Flinders University

Flinders University

Sturt Road
Bedford Park
Adelaide
South Australia 5042
Web address: www.flinders.edu.au
ADS contact phone: +61 (8) 8201 2727
ADS contact fax: +61 (8) 8201 3177
Relevant campuses: Adelaide.

Community and surrounds

Flinders University is located in the cosmopolitan city of Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. The city, with its European influences, has a population of about one million people.

The city is the chief business and commercial centre of the State, yet is free of the congestion and pollution found in larger cities. It is a safe, tolerant and accessible city, bordered by hills to the east and a line of sandy beaches to the west.

Flinders University is about 12 kilometres south of city centre. Five minutes from the university by bus is the second largest shopping and cinema complex in Australia. Many students like to travel to the Central Markets in Adelaide (20 minutes by bus from Flinders) for a range of international foods at low prices.

Climate

Adelaide’s climate is mediterranean. Adelaide’s weather averages 16 degrees Celsius in July (mid-winter) and 29 degrees Celsius over summer.

Cost of living and accomodation

Most academic staff and students live in the local area, where housing is considerably cheaper than in the inner-city suburbs.

Off-campus rental accommodation generally costs from $80 to $140 a week. A two-bedroom flat may cost each person around $70 a week if shared between a group of 2-4 students. Students should budget on spending a further $55 a week on food and around $16 a week to cover gas and electricity bills.

University Hall is Flinders’ catered accommodation college. The cost is $181 a week including meals. Some students choose homestay accommodation with Australian families, costing around $160 a week including food.

Campus descriptions

Flinders University has a total student population of 14,700, with about 1,400 international students on campus. The university is a single campus institution built around a lake, surrounded by 180 hectares of lawns and trees, and offering panoramic views of the nearby coast.

Flinders University Union provides most of the services and amenities needed for daily life on campus such as shops, a post office, bank, pharmacy, optometrist, book store, travel agent, hairdresser, laundromat, music listening room and religious centre. There is also a wide range of sporting activities offered through the Sports Association. Major facilities include access to email and computers; four separate libraries on the one campus; and the Student Learning Centre, which helps students adjust to the academic demands of university life. A Disability Liaison Officer is available to assist students with disabilities.

International student population

Of the total student population of 14,700 at Flinders University in 2003, about 1,400 international students studied on campus, with another 550 studying in their own countries. Of the international students, the majority were from China, Scandinavia, North America and Singapore. About 170 students are AusAID students, with the largest group coming from Indonesia, and significant groups from Papua New Guinea, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.

Family and community services

The area of Adelaide where Flinders University is located is well serviced by medical facilities, shops and schools. Doctors and nurses can be consulted in the university’s student health service. Also on campus is the 500-bed Flinders Medical Centre, which is a major public hospital and centre for medical research. The Women’s and Children’s Hospital in North Adelaide is a major obstetric and children’s medical facility.

The university runs an English conversation group on campus for spouses of international students both to improve their spoken English as well as to give them an opportunity to meet new people. These classes are run at a minimal cost. Adjacent to Flinders University are several highly regarded government primary and secondary schools (with special programs for children whose first language is not English) and excellent community services for families.

There is a wide range of industries located in Adelaide which support the population. Near the university is a major car manufacturing plant and many other service organisations and light industrial businesses. Some areas surrounding Adelaide are agricultural, with important wine-making regions both south and north of the city.

Childcare facilities

There is a range of childcare options on the university campus. All offer care for children aged six weeks to five years.

The Parent Centre is run by parents for parents. Occasional childcare is available during the academic year for children between six weeks and five years. Parents 'pay' by volunteering their time to the centre. AusAID students, both with children and without, are welcome to get involved. Membership fees are $55 per semester with an additional $5 per child after the first one. The centre is open during the adacemic term (times may vary according to demand).

Flinders University Childcare: Centre Flexible day care is available for children under school age through Flinders University Childcare Centre. The Centre is community-based and is not for profit. All fees, charges and other income are used to ensure the highest quality of care and education for children. Fees are $18.55 per day or $10.27 for half day (government subsidised rate). Opening hours are from 7:30am to 6:15pm.

Community Childcare Centre: Childcare is also available through the Community Childcare Centre at the Flinders Medical Centre. The Centre is open from 6:30am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday and is licenced for 60 places. The $16 per day charge for students covers up to four vegetarian-based meals per pay, drink and a nappy service.

Vacation CareThere is weekday care, including activities and outings, for children during the school holidays. Fees apply, however Government Childcare benefits are available.

You may also find it convenient to use a childcare centre in the community, close to your accommodation. Childcare options are discussed with ADS students during the Introductory Academic Program.

Foods for different cultures

Adelaide is made up of citizens from more than 100 nationalities and a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds. Therefore it enjoys a large diversity of cuisines. Apart from the variety of restaurants and outdoor cafes, Adelaide’s Central Market is internationally renowned for its inexpensive high-quality multicultural produce.

Fresh foods, spices and special ingredients from all over the world are available at the Central Market, including many specialty stores and butchers for those students requiring halal, kosher or strictly vegetarian foods.

Religious facilities

As Adelaide is a multicultural city, places of worship for most faiths are available including mosques, synagogues, Buddhist and Baha'i temples and a wide range of Christian churches. The university campus itself is equipped with Muslim prayer rooms.

Public transport

From the airport: Adelaide has an international airport five kilometres (15 minutes) from the city centre and nine kilometres (25 minutes) from Flinders University. The university arranges for new students to be met on arrival at Adelaide airport and transferred to their accommodation.

Getting around: Travelling to the university is easy by bus. From the city, buses take about 25 minutes and stop right in the heart of the campus. From the surrounding residential areas where most students live, a range of bus services operate every half hour. A free loop bus circles the Flinders campus every 20 minutes carrying students from the different parts of the university to their classes.