When you imagine your future university campus, what do you see?
Is it like a scene from an American movie, with everything you need in one place, your accommodation is steps away from your classes, sprawling lawns and students studying outside in the sun? Or, is it a modern, busy building in a city centre, where everyone is carrying a cup of coffee from a nearby café, and it takes no time at all to travel between tutorials and lectures? In Australia, there are so many options to choose from, it can be hard to pick.
To help you with your decision, we chatted to two Flinders University students about their experiences at two very different campuses. In South Australia, Flinders students are lucky to have the choice of studying either at a sprawling, suburban campus or a campus right in the heart of the Adelaide CBD – both have their own unique features and benefits.
Shruti Rayjada is studying her Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) at the Bedford Park campus in Adelaide’s leafy suburbs, while Carla Cabiling is studying her Master of Accounting at the City Campus (but has also studied at Bedford Park, giving her the full campus experience). With their help, let’s explore how to find the perfect campus for you!
Why you should study on a campus in the suburbs
Flinders University, Bedford Park
Amenities right there on campus
At suburban campuses, like the Bedford Park campus, all the amenities you need are right there on campus. This would include all of your tutorial rooms and lecture theatres, along with food and retail outlets, libraries, study centres, banking facilities, sports and fitness facilities, post offices and student accommodation. At Flinders, there’s also a student community wellbeing centre called Oasis, which offers support for students’ physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.
“My favourite spots are the Education Building and The Cove. These are great places to relax, microwave my food, and make a coffee,” says Shruti.
A close student community
Because everything you need is in one place, suburban campuses have close student communities. You’ll study, eat, shop and gym together, whereas students at city campuses will often go offsite for lunch or to use certain facilities.
Peace and quiet
A suburban campus may suit students who enjoy a more relaxing atmosphere. Shruti explains that city campuses are always busy and full of hustle, so it can be hard to find a quiet moment.
“In contrast, suburban campuses offer a peaceful environment where you can enjoy nature and have time to reflect,” she says.
Carla agrees, saying that Bedford Park offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the City Campus, which is perfect for those who prefer a slower-paced environment.
“It’s quieter, and there’s more space to spread out,” she says.
Proximity to nature
Suburban campuses are a great fit for students who love nature, both on campus and nearby. The Bedford Park campus boasts plenty of green spaces, trees, lawns, walking trails and even a lake.
“My campus is more beautiful than any other! It’s incredibly calm, and I love that I can see both the ocean and the hills at the same time from my university,” says Shruti.
The Bedford Park campus is also close to the Sturt River / Warripari and several conservation parks for students who enjoy longer breaks in nature. If this is an important feature to you, look for a campus that prioritises green spaces for students.
Why you should study on a city campus
Flinders University, City Campus
Convenience
City campuses are located right in the heart of the action.
“Everything is within reach, whether it’s grabbing a coffee, attending networking events, or unwinding between classes,” says Carla.
Plus, because you’re in the middle of a busy city, you’ll have plenty of options for places to eat, to shop, and to hang out. You can choose between a range of different gyms, unique study spaces, and even head to the cinema during breaks.
Luckily for Flinders students, even in the centre of Adelaide, nature isn’t far away. Carla explains that it’s easy for her to take study breaks in nature.
“The riverbank is just two minutes away, and I often go for a quick walk between classes to refresh my mind. On some days, I take the tram (only two stops!) or sometimes walk to the Botanic Garden, where I lie down on a picnic mat and catch up on reading,” she says.
Surrounded by professionals and businesses
City campuses have the benefit of being close to industry and corporate hubs. For Carla, work opportunities have become more accessible since studying in the city.
“Being in the corporate district, I’ve found it much easier to secure a job that complements my studies. My workplace is only a 10-minute walk from the City Campus, making it convenient to manage both work and university commitments without long commutes,” she says.
Being centrally located can be excellent if you’re undertaking an internship for your course, hoping to grow your professional network, or are looking for a job while studying.
Lifestyle
Studying in the city is a great option for students who want a varied lifestyle. Carla says the food scene in Adelaide is incredible.
“Within minutes of campus, I can grab anything from a quick sandwich to freshly made dumplings or a plate of pasta,” she says.
The cultural variety is especially nice for international students looking for flavours from home. For independent students like Carla, having grocery stores nearby makes meal planning around work and study easy.
The city also opens doors to new experiences. Since relocating to the City Campus, Carla’s engaged more in Adelaide’s sports culture and festivals.
“Whether it’s live sports, e-sports or cultural festivals, being in the city means I’m always close to the action,” she says.
How to choose the right university campus for you
Because both suburban and city campuses have a range of benefits and features, the most important things to consider when choosing a university campus are accessibility, opportunities and lifestyle – really, it comes down to the kind of student experience you’re looking for!
