Basser College
The oldest of the Kensington Colleges, Basser has a strong sense of tradition and history.
Basser College is named after Sir Adolf Basser, a Polish entrepreneur and philanthropist. The college was founded to provide rural students with the same educational opportunities as their local and metropolitan counterparts.
- Overview
- Student support
- Testimonials
- Meet the team
Overview
Basser College has a close-knit community feel, appealing to students who value a balance between academics and social activities. In recent years, Basser has distinguished itself by emphasising the arts and fostering a creatively rich environment for residents.Â
Yearly highlights span communities, charities, and various social and cultural events. Some key events include annual fundraisers, the college ball and play, inter-college band competitions, regular sporting events, and the annual Parents' Weekend.
Student support
You’ll be supported by an on-site team consisting of the Dean, Deputy Dean, and Resident Fellows (or RFs). Each floor has an RF tasked with offering academic guidance, pastoral support and ensuring the well-being of all residents.
We run peer-led study groups to help students adjust to the academic requirements of university study. We also host study sessions and uplifting wellbeing programs guided by our Wellbeing Officer. This helps everyone smoothly transition from high school to university!
Testimonials
I didn’t really know what to expect at all. Some things that stick out for me are the convenience of living on campus, and feeling like I have more time because travel time is cut away.
Living on campus has far exceeded my expectations. You can contribute to and become a part of an energetic, passionate and supportive community. I’ve met amazing people who encourage me to be the best version of myself.
Gillian Turner | Dean of Basser College   Â
Hi I am Gillian. I was born in Canberra but grew up in Sydney. I am a lifelong UNSW alumna, having studied and worked here for over 12 years, a history geek and camping enthusiast.Â
As a postgraduate Honours student, I was lucky enough to be part of the Baxter team as a resident fellow and then Deputy. After leaving there to pursue a PhD and raise two lovely little children, I couldn't keep away and have returned to Basser as Dean. Working in an environment that fosters a thriving and caring community is a dream and I am excited to be able to continue to support and contribute to student and staff development in the flourishing culture of Basser.Â
To me, Basser is a home. It is a place where people are more than peers; they are friends, and that instils a level of respect and duty to each other. We are passionate about working together to pursue our shared goals and the community culture, which only grows stronger.
My favourite event at Basser would have to be the Harbour cruise. It comes at the end of a long week of meeting new life-long friends and is a great way to celebrate the beginning of a fantastic new year.Â
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. This is my third year working at Basser college and I’ve been loving every minute of it! I’m a big fan of the beach, travelling, playing sport and exploring the outdoors.
As Deputy Dean, Jamie is responsible for assisting Dean Gillian in the daily management of the college, as well as fulfilling the role of Resident Fellow in terms of providing academic and pastoral support to a group of students.
Resident and Student Fellows
A Student Fellow (SF) is assigned every year in Basser College. They’re a volunteer senior student whose role is to create and run a range of proactive wellbeing initiatives for the entire college. The SF works closely with the Resident Fellows, Deputy Dean and Dean, ensuring the wellbeing of all residents is top of mind
Resident Fellows (RFs) are staff members of UNSW and typically in their final years of study or already holding a degree. RFs live with the students on their floors and provide daily academic and pastoral support. RFs aren’t teachers, but they’re a little like a supportive older sibling with loads of experience to pass on and a willingness to help guide the residents.
House Committee
The House Committee consists of student leaders elected each year by residents. Its mission is to foster involvement in various college activities. The committee includes an executive team comprising a president, a secretary, and a treasurer. It manages an annual budget for cultural events, sports, social gatherings and charity involvement.
Features
average room size 10 to 12 square metres
fully furnished
private & shared bathrooms
all meals provided (including formal dinners)Â
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.
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.
Room types & fees
Room type |
Meals |
Bathroom |
Cleaning |
Single |
Catered |
Shared |
Yes |
Single |
Catered |
Yes |
Yes |
- The contract period is 44 weeks. Due to high occupancy, single-term contracts are currently unavailable. Please contact the office for more details.
- Weekly rates are for 2025 and are expected to change yearly. Rates shown are for full-year contracts only.
The contract period is from 8 February to 12 December 2025.
The contract period for returning residents is from 15th February to 12th December 2025.
