Parents Information

If you are reading this, you are grappling with one of the most exciting but daunting periods in the life of someone you love - their transition to residential college at UNE.

It heralds big changes. Your student is embarking on tertiary study, embracing independence in unfamiliar territory and exploring new interests, perhaps far from home.

At UNE, our experienced college staff are there to guide them every step of the way. We provide more than shelter, food and friendship. We set the foundations for academic success and the development of life skills.

Why choose a UNE college?

The University of New England owns all but one of its residential colleges. We pride ourselves on the inclusive and supportive accommodation options we provide, convenient to our main campus.

Our colleges offer:

  • A choice of traditional catered accommodation, independent living or a combination of both;
  • Academic mentors or tutors as part of our leadership teams;
  • In-built social connections and close proximity to sporting and social activities; and
  • Free, unlimited wi-fi and heating, and no hidden costs once fees are paid

UNE offers a range of comfortable and affordable accommodation options, catering to the diverse needs of students from around Australia and the world. In each college, residents are well supported by key staff and student leadership teams, academic tutors and wellbeing programs to help them realise their full potential.

From the outside all colleges appear to be similar, however with different layouts, offerings and personalities, its hard to pick which one is the best suit your students needs.

We have also included in this section an overview of the six UNE owned colleges as well as articles on:

Austin College

Austin is a vibrant and welcoming residential college that respects individuality. Our motto is Through Living We Learn and our students have become known for their "give it a go" approach, kindness and inclusivity. Austin is unique as UNE's only traditional residential college that is fully self-catered, with large, new kitchen facilities. Our dining hall houses a commercial cafe and we are the only UNE College with a licensed bar. Social, sporting, cultural and academic needs are balanced at Austin. Every year we adopt a rescue dog (or two) to provide unique mental health care for students, and we enthusiastically fundraise for Camp Quality and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Duval College

At Duval College, residents enjoy a small family-like environment that values respect for each other above everything. With its picturesque, ivy-clad brick courtyards, Duval has just over 200 beds arranged across 12 blocks, with up to 8 rooms per floor. Our gated courtyards provide a secure and safe environment to live and study. At Duval, residents are accepted for who they are and encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities university and college life can offer. Befitting our motto While we live, let us live, Duvalians like to "have a go" at everything, whether through participation or supporting others.

Earle Page College

Set in spacious, leafy grounds, our friendly, vibrant and inclusive community has been home to up to 290 UNE students each year since 1963. A balanced college lifestyle is encouraged across academic endeavours, cultural arts, sport, community service and social activities. Highlights on our annual calendar include our: college musical - produced and performed by residents; Charity Coast Run from Armidale to Coffs Harbour; high-profile political lecture and formal dinner; and student social functions. Ours is a semi-catered college, providing residents with five evening meals each week in our dining hall. Other meals can be prepared in the floor kitchenettes or the large communal commercial kitchen.

Mary Wright College

Mary White College is a warm and friendly community and the only UNE college located on the main academic campus, just behind historic Booloominbah. Students are closer to lectures, Dixson Library and cafes, and enjoy SportUNE membership. Mary White has a reputation for encouraging and supporting academic excellence and we traditionally welcome most incoming rural medicine students each year. The college allows residents to choose how they want to get involved in our community: we offer options of a women’s-only floor, an alcohol-free floor, a self-catered block, and some en suite rooms.

Robb College

Robb is a vibrant college and great place to live. Ours is an encouraging and supportive community and we encourage our residents to embrace our five core values: family, respect, accountability, contribution and celebration. Living in Robb College allows students to grow both on a personal and professional level. We offer wonderful support structures and have a Senior Common Room of established community members that invest in the success and wellbeing of our students. These members are available to guide and support students through their university journey and beyond. At Robb, we offer “fellowship in learning”, where students can gain friends for life.

Wright College and Village

At Wright College and Village, we pride ourselves on our strong community spirit, and go out of our way to include residents of various religions, ages and nationalities. We can guarantee that your time here will be memorable. Wright provides an opt-in, independent lifestyle and encourages you to approach college life at your own pace. We have accommodation options to suit most people and budgets. Wright College is the newest accommodation on campus, and has private self-catered studios and one-bedroom apartments, all with en suites. Wright Village has recently undergone refurbishment and is a vibrant community featuring 4, 6 or 8-bedroom share flats.