If you’re starting university soon, you're probably feeling a range of emotions — from happiness and excitement to maybe nervousness about how the next chapter of your life will turn out.
Overview
- The student experience is at the heart of campus life at ANU.
- Stretching from the stage at Kambri and the courts and ovals of the sports centre to the common rooms of residential colleges are social spaces galore for students.
- Plus, with 110 clubs and societies and an active students' association, chances are you'll find your best student life – and friends – here.
Going to university is the start of many adventures and studying at The Australian National University (ANU), which embraces a bustling campus, will help you get the most out of this experience.
Australia’s only national university is a hub of student activities and presents many incredible opportunities to be independent and make friends while pursuing your interests and hobbies.
Among these opportunities will be learning from experts in their fields and living independently for the first time. Chances are pretty high that your student life at ANU will be an unforgettable experience. So, what is the student experience like at ANU? Read on and learn!
Students participate in Yoga classes on University Avenue.
Eat, drink and shop
Enjoy a cup of coffee or a drink, play a round of pool or share a meal with friends in Kambri.
The Kambri precinct, surrounded by landscaped gardens and public seating, is the heart of ANU, and where you can find markets, live performances and other entertainment events.
On the weekend, relax on one of the beanbags on the grass while chatting with friends and classmates who live on campus.
If you’re looking for ANU merchandise, textbooks or a novel and stationery, Harry Hartog is a one-stop shop for everyone.
Students peruse books in the Harry Hartog Booksellers store in Kambri.
Music, movie nights, games and more
Get inspired with TEDx talks, enjoy movie nights with popcorn, shop at markets or watch concerts and theatre performances at ANU.
The Kambri lawn regularly transforms into a live stage where local musicians can showcase their talent. Come for a free live performance by some of the best musical talents in the Canberra community.
Meanwhile, the games arcade at ANU is a popular spot to play and make new friends with similar interests. This popular hangout where ANU staff, students and visitors come to play games for free and socialise, has arcade machines, pinball, air hockey, ping pong tables and more.
Light performance at Uncharted Territory at Kambri.
Clubs for your hobbies and professional interests
If you have a hobby, we have a club or a society for you.
Join the ANU Owls team to play Quidditch if you’re a big Harry Potter fan, give live performances at fun social events if you have a passion for music by joining the ANU Music Society or gaze at the beautiful stars and explore your love for astronomy.
Follow your interests with over 110 clubs and societies offering unique educational, sporting, cultural and social activities.
If you can’t find the club or society you’re looking for, feel free to start one of your own!
ANU Owls teammates take off flying in a game of Quadball (Quidditch).
Be a leader
Get involved with the student association that actively runs fabulous social events throughout the year as well as welfare and advocacy programs, including a free food pantry and legal advice.
If getting involved and helping out this way appeals to you, the ANU Students Association could be an interesting part of your student life. It represents undergraduate and postgraduate students and could see you running for election and become an office holder representing the needs of students to the University Executive.
Two female students tending to the garden at the ANU Kitchen garden.
Stay fit
Whether you're an elite athlete or an amateur, playing a social game is a great way to connect, have fun and stay fit. Take advantage of the excellent sporting and fitness facilities at ANU.
ANU Sport is home to several sporting clubs. You can choose to play badminton, basketball, cycling, fencing, rugby, water polo, touch football or others and compete against ANU teams or students from other universities.
Our student residences also have sporting teams and compete in friendly (and maybe a little competitive!) sports games against other residences.
Our campus roads and beautiful paths also encourage bike riding, walking and running. It's true; there's enough space to get fit running between your classes!
Still asking "What is the student experience like at ANU?" Check out what's on in Kambri, the campus area central to student life, or find a club or society to join. Experience ANU events are for students and the public, so keep this calendar on your watch list.