Community

University life transcends textbooks and lecture halls. It's about the lifelong connections and unforgettable experiences that shape your personal and professional growth. Here, we don鈥檛 just provide you with a place to stay, we invite you to join a proud culture deeply committed to academic excellence, opportunity and a sense of belonging.
We take pride in our diverse global community, embracing the opportunities it offers to be immersed in new cultures and form friendships with peers from around the world.
Community news

UNSW's First All-Electric Building
Colombo Building Electrification
What if your campus residence wasn鈥檛 just a place to live but a blueprint for a sustainable future? Welcome to Colombo House, UNSW's first all-electric student residence.
UNSW is boldly stepping into the future with Colombo House, the university鈥檚 first all-electric student accommodation. Located at the heart of the Kensington campus, this pioneering building is powered entirely by electricity鈥攏o fossil fuels required.聽
As part of UNSW鈥檚 commitment to net-zero carbon emissions, Colombo House showcases sustainable living powered by renewable solar energy and innovative technologies.
Colombo House is just the beginning. Soon, all UNSW accommodation buildings will transition to all-electric operations, with our TKC and Fig Tree College next up. This will further reduce the campus鈥檚 carbon footprint and offer students a smarter, more sustainable way to live.聽
Colombo House is not just a place to stay鈥攊t鈥檚 also leading the charge for a greener future on campus.

Harry Wins UNSW Impact Award
Congratulations Harry!
What happens when a student living on campus steps up to make a real impact? For Harrison Crisp, a 鈥楤asser College鈥 resident, it meant raising $25,000 for the Sydney Children鈥檚 Hospital, all while uniting the UNSW community through the power of music.
At the 2024 UNSW Culture Awards, Harrison Crisp, a second-year Engineering student, was honoured with the Student Community Impact Award for his leadership in organising a fundraiser concert for the Sydney Children鈥檚 Hospital. The event raised $25,000, including $14,000 donated directly to the hospital.聽
More than just raising funds, the concert brought together the UNSW and Sydney communities, demonstrating how music can foster inclusivity and inspire collective action. Harrison鈥檚 efforts鈥攆rom securing local bands to promoting the event across campus鈥攅nsured broad participation and a meaningful experience for all involved.
Harrison鈥檚 leadership set a new standard for student-led initiatives, proving that students living on campus can drive change and leave a lasting impact.聽
Harrison鈥檚 story reminds us that living on campus is more than just a place to stay鈥攊t鈥檚 about making connections, having an impact, and contributing to a community that thrives together.

Colombo House Celebrates 10 Years
Alumni Reunion Recap
The Colombo House 10-Year Birthday and Alumni Reunion was a memorable celebration, bringing together a close-knit group of alumni to honour a decade of memories.聽 聽
Under a cosy marquee in our courtyard, alumni from 2014 to 2023 gathered for a night filled with laughter and connection. The atmosphere was warm and inviting as old friends shared stories and reflected on their journeys since university.聽 聽
Dean of Colombo House, Michael Patoka, delivered a heartfelt speech that resonated with everyone present. 鈥淲hat a long way we鈥檝e come in 10 years and how lucky we all are that you embraced these walls as your home and brought your ideas, contributions, and values to enhance this college鈥 he remarked, emphasising the significance of Colombo House as one of our newest buildings and its lasting impact on our community.聽 聽
Proceeds from the evening went towards a bursary for future residents, ensuring the spirit of Colombo House lives on.聽 聽
Thank you to all who joined us in celebrating this milestone鈥攈ere鈥檚 to the memories we鈥檝e created and the community we hold dear!
I think that's quite surprising how close you can get with people in such a short space of time. it's kind of like a sped-up friendship in a way, because you're with them all the time.