Why Choose Shalom

There’s more than just one reason why Shalom College has a reputation for being one of the best colleges in Australia. Whether it is accommodation, facilities, academic excellence or just simply the friendly community itself, Shalom College has proven time and again, why it is the preferred choice for college living.

Here are more than 30 good reasons why you should choose Shalom College:  

We are unique

1. With 130 residents, we are an ideal size. Not too big to be impersonal and alienating but not too small to be intrusive
2. We are not a religious college. Shalom College is non-denominational and committed to celebrating cultural diversity
3. We have a broad range of Australian and International students
4. We are ideally located with the best position on campus – just opposite the Village Green Oval and away from the busy and noisy arterial streets
5. We are committed to providing healthy and nourishing meals and encouraging a balanced and healthy lifestyle
6. Our college has easy access to public transport and Sydney’s main attractions

We value academic success

7. We have a well-earned reputation on campus as an academic college
8. We support the academic mission of UNSW and strive to ensure the academic success of our residents
9. In fact, our students consistently perform well at university and many have won major academic awards. In 2008, two of our residents won university medals - which is the most prestigious university award for academic achievement
10. Our six Tutors-in-Residence are specifically appointed to help you with your studies
11. We have a ratio of one academic Tutor-in-Residence to 20 students 

We are a friendly college which embraces the true collegial spirit

12. We are well-known for our friendly community of residents and caring, supportive culture
13. College life provides opportunities for making friends quickly that off-campus living does not
14. Our residents develop a superb network of life-long friends and professional contacts
15. We offer many extra-curricular activities to foster a sense of community and to engage our residents’ many interests
16. There are no initiation ceremonies for ‘freshers’. These outdated traditions do not exist at Shalom College. All residents are equally valued and respected
17. We are committed to social justice and have a nationally respected scholarship program for disadvantaged Indigenous medical students

We have the best rooms and facilities

18. We are the most modern of the colleges at UNSW, offering facilities that surpass those of all other colleges
19. Each student has his/ her own room. There are no shared rooms
20. All rooms are spacious and bright with central heating. Most rooms have balconies, which is unique to Shalom College
21. We have 44 rooms with a private ensuite bathrooms, ceiling fans and most have balconies
22. We have 80 rooms containing a basin with hot and cold running water – this does not exist at other colleges – with shared but private and separate bathrooms
23. We have two fully equipped one-bedroom apartments with a lounge and dining area, kitchen, bathroom, laundry and outdoor courtyard. These are generally occupied by senior residents but may also accommodate a couple
24. We have six Tutors rooms, which are double rooms with ensuites
25. We have common rooms, library, study areas, TV rooms, games areas, kitchenettes, laundries and outdoor courtyards

We take security seriously

26. We are committed to providing an environment in which our residents feel physically and emotionally safe
27. Our college is a security building and entry doors can only be accessed by special keys
28. The two entrances to the building are monitored by CCTV and the surrounds of the building are equipped with security lighting 

We understand your technological needs 

29. Shalom College offers quality IT facilities with a direct connection from each resident’s room to the University campus-wide network (UWN) via a fibre optic cable 
30. We also offer a wireless network which allows each resident to connect to the internet from most common areas of the College
31. Each room has a telephone
32. We have a networked computer laboratory with PCs
33. We have Cable TV / FOXTEL in the main common room
34. All ensuite/Barker wing rooms have TV aerial connections

We offer great value

35. Our fees are inclusive of all meals and weekly cleaning
36. Living at Shalom is cheaper than, or equivalent to living off-campus. In fact, it’s even better than living off-campus because our residents do not have to shop, cook or clean or commute to and from campus  

At Shalom College, our residents appreciate our commitment to providing the highest standards in everything we do. We know this because they tell us (see our video testimonials for the proof). And we will continue to do our best to make your experiences with us unique, enjoyable and memorable. 

To read more about what it’s like to live at Shalom College, click here.