Where is UNSW Sydney located?

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Where is UNSW Sydney located?

_{Imagine studying at a top university, where the beach is minutes away, the city centre is easily accessible and the local area is lively and friendly.}

If you’re wondering where UNSW Sydney is located, let us introduce you to our vibrant Kensington campus. Located between Sydney’s world-famous beaches and the bustling city, UNSW offers international students an exciting mix of academic opportunities, cultural experiences and fun activities.

Student life in Kensington

UNSW Sydney is located in Kensington, a welcoming and multicultural suburb in central Sydney. Kensington has many cafes, bars and dining options, including some of the best Asian restaurants in Sydney. There’s also a vibrant arts scene and plenty of green spaces, with seven parks where students can relax and unwind.

Thanks to its large student population, Kensington and neighbouring Kingsford is always full of life. Students from all over the world shop, dine and hang out side-by-side with locals.

“My favourite part about studying at UNSW’s Kensington campus is having an opportunity to meet and connect with people from different backgrounds”, says Dao Ha Anh Vu (Cami) from Vietnam.

Cami is studying a Bachelor of Media (PR & Advertising) at UNSW and lives on the Kensington campus. When we asked her what she loves to do around Kensington, she said: “I really enjoy going to different Asian markets and restaurants nearby for the authentic taste.”

If you’re excited by Australia’s laid-back, coastal lifestyle, you’ll be happy to know that UNSW is the closest university to the beach in Sydney. Coogee Beach is only an 8-minute bus ride away, perfect for enjoying the sun, surf and sand. Coogee is also the start of the beautiful Coogee-to-Bondi coastal walk, which leads to the famous Bondi Beach.

^{Coogee-to-Bondi coastal walk ©Destination NSW}

Randwick Shopping Precinct is just a short walk away, offering everything you need, from groceries to fashion. For sports fans, Allianz Stadium and Sydney Cricket Ground are just a few light rail stops away. You can watch rugby, soccer, or cricket matches here, and the stadium also hosts concerts by international artists. Next to the stadium is the Entertainment Quarter, where you can watch comedy, catch a movie, or even try go-karting.

Exploring Sydney from UNSW

You can get the light rail (tram) straight to the city centre from UNSW in 20 minutes, making it convenient for students to explore Sydney's iconic landmarks, cultural sites and vibrant nightlife.

This includes Sydney’s best-known sights, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as museums and art galleries, like the Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of NSW.

Fireworks over Sydney Harbour on the opening night of Vivid Sydney 2024, as seen from 88 George Street.<br />

Fireworks over Sydney Harbour at Vivid Sydney 2024. ©Destination NSW

Aerial view of the Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk at Marks Park, Tamarama

Aerial view of the Sculpture by the Sea, Coogee-to-Bondi coastal walk at Marks Park, Tamarama. ©Destination NSW

Convenient transport links

One of the best things about studying at UNSW is the excellent public transportation network. The campus is well-connected to the rest of Sydney via buses and light rail. There are two light rail lines running between the city and our Kensington campus, stopping by at our upper and lower campus.

If you are travelling from overseas, it’s only a 15-minute car ride from UNSW to the airport. Thanks to the perfect location of our Kensington Campus, our students can enjoy their time at the beaches with a short bus ride.

“I visit Coogee beach on the weekends with my friends, since the bus is right on campus,” says Cami.

UNSW also has a campus in Paddington dedicated to the School of Art & Design. Paddington is an inner-city suburb that has some of the best art galleries in Sydney. Free shuttle buses running between the two campuses making it convenient for students to attend classes and activities across both locations without any hassle.

A close-knit campus community

UNSW's campus design creates a strong sense of community, with everything you need to make student life in Sydney convenient and enjoyable. From libraries and study spaces to cafes, gyms and healthcare facilities, everything is within easy reach.

“I would recommend living in one of the student accommodations as it gives you the opportunity to easily meet new friends and enlarge your social circle,” says Cami. “Many international students are afraid of making new friends, but I can guarantee it is not hard to find a true one.”

You can enjoy our state-of-the-art facilities at our renovated Village Green, including multi-purpose courts and sports fields, a running track, outdoor fitness equipment, a bouldering wall, and social spaces.

“Another way to create long-lasting friendships is to participate in one of the student clubs and societies,” says Cami. “You can meet up with people who share the same hobbies and dreams, and it makes the experience here in Sydney much more fun!”.

^{Students climbing bouldering wall at UNSW Village Green.}

Safety and wellbeing in Sydney

Did you know that Sydney is one of the safest cities in the world*? It’s true! So you can feel comfortable exploring the city and all it has to offer. You will be surrounded by welcoming and friendly people and be supported by the community-oriented culture of this city.

The safety and wellbeing of our students is our number one priority. That’s why we have security staff on campus 24/7 and safety services such as night shuttle buses to escort you to nearby locations after dark.

^{*4th Safest City, The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Safe Cities Index, 2021}