enjoy the amazing Sydney lifestyle.

Pathway Finder

Choose from multiple pathway options that will help you get into your university degree of choice at UNSW Sydney.

Student Services

We are here to support you while you study with us. Learn more about the many different ways we look after you from your first day to graduation.

Under 18 Care

Many of our students at UNSW College are under 18. If you do not have a parent or guardian to stay with while you are in Sydney, we can help.

Student & Alumni Stories

Hear from the students we have helped along their path to academic success and future careers, as they share their stories about studying with UNSW College.

Scholarships

We have a range of scholarship options available for UNSW College students. Find out how to apply, eligibility criteria and more.

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