What college to choose?

By Nicole Dann, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia

The time has finally come where you found out what university you are being shipped off to and things are suddenly starting to feel very real. If you – like I was – are feeling pretty overwhelmed and confused on how you feel, you’re not alone. I was one minute ecstatic that I was moving to Australia and the next minute sobbing because what even is Canberra? Well, I’m here to tell you that ANU is no doubt the best university experience you can get in Australia. It may not have the white sand beaches or crystal blue ocean waters, but it has the American style college system which will have you meeting the best people and partaking in so much. However, this does suddenly apply a bit of pressure on what college to choose. With only 1 option to select, this may seem a very daunting decision to make but allow me to help break down and summarise the different colleges to help aid your decision. Disclaimer: this is very much subjective and does indeed contain biases.

Ursula Hall

Starting off with my very own college (and the best), Ursula Hall. Now this is a controversial one. It is the cheapest catered option at ANU housing only 250 students making it the smallest college on offer. While I love Ursies, the place itself hasn’t got the best rep around the university. Let’s just say that nearly all of the friends I have there were not so pleased when they first received the allocation email… Picture prison chic and a bad history at sports and arts. However, while we may not be at the top of the leader board, we make up for it in people and inclusivity. Due to its small size thus shortage of contenders, I was able to partake in nearly all of the sports teams including Inward Bound and I even had the opportunity to coach tennis. As an exchange student, this was perfect for me as I was just keen to give everything a go – regardless of whether I’ve tried it before – and Ursula Hall made this happen. Not only that, but the small college size also means that you more and less get to know everyone at your college which I think is quite lovely. With a central courtyard, long dinner tables and a busy social calendar, I immediately met so many amazing people which I now call my best friends. Plus, it has the best merch. Go bears!

Burton & Garran

A close second option for me was the self-catered hall, Burton & Garran, which was also known to be very inclusive towards international students. With a much larger student cohort, this college stretches across several different blocks, each kitted out with a MasterChef style ground floor kitchen made for over 100 students. Picture the Unsworth kitchens x30 with a multitude of fridges, hobs and sinks. Luckily, there are frequent cleaners which means no more unclogging the week-old sink your flatmate left while making drunk pot noodles. However, I still can’t fathom how anyone would know whose stuff is theirs but apparently it works out. B&G performs pretty well at the sports and arts which means it’s fairly competitive to make the teams. As the number 1 college for IB, you better start training for your marathon now before you attempt to trial out here. All in all, a good choice for international students who want to get involved with the college culture and cook their spag bowl in front of a crowd. 

Johns

Now Johns is an interesting one. This catered college is privately owned which means nicer rooms, nicer meals but maybe not so nicer people. Let me backtrack there, the college is made of predominately domestic students which have been filtered through an interview process meaning it is consisted of the best of the best. With an emphasis on sport, the college dominates the leadership table but definitely slacks in the arts department. With a big party culture, it isn’t one for the faint hearted. But if you like private school rugby boys with the Aussie version of signet rings and sinking goon (boxed Aussie wine), then maybe this one’s for you.  

Bruce and Wright

Solid. From an outsider who knows not a whole lot about Bruce and Wright, it seems a beautiful modern accommodation with a good feel about it. Due to its large size and hence large pick, it’s also a good one for both sports and arts but I wouldn’t say they’re known for it. However, unlike the long tables at Ursies which encourage mingling between different groups and people, this catered college has round secluded tables. You may be wondering, what a niche thing to pick up on but speaking from first-hand experience, I know how daunting it is as a newbie to walk into the dining hall for the first time. I couldn’t imagine alongside that also making the choice of who’s table to sit at! It’s giving Mean Girls but maybe that’s just me. 

Burgmann

Another solid. This I know the least about, but I do know it has one of the best reputations around the campus. Another catered option but this time, privately owned. This can only mean that the food is probably better as well as its facilities. Another perk (or vice) of being detached from ANU is that the college also has a lot less restrictions. Let’s just say, don’t be surprised on Burg Day if you’re woken with a sack of goon over your bed… Overall, a good choice if you have a slightly higher budget for accommodation.

Fenner

Closest to the lecture halls, this one isn’t along the Daley Road (which also means it isn’t a part of the Daley Road challenge…you’ll find out what that is soon enough). This to me appears the most similar to the Manchester style accommodation with self-contained flats rather than large scale communal kitchens. Without being inside, I’d compare it to Unsworth with modern features, sleek tabletops and no culture. Just kidding (mostly). I don’t actually know loads about Fenner apart from the fact that they needed security guards outside its complex exclusively on Thursday nights to limit the amount of people shouting “WAKE UP FENNER” at 3am. Take from that what you will. 

Yukkenbruk 

Stay clear. Don’t be fooled by its modern infrastructure and picturesque social spaces, there is not a whole lot going on here. Labelled as the international hall, Yukkenbruk has a reputation of having little to no culture or social life. This is partly because, as one of the newest accommodations, it hasn’t acclaimed its own identity yet however, I do believe this to be changing. But, to stay on the safe side, I’d advise to avoid this option. In saying that, I know a lot of British international students who were sent here not by choice and if that happens to be the case for you, do not panic. They’ve still had an amazing time meeting lots of new people and getting involved with the inter-college activities. With that said, they’re also transferring colleges next semester…

UniLodge

I think it goes without saying that UniLodge is very much known for being quiet and rather secluded. This would best suit students who are not so keen on the social side of university and rather a relaxed base when they return from their studies. They still compete in all of the arts and sports competitions so there is an opportunity to dip in and out of the college culture. I was about to slate them for being bad at sport but then recalled that Ursies actually lost to UniLodge in the volleyball playoffs for last place so, never mind… 

Wamburun

Otherwise known as Wam Bam, the only insight I have to this college is the Halloween social mixer we had with them. On the whole, good people and a good vibe. Not specifically known for its sports or arts, instead I think this college has a nice balance between wanting to perform well in competitions but also having a bit of fun with it. If you were a solid B-team member growing up in school or at the back of musical productions, this could be the perfect match for you.  

All in all, each college has its own unique culture and reputation for what it’s known for. Despite having written 1000 words about it, your choice of college actually doesn’t matter. What you’ll find is that the people really make the place and that’s a whole lot to do with luck. Very much similar to Fallowfield in Manchester, as long as you’re on campus you’re bound to have a great time. So don’t deep it too much and whatever the outcome, be rest assured that none of them are half as bad as Oak House.