Home away from home

UNSW's first postgraduate residence, New College Village (NCV), has opened its doors. The $36 million building, located on Anzac Parade, will accommodate more than 300 students.

The purpose-built residence includes common rooms, a convenience store and outdoor recreation areas designed to promote student interaction. Each of the College's seven floors hosts a live-in mentor who provides academic and social support to students.

The College offers studios or five or six bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens.

NCV's Master, Professor Trevor Cairney said the foundations of the Village are firmly cemented in ideas of community and social inclusion. He visited 15 international colleges including Cambridge and Oxford to research the relationship between building design and student cohesion.

"The university experience should be about more than just intellectual learning. It should incorporate a sense of community, we want to avoid students sitting in their rooms, feeling isolated," Professor Cairney says. "Postgrads are no different from undergrads - they require the same amount of support and care."

The College has received more than 230 applications with 150 residents already accepting placements.

"New College Village supports our key aim to build an even stronger international reputation as a university that is outstanding and innovative in postgraduate research and teaching," says Vice-Chancellor Professor Fred Hilmer.

For more information or to apply for a place at NCV visit www.ncv.unsw.edu.au.

Media Contact: Fran Strachan | 9385 8732 | fran.strachan@unsw.edu.au