International Students

Anyone who knows Ursies knows this: the words “Ursula” and “international” go hand-in-hand. With a third of our residents from many countries around the world and a great many more domestic students with overseas connections, there is really no other way to describe us. Over the years, we’ve had international students and students of different ethnicities from quite nearly everywhere. We have residents hailing from places afar (Peru, Canada and the USA) to those nearer (Germany, Norway, Spain and Russia), from countries up north (China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan) to locations not too distant (New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore). With residents of such distinct cultures in the hall, it is nearly impossible for one to go through a day without meeting someone from a vastly different background. Such diversity as is seen in Ursula Hall is often considered outstanding amongst the colleges on campus.

The relaxed and friendly atmosphere, excellent accommodation and services (including 24-hour access to computers and laundry facilities), and close proximity to lecture theatres make Ursula Hall an excellent on-campus accommodation. Additionally, being located right at the edge of the heart of Canberra City, Ursula Hall is naturally the first preference for many international students coming to the Australian National University.

To allow for a smooth transition of international residents into the academic and social life at university, the Hall annually appoints a Senior Resident to care for and support international residents. This person assists in the development of a supportive environment for international residents and organises meetings to discuss important issues such as enrolment and the assessment in courses (often directing residents to the appropriate academic assistants in the Hall). He or she also co-ordinates activities to promote interaction between international and domestic students. The Senior Resident [International], as he or she is called, is the international students’ first point of contact and is often affectionately viewed upon as “the caring older sibling of all international residents” here in Ursies.

Aside from the Senior Resident [International], the Ursula Hall Residents' Committee’s (URC) International Representative is voted on an annual basis by the residents, and serves to represent the needs and views of the international students in the Hall. Both the Senior Resident [International] and the International Representative are directly involved with assessing the needs of international residents within a social framework and giving them assistance or helping them to work through matters should they arise.

Each year, the URC (on behalf of the domestic resident population) organises two events celebrating and promoting cultural diversity – International Night and Australia Expo. The International Expo, similar to the previous two events, is organised and prepared by the Senior Resident (International) and International Representative, with the assistance of all international residents. Each of these events sees the promotion of each country and/or culture. In the case of International Expo, this event is also a chance for others to sample the culinary expertise of their fellow residents! And of course, these events are excellent excuses to dress up in colourful clothes according to the respective themes, eat tasty treats and party the night away!

Ursies provides a fantastic and enjoyable "home-away-from-home" for all residents, in the provision of pastoral, academic and social support, especially for international students. This is reflected by the fact that a vast number of residents, both international and domestic, stay at the Hall for the entire duration of their degree. Want to make the most of your Australian university experience? Then Ursula Hall is what you're looking for!