College Life - The University of Queensland Union College

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2024 Applications

It is always a privilege to welcome new and returning residents to Union College each year.

PLEASE NOTE: Union College has received an unprecedented number of applications for residency in 2024. Our wait list for 2024 is well over capacity.
Should you choose to submit an application to join the current wait list, please note there is a $110 non-refundable application fee.

From the minute you step inside the Union College grounds, you become part of a larger community of fellow residents and like-minded individuals. Our gardens create an oasis – a home away from home – nestled just a short walk from the University of Queensland (UQ). Everything you need to enrich your study experience is provided. Create an instant network of friends, benefit from three meals a day, all utilities and your own private room. All in the one price – with no hidden costs.

Access to life-long friends and opportunities only available through residential accommodation like Union College. Read on to see what other awesome benefits are available to Union College residents!

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Union is a fully catered college, providing residents with three wholesome and nutritious meals each day, including weekends, semester holidays and exam periods. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior consultation.
A variety of dishes and vegetarian options are provided for residents in the college’s modern dining hall and outdoor eating terrace, which overlooks the UQ Campus and college gardens.
Meal times at Union College are a fun and informal opportunity for staff and residents alike to mingle and socialise together. Throughout set times each semester, we also host intimate and friendly invitational formal dinners for residents. These provide a warm environment to meet and mingle and enjoy a prepared menu and associated wines whilst being entertained by invited speakers and entertainers.
Your residential fees cover three meals per day, seven days a week. Morning and afternoon tea are provided during SWOTVAC and examination periods.

From our award winning Catercare Kitchen

Healthy, nutritious meals 3 times a day, 7 days a week

Check out a sample menu here

Residency Arrangements

Resident Mentor Program

The Resident Mentor Program is a critical component of the pastoral care of our residents. The aim of the program is to provide experienced, friendly and engaging mentors to our residential community. Resident Mentors (RMs) are carefully selected for their ability to welcome, mentor and nurture young people, in particular, those who are entering their first year of university study. Furthermore, the RM program seeks to enhance the academic, social, cultural and personal development aspirations of all residents, as well as encouraging the resident population to make sensible decisions about how to achieve their goals.

Your College. Your Community.

Participate in as many activities as you like – with a variety of sporting, cultural & networking opportunities available each semester.
Get involved as a participant or a spectator. The choice is yours!

Tutorials

Experienced and knowledgeable Tutors are available for all Residents at no additional cost.. Tutorials foster a collaborative learning environment that supports Residents with their academic goals. Your Tutors will have a successful academic record, depth of course knowledge and an understanding of the demands of tertiary study. Tutorials are conducted once a week, Monday to Friday.

Peer Support

Learn alongside fellow residents with an instant network literally outside your door! Forget the agonies of group work with long distances to travel and difficult timetables to coordinate. Have your group meeting in one of the study areas at UQ, or better still, enjoy the ease of being part of a group made up entirely of college residents. Find a study companion down the corridor at college, or contact a senior resident to gain extra help.

Academic Community

Life at Union College will expose you to an exciting network of like-minded people within a fun, safe and motivated community. Broaden your knowledge, engage and brainstorm with your peers to develop great, new ideas and experiences. Challenge your thinking, and that of others. Sharpen your intellectual skills and along the way discover who you are, and what you stand for.

Location

Situated on the University of Queensland’s St Lucia Campus, Union College is the closest residential college to UQ. Union College is a five-minute walk from lecture rooms, labs and libraries and a 10 minute walk to UQ sports facilities. Benefit from being located right in the heart of an academic community. All UQ resources are at your disposal. Spend less time commuting and more time enjoying the many benefits of life at Union College.

Why our residents love Union College

One of the aspects I love about college life is the chance to engage in cultural, community and sporting opportunities, even when I had never played the sport before. Activities such as waterpolo, hockey, debating and wellness weekend were not only a lot of fun and provided well-earned relief from studies - they also provided a great opportunity to socialise outside of my usual friendship group. Other great advantages include the great food, including nutritious vegetarian options, ease of public transport, close proximity to the university, and the aid of a tailored tutoring program - Abby Frazer.

Moving to Brisbane from Victoria was definitely a fairly daunting process as I really didn’t know anyone in Queensland, however upon entering Union college I was very quickly put at ease after meeting the incredibly supportive resident mentor team. O-week kicked off and I very quickly formed so many friendships that by the end of the week Union College very much felt like home - Sarah Jeffries.

I have found this year at Union College, to be a life-changing experience. I have been given so much support that has helped me transition from high school to university. The Resident Mentor team was a huge help during O week, making the big scary move-in day run so smoothly. And they do not stop there, they work hard each day to provide us with any comforting advice or the good laugh that we may need at any point in the year. Without them, making friends in the first week would have been more of a task - Chelsea Ravizza.

With a supportive culture that allows residents to excel in all things academic, sporting, and social, Union College certainly does feel like a home away from home. The caring nature of the college fosters lifelong friendships, whilst providing many opportunities to meet new people - Conor O'Reilly.

Union College is a positive, inclusive and friendly community where everyone feels welcome. The college offers a variety of activities such as sports, music and photography. The facilities are modern and spacious, and the staff team are very kind and helpful - Robbie Buxton.

I love that I have been continuously supported in my academic, cultural and social endeavours throughout my time here, and I love the community, companionship and spirit at Union College - it truely feels like one big family. I have also made lifelong friendships that will stay with me for years to come, that I would never have made if I didn’t come to college. I am blessed to have come to such an amazing place that I now call home, and 100% recommend Union to any students moving to Brisbane after high school - Emily Kirkwood.

Come Visit & See For Yourself!

Union College welcomes prospective residents and families to visit our college for a complimentary guided tour with one of our friendly Resident Mentors. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the lifestyle and facilities, ask questions and talk to current residents in our community. Guided tours generally take about half an hour, with an information pack available for visitors.

Prospective resident tours require advanced bookings and can be scheduled on weekdays (Monday to Friday) between 10:00AM and 4:00PM. You can contact the College by telephone on (07) 3377 1500 or click the link below.