Robb Life
The lasting impact of college life is most often stated to be the establishment of lifelong friendships. At the heart of this legacy is an organised, engaging and varied social life. the Junior Common Room and Head of College actively organise and manage a social program to provide opportunity to form strong community and personal connections.
Throughout the year, from O-week to academic year end, there will be a social event almost every week (except during exam curfew!!). These events help break the study routine and provide the chance to relax with friends. Regular events range from casual nights out in town, themed parties and formal diners and balls where everyone get to dress up in their finest.
Annual Events
Robb College Mate Ball is an annual black-tie event held in the third term of each year where residents invite their mates to join us for a great weekend of events.
Parents' Weekend is a weekend full of activities where you can invite your parents or guardians to join you to meet your mates and other parents. The Friday night includes a Art Show before year group dinner, Saturday is sporting activities followed by the Robb Parents Ball that evening which is attended by the students and their parents/guardians.
Charity Long Lunch, our annual long lunch is normally held in March. A beautiful chance to come together with friends and students past and present for a great cause. This is one of our major fund raising events for annual charity.
Formal and Fellowship Dinners are also a significant feature of the College calendar. These celebrate the academic, sporting and community achievements of the College and its residents. Functions such as the Valedictory Dinner, and Rural Focus dinners provide an opportunity for residents to hear from guest speakers on topics of special interest or to hear from illustrious alumni returning to the College. The Robb Commencement Dinner is a formal event that occurs early in the year and is used as an opportunity to showcase the academic achievement of our students over the last year. We award scholarships and prizes to many excelling in their fields.
We love all sports — from social touch footy on our front lawns to the A-Grade competitions of a range of sports including rugby, netball, hockey, water polo and more, Robb College loves to get in and have a go, and everyone is encouraged to be involved, no matter what your skill level.
Each year we compete in the annual inter-college competition: for the President's Trophy (for men) and Mary Bagnall Trophy (for women). This competition ranges across many different sports.
There are also mass-participation events such as the swimming carnival where participation is even more important than expertise.
If Robb does not have a team for your favourite sport we can help you like up with a University or town team.
Robb Rugby
Robb College is extremely proud of its rugby tradition of more than 50 years. It is the oldest current club in the New England competition, and fields a side in all grades including a women’s team.
Fresher Matches
Each year we have a set of for sports matches between our Robb freshers (first years), and the freshers at St Alberts College. This include men’s and women’s Rugby and women’s netball and hockey.
Robb College celebrates the diverse talents of our residents, and there's a range of activities that encourage your creativity.
Arts and Crafts Exhibition
Since 1988, an annual Arts and Crafts Exhibition has been held within the College in association with the Parents' Weekend. The Exhibition organised by a student committee, and it's an opportunity for students to showcase their artistic ability. The Max Wester award is given for the best Robb student artwork.
Inter-ourt Trophy
The Inter-court Trophy is a foursided contest between the Robb's residential Courts and affiliates. It's awarded to the team which performs the best the annual Quiz Night held during Trimester 2.
Inter-college Cultural Events
There's a huge range of inter-college cultural events and competitions at UNE — and Robb College loves to take part. There are great opportunities for showcasing your artistic skills and talents in fields including (but not limited to) painting, writing, music debating, music and photography.
We encourage you to get involved!
Annual Charity Project
Each year Robb chooses a charity to raise funds for and support throughout the duration of the college year. The charities chosen are frequently ones that hit close to home for our students and everyone is more than happy to get right behind them. Since we started with this directed charity work, we have been able to raise over $700,000 for these causes.
Robb's Annual Charity Project contributes to a different organisation each year. Past fundraising examples include: Hoodoo Gurus Concert; Bed Push to Sydney; Celebrity Sports Day; Charity Golf Day; Sleeping in for Cancer; Nude calendar (2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015,2022)!
Recent charity recipients include: Burrumbuttock Hay Runners (2017/2018), Beat theBreakdown (2019), Angel Flight Australia, BackTrack (2020/2021/2022) Are You Bogged Mate? (2022), Cowboy Hats for Kate
Since the charity projects began, Robb College has raised over $700,000 for worthy causes.
2020–2022 Charity
BackTrack are a local Armidale dedicated team with a purpose of helping as many young people who are having a hard time as possible. The staff are from a range of careers and backgrounds, including youth work, local businesses and experienced not-for-profit individuals. All united in one passionate cause which is to see kids who are doing it tough receive the support they deserve.
Getting young people to chase their hopes and dreams is part of BackTrack's mission. Offering traineeships, and real job experience.
Past Projects
1981 Cape to Cape Run
One of Robb's most memorable projects occurred in 1981 – the Cape to Cape Run, in conjunction with Armidale Rotary Clubs. Over 24 days, teams of about 25 Robb students and staff each ran back to Armidale from Cape Tribulation in Far North Queensland and Wilson's Promontory in Victoria. Approximately $60,000 was raised to establish the Australian Foundation for Disabled Students in what was the International Year of the Disabled Student. Today, those same funds now total over $270,000 and fund UNE's Support Fund for Students with a Disability.
1990 World's Largest Painting
In 1990 Robb College completed the World's Largest Painting which was verified by the Guinness Book of Records. The painting was completed with the support of Robb Students, other colleges and high school students in Armidale. Famous Sydney artist Ken Done painted 7 squares within the painting which were then auctioned off to raise money for UNICEF. The cheque for the donation was presented to Audrey Hepburn when she was visiting Sydney as Patron of UNICEF by Amanda Bishop and Bill Andreas organisers of the project.
Head of College - Sally Strelitz
Personal Support
Resident Leaders are the first line of response in managing any issues you may have in College. Resident Leaders are senior students who are assigned to each Robb College floor
UNE also provides a wide range of support services including counselling, career development, equity information and a Work Ready program.
Study Help for First-Year Students
Students discussing their academic work in the Robb College learning spaces.
In keeping with UNE's approach to academic excellence Robb College has a team of Robb Academic Mentors who assist residents with their study. There is a focus on assistance with the subject content and transitioning to the University learning environment.
As each trimester reaches the exam period, a noise curfew is enforced to ensure that all students are able to prepare effectively.
Senior Common Room
A group of men and women, mixed ages, at a Robb College evening event.The Senior Common Room (SCR) is a group of members of University staff, alumni or community members with a strong affiliation to Robb. They give their time to help and offer expertise to residents in a wide range of areas, providing advice, mentoring and support. You'll see them around at formal dinners, college events, helping out with sporting teams and getting involved where they can in all facets of the college.
Read the letter from the Senior Common Room president.
Nerd Nights
Two Robb College students collaborating over a workbook to help provide students.
These are weekly sessions run by our Resident Leader Academics and the team of Robb Academic Menors.to provide residents with subject content and academic skills. These groups help guide you through your current and upcoming academic commitments.
Any students who find they are having difficulty meeting the demands of their study are actively supported with additional assistance and specific guidance from the Head of College.
Student-Run Tutorials
Often a part of Nerd Nights, these are presentations that focus on topics and assignments you're having difficulty with. Tutorials on essential skills like essay writing, time management and referencing are also run throughout the year.
