We know it's a tough decision, letting your child leave home. Hear from real parents talk about why and how they made the decision to choose life on campus at UNSW.

Ash: Baxter Hamish's dad

Hamish and Ash

Why did you decide to let your child live on campus?

I went to university, and lived in a College as well. It's a great environment to meet people and you'd get to know the university a lot better - especially for our children who's starting uni for the first time.

What advice would you give to parents thinking about letting their child to live on campus?

I think it's a great a great way for the kids to realise their independence, especially if they're living at home. Which my two boys have - Hamish has his twin brother Angus staying here as well, we're very excited for both of them because it's such a good atmosphere and good lifestyle for them. Coming to uni and enjoying College life.

Advice to your child, leaving home for the first time?

Be yourself, enjoy meeting new people, getting along with different people.


Melissa & Jason: Baxter parents

 Baxter parents

Why did you decide to let your child live on campus?

As parents, we only wanted the best for our child. I believed living on campus would allow our son to belong to a community, forge relationships to last a lifetime and become an integral part of building traditions.

Did you look at any other colleges on campus? What made you select Baxter College?

Yes, we looked at other universities along with other colleges. We decided on Baxter because of the caliber of students, the helpfulness of the Dean and the people we spoke with and the sporting skills of many of the students.

Did you do any research on Baxter College?

We spoke to several students and went on a tour of the college and university. 

What advice would you give to parents thinking about letting their child to live on campus?

Go for it. It’s been an amazing experience for our son. He feels a part of the UNSW community and has met many friends from different walks of life. As a country boy, our son has been given the freedom and the confidence to tackle pretty much any situation.


I decided to live on campus mostly because both of my parents attended The Kensington Colleges. They have so many friends from the Colleges that I was excited to do the same.

Tom Mann

Goldstein College (Economics)


Michele & Brent: Baxter parents

 Baxter parents

Why did you decide to let your child live on campus?

The support, not worrying about who to live with, setting up a flat and worrying about meals and travel to and from university. Equally importantly, college life provides an opportunity to meet a wide range of people, develop friends and have organised, safe fun together.

What were the most important factors for you when looking for accommodation options?

That it was located on campus with good quality facilities, pastoral care, a good reputation, and an emphasis on music and the arts, not just sport. 

Did you look at any other colleges on campus? What made you select Baxter College?

We did consider other colleges, but based on our visit to Baxter and meeting with the Dean (who we thought was very engaging, caring and interested) our daughter decided to list Baxter as her first preference, with our support.

What was the most important feature/s for you in selecting Baxter College?

The Dean, the supportive culture and the attributes of the residents.

What advice would you give to parents thinking about letting their child to live on campus?

It’s a most excellent idea!