University of Adelaide

Northern Territory


North Terrace
Adelaide
South Australia 5005
Web address: www.adelaide.edu.au
ADS contact phone: +61 (8) 8303 3505
ADS contact fax: +61 (8) 8303 4352

Relevant campuses: North Terrace, Waite, Roseworthy, Thebarton, National Wine Centre of Australia


Community and surrounds

Adelaide is the capital of South Australia and has a population of 1.1 million. About 20% of South Australia’s population was born overseas in more than 200 different countries.

South Australia has a broad base of thriving industries including agriculture, wine, communication technology, automotive production, defence, biosciences, tourism and the arts. Adelaide is an affordable, safe and friendly city. It has a strong sense of heritage and traditional values, yet it also has a vibrant international and cosmopolitan character. The latest international statistics show that it costs 18% more to live in Sydney, 15% more in Melbourne, 7% more in Perth and 5% more in Brisbane. Adelaide’s cosmopolitan character is reinforced by the many lively cafes and restaurants dotted throughout the city, reflecting the huge diversity of its ethnic communities and ensuring that visitors of all nationalities can feel at home. The Economist Intelligence Unit has rated Adelaide one of the top 10 places in the world to live.

North Terrace is the main University Campus and is located in the heart of the city of Adelaide, adjacent to both the business and shopping district and the parklands bordering the River Torrens. The close proximity to the State Library, Festival Centre, Art Gallery, Zoological Gardens and the Botanical Gardens adds to the vibrant cultural life of the campus.


Climate

South Australia enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with four distinct seasons that include warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average daily maximum is 28°C in summer (Dec-Feb), although temperatures can reach as high as 40°C, and 16°C in winter (June-Aug), although day time temperatures can fall as low as 8°C.


Cost of living and accommodation

The University offers several types of accommodation. The University of Adelaide Village caters for 403 students in fully furnished townhouses or apartments ranging from 1-5 bedrooms.

The Village is situated in the West End district close to the Central Market, and is walking distance from the North Terrace Campus. CITI Townhouses provide fully furnished 3-bedroom accommodation for 60 students, also located in the West End district, and ideal for postgraduate students. Mattanya is a group of 4 to 5-bedroom, fully furnished houses in North Adelaide. Very close to the city and within walking distance to the University, they are also ideal for postgraduate students. Five Residential Colleges are located close to the city, within 15-20 minutes walking distance from the North Terrace Campus and 15-25 minutes by bus or bicycle from the Thebarton and Waite campuses. The Colleges offer fully catered accommodation where most meals and a weekly room clean are incorporated into the accommodation fee. Aquinas College and Kathleen Lumley College are for postgraduate and mature age students only.

Students accompanied by family members will find private rental accommodation in houses or apartments the most suitable option. The Accommodation Office can provide students with information on how to find private rental accommodation on arrival.

The cost of University accommodation is between $160-$210 per week. Residential College accommodation costs between $250-$300 per week. Private rental or a single room in a house shared with other students can cost from $80-$400 per week, depending on location and type and size of the accommodation.

Guide to Average Weekly Living Expenses in Adelaide for a Single Student*
Accommodation $90-$190
Groceries $80 - $100
Gas & electricity # $10-$20
Transport $10-$15
Telephone/postage $20-$30
Others (eg, clothing, entertainment) $35-$55
TOTAL WEEKLY EXPENSES $245-$410

* Source - Survey of International Students’ Spending in Australia (2005) Australian Education International (AEI) department of Education, Science and Training DEST.

Costs can vary enormously from one student to another. These are basic living costs and do not include program tuition fees, costs for textbooks, other study related needs, running a car, medical expenses, or any luxuries.
Gas and electricity often included in University managed accommodation


Campus descriptions

The University of Adelaide has four campuses: North Terrace, Waite, Roseworthy, and Thebarton.

The North Terrace campus, set in the cultural heart of Adelaide, is the University’s main campus where most academic programs are taught. Agricultural-related programs are conducted at the Waite campus, approximately 4 kilometres from the city centre. It encompasses the largest agricultural research complex in the Southern Hemisphere. The Roseworthy campus is a rural campus located approximately 20 kilometres from the city. It is renowned for excellence in dry land agriculture and animal production. The Thebarton campus is one of the premier university-owned technology research parks in Australia and is located approximately 2 kilometres from the city. Within its business incubator, graduates have the chance to develop their skills with some of the country’s most innovative companies.


International student population

In 2006 there were 3633 international students enrolled in onshore programs and 552 international students enrolled in programs taught offshore. These students represent 80 countries from around the world.


Family and community services

Child and Family Health Centres are located throughout the city and suburbs and
provide free health checks for children at key developmental ages between birth and 6 years. However, children can also be seen at any age when parents have concerns, questions or issues. The Centres also provide Pre-School health checks, immunisation and medical assessments. Other services include a Parent Helpline, home visits for new parents, a family and baby program and parenting groups. All Child and Youth Health services are provided free of charge.

There are many high quality Medical Centres and private medical practices located throughout the city, as well as out-patient clinics at all public hospitals. The Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) covers 100% of the scheduled fee for most medical services and 100% of the scheduled fee in hospitals. If doctors charge higher than the scheduled fee recommended by the Australian Government, the ‘gap’, or difference, must be paid by the patient.

Ethnic organisations from many different cultures also provide support to individuals and families, including interpreters. In addition, there are multi-lingual radio stations in Adelaide as well as multi-lingual newspapers.

The International Student Centre (ISC) at the University provides counselling and welfare services for individuals and families, including referral to specialist service providers.

The Overseas Students’ Association (OSA) of the University of Adelaide is the main focal point for the coordination of activities for international students at the University. The OSA provides a wide range of services that include cultural events, support and information for both current and future international students from overseas.


Childcare Services

Quality childcare services are available at the University’s North Terrace, Roseworthy and Waite campuses, and many childcare centres throughout Adelaide. Fees vary from approximately AUD$40 per day to approximately AUD$200 per week. Students receiving Australian government scholarships are currently eligible for a government subsidy of up to 85% of these fees. Childcare services generally cater for children between the ages of three months and five years of age.

Kindergartens or preschools located throughout the city and suburbs offer educational programs for children who are four years old. Fees for kindergartens are very inexpensive.

Some public primary schools offer after-school and vacation care for a fee.


Schools
School attendance is compulsory for all children in Australia aged between six and sixteen years of age, with most children commencing school at five years of age. School attendance is from Monday to Friday and generally from 9.00am -
3.30pm. The academic year commences in late January and the year is divided into four terms.

Schools available to the dependants of international students include State government-operated public schools as well as independent schools. Students who hold an Australian Government scholarship pay the same fees as other parents whose dependent children attend public schools. Fees for 2007 are yet to be determined.

You will also be required to pay the school materials and services fee each year. This is a fee paid by all parents - local and international. It helps the school buy books, pens and other personal resources for students. This annual fee is set by the school and ranges from $200 at primary school level up to $900 at secondary school level per child per year.


Facilities for special needs
The Learning and Disability Access Office provides a range of services to students who have an ongoing medical issue or disability. This may include adjustments to the standard teaching or assessment processes.


Students can use support services for both permanent and temporary disabilities of a physical, sensory, learning or psychiatric nature. A wide range of adjustments can be made to enable students with disabilities to participate to their fullest potential in the academic and social life of the University. Adjustments can be negotiated in the learning and assessment process, including assistance with taking lecture notes, tape recording of lectures, access to specialised equipment and variations to exams.


The University Security Office provides a number of services for students with disabilities including access to buildings if there are access problems and a telephone services for taxis.
Foods for different cultures

Food from every major world cuisine can be found in Adelaide. There are many restaurants, cafes and supermarkets that offer dishes and ingredients from North, South, East and Central Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle-East, South America, the islands of the Caribbean and the Pacific. These can be found throughout the city and suburbs. The Adelaide Central Market, located in the heart of the city, offers a wide range of fresh produce as well as international groceries and supermarkets, and is a very popular destination for all international students living in Adelaide. Halal and kosher food is widely available.


Religious facilities

Adelaide’s population is made up of people from many different cultures and nationalities. All religious faiths are represented including Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Christian, and there are many places of worship including mosques, synagogues, temples and churches.


Public transport

Public transport includes buses, trains, the Glenelg tram and taxis. Most international students rely on public transport to get around. If you choose
accommodation in the suburbs away from the city centre you might expect to travel by public transport for between 10 to 40 minutes to reach campus.

As a full-time student you will be entitled to concession travel on buses, trains and trams. Information relating to public transport routes, timetables and prices for tickets is provided in your Welcome Pack on arrival.