The Australian National University

Canberra
Australian Capital Territory 0200
Web address: www.anu.edu.au/ieo
ADS contact phone: +61 (2) 6125 3602
ADS contact fax: +61 (2) 6125 5550
Relevant campuses: Canberra.

Community and surrounds

The Australian National University is in Canberra, the national capital of Australia. The city has a population of about 330,000. Canberra is home to the nation’s political and cultural institutions such as Parliament House, the National Library, the National Museum of Australia, the Australian War Memorial and the National Gallery of Australia. It also contains the embassies and high commissions of more than 60 countries.

Despite being the national capital, it is not as crowded as Sydney or Melbourne. Rather, the region has a rural feel. Canberra is in a valley surrounded by hills and mountains. It is a city of open spaces, filled with an abundance of parks and native bushland. It has been nicknamed ‘The Bush Capital’. The city is centred around Lake Burley Griffin with suburbs spread to the north and south. Canberra is a modern planned city, very clean and thoughtfully laid out. The ANU is located within walking distance of the city centre (known as Civic). Most shopping, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, nightlife and other entertainment venues are located in Civic. The coast and the snowfields are easily accessible from Canberra, and public transport can get you to either place in just two hours.

Climate

Summers are usually hot and dry with an average of 27 degrees Celsius, but it can rise to 35 degrees. In winter, temperatures average 12 degrees and can fall to minus six degrees in the night. Snowfall in the city is rare, but it is a regular sight to see snow capped mountains close by.

Cost of living and accomodation

The university has about 2,200 single rooms available on-campus. Many international students choose to live in this type of accommodation because of its convenience and proximity to lecture theatres and libraries. The university arranges, on your behalf, temporary accommodation on campus for your first week. The accommodation is at Toad Hall and at a special low-cost rate of $120 per week.

On-campus accommodation costs about $195 to $245 a week (catered) and $120 to $125 a week (self-catered). All halls and colleges which have telephones in each room charge a rental fee of $110 to $150 a semester. University accommodation does not cater for families. For students with families or those who choose not to stay on campus, renting a house or flat off campus costs from $230 to $320 a week for two bedrooms or from $260 to $400 for a three-bedroom house. The average for a shared house or flat off campus is around $80 to $180 a week. Accommodation is less expensive further from the city centre.

Campus descriptions

The campus is 15 minutes walk from Canberra’s central business district (Civic). Sullivans Creek runs through the well vegetated setting, which has open grass areas and a student hub containing several cafes, shops and services. This area is the main focus of the campus. It has a wide range of facilities including banks, a bookshop, chemist, travel agent, a small supermarket, bakery, post office, newsagency, hairdresser, dentist, optician, and many eateries. There is also a Sports Centre on campus which is host to numerous clubs.

A swimming pool is located close by in Civic. Canberra has a wide range of shopping centres, supermarkets, galleries, cinemas, theatres and a good night life.

International student population

At the Australian National University in Semester 1, 2003, there were about 2,233 international students studying onshore with a further 262 studying offshore. Of these about 1,672 were from East Asia, 58 from Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, 174 from South Asia and the Indian Ocean region and 49 from Africa. Most of the remaining overseas students were from countries that do not receive ADS awards such as the United States of America, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, Iran, France and Italy.

Family and community services

The University Health Service is available to all students, their spouses and children. There are a number of medical practitioners in the city centre. Canberra has two major hospitals. Baby health care clinics are available. There is a pharmacy located on campus and many others throughout Canberra. A late night chemist (open till 11pm) is located in a suburb next to the university.

The Canberra Council of International Students Partners Group provides a variety of activities for the spouses of students. The University Partners English Language Classes holds English classes for spouses who wish to improve their English and it is a wonderful social network for spouses.

All students are encouraged to participate in the university's student mentoring program named SIGN (Student Information and Guidance Network). It is a chance for new students to take advantage of later year students' knowledge and experience of campus life. All newcomers are also met at the airport, taken to their on-campus temporary accommodation, and are welcomed later by senior AusAID students from their home country who have been here for at least one semester. This is to ensure you are well looked after, introduced to the new surroundings, especially food and transport, and introduced to other AusAID students.

There are many ethnic community groups on campus and in Canberra in general. Many arrange social outings, English conversation groups, family support and dinner functions.

With Canberra being home to all the embassies and high commissions, this means you are invited to functions at your own consulate throughout your studies.

Canberra has a range of industries offering a variety of employment opportunities. As it is the national capital, many people are employed in the public service. There are some agricultural industries around the Canberra region.

Childcare facilities

The university has four childcare centres. However, places in all centres are in very high demand and you should put your child's name on a waiting list at the time you accept your offer to ensure a position. The cost of childcare is about $70 per week per child after you receive the Child Care Benefit allowance. There are also childcare centres in many of the surrounding suburbs where you may register your child.

There is no problem in enrolling your children in schools in Canberra. Throughout Canberra, and close to campus, there are government, private and Catholic primary and secondary schools. Parents will be able to easily find appropriate schooling in whichever suburb they live.

Facilities for special needs

The university has a Disability Liaison Officer on campus who is available to advise and assist students with their special needs. The university has the infrastructure across the campus for students with mobility difficulties, such as ramps, lifts, level paths, and car spaces. Every effort will be made to adapt the delivery of curriculum, the assessment requirements and the processes of developing academic skills to meet the needs of the students with disabilities. This will be done in a way that does not compromise the essential nature of the program nor what is deemed to be an essential skill or knowledge. Students should be aware, however, that the university is not able to guarantee all services. Students are invited to contact the Disability Liaison Officer at the earliest opportunity so that prior arrangements can be made.

Foods for different cultures

All types of cuisine are available in the city, including Indian, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Lebanese, Japanese and Italian. There are many shops and general supermarkets that sell food and ingredients from Asia. Civic and a number of suburbs close to the campus have specialist Asian grocery and butchers shops. Halal, kosher or strictly vegetarian food is available, and the ANU Muslim Association is able to provide links and information about these places.

Religious facilities

The Chaplaincy on campus welcomes any culture and lifestyle, any faith, race, or ethnic background. It offers emotional and spiritual support to students of all denominations. It provides confidentiality, forums, workshops, talks, opportunity for prayer and meditation, friendship, information on religious issues, bible discussion, a place to be yourself, a place to chat, and a place to get away from it all.

Canberra is a multicultural city and as such has places of worship for most faiths. The Chaplaincy and the International Education Office can provide information on places of worship and religious groups. The university has a Muslim Students Centre and prayer room, and during teaching periods provides a free bus service on Fridays for Jummah prayers.

Public transport

From the airport: International flights do not currently land in Canberra. Students must transfer from their international flight to a domestic flight to Canberra, or travel by bus or train from Sydney. New students will be met on arrival by a university representative at Canberra airport with the details of their flights given to us by the AusAID Post. The airport is located about 15 minutes from campus.

Getting around: Canberra is well serviced by a public bus network. Student discounts are available, for example, for monthly unlimited travel within Canberra. Concession fares are available to students with fares to anywhere in Canberra costing $1.30 for a one-way trip or a monthly ticket to be used anytime, anywhere costing $40. The city bus interchange is 10 minutes walk from the university. Walking or cycling are the best ways to get around the campus as the distances are short. Canberra has a labyrinth of well-lit and maintained cycle paths connecting suburbs to the university and the city for a cheaper transport alternative.