University of Adelaide Australia
About School
Academics
My Campus
Student Life
Surrounding Environment
Accessibility
About School

University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide is one of the leading universities of Australia in research and belongs to the prestigious Group of Eight. Being the third oldest university in Australia, the University boasts a mix of traditional sandstone churches of Bonython Hall, to the modern, glass framed Braggs Building. The University offers a variety of degrees spanning across five faculties, and is associated with a long list of notable alumni such as Julia Gillard, the first female Prime Minister of Australia and Robin Warren, who co-discovered the link between the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and peptic ulcers.

School’s Main Website | International / Exchange Student Website 

Academics

GPA requirement:

For international students starting a full degree, the GPA requirement will depend on the programme you choose. Search for the programme name at the Degree Finder page, and you will find the list of requirements.

  • Degree Finder website: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/degree-finder/k

For exchange students, the GPA requirement of 2.5/4.0 is required to be eligible

Language of instruction:

English, except language courses

Courses:

University of Adelaide is known for the following courses:

  • Dentistry, Engineering, Law, Life Sciences.
  • Wine Viticulture and Agricultural Sciences are huge research areas in Adelaide. There is the National Wine Institute and an entire campus known as Waite dedicated to those areas of research

You can find out more about the courses here. 

Course registration process:

For students looking to enrol at University of Adelaide, you are recommended to consult your respective faculty and course coordinator if no clear study plan has been outlined. Some degree programmes have greater flexibility which allows you to pick and choose courses across a broad range of subjects. You may be unable to graduate if you do not meet the degree requirements.

For exchange and full-time students looking to register for courses at the university, you will need to do it via Access Adelaide – a student portal by the University. 

Flying Chalks’ tips:

  • Take note of the courses that require prerequisites, or some courses that will become prerequisites for the course you intend to take in the following year.
  • In addition, some courses are limited to students enrolled in a certain degree only. For example, BIOTECH 1000, or introduction to Biotechnology is only open to students enrolled in a Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology). Some courses are only conducted in the other campuses (Waite/Roseworthy) and might require you to travel between campuses for lessons.

 For language courses, some are offered by the University while some are offered by partner institutions. You can check which ones are offered by partner institutions when you view the course’s additional information.

Attendance Policy:

Attendance policy depends on the course itself, not the degree programme. You might have some courses that mention all attendance is compulsory, but some will allow you to skip the lectures in the same semester.

As a general rule of thumb, workshops, tutorial and practical lessons are usually compulsory. Lectures are usually not compulsory unless it is an intensive course, or the course requirement itself requires attendance (e.g. language courses). Some programmes such as Dentistry and Medicine require full attendance.

Flying Chalks’ tip: Recordings of lectures can be found on Blackboard/MyMedia but it is always best to turn up for lectures as certain lecture recordings may run into technical hiccups (rare, but it does happen!)

My Campus

Campus map:

The campus map can be found here.

Flying Chalks’ tips:

  • The campus map can also be found on the “Lost on Campus” App, available on Google Play (Android) or App Store (Apple). This app even allows you to search and locate the rooms, lecture theatres, labs and offices on campus.
  • The university also offers their own app. Just search for “Adelaide Uni” on Google Play (Android) or App Store (Apple).

Selected facilities:

Food on campus:

Flying Chalks’ recommendations:

  • Burger Theory, Grassroots, Aroma Cafe, Penang Hawkers, Uni Bar

However, there are limited options in campus. For more food options, you may want to head across the school to Rundle Mall. Renaissance Arcade, David Jones, Rundle Place and Southern Cross are all along Rundle mall and boast a decent variety of food.

Campus transportation:

IIf all of your classes are on held on the same campus, there is no need for campus transportation as you can easily get from building to building on foot. However, should you need to get from our campus to another, you can either take the shuttle buses provided or public transport.

There is a free shuttle bus which heads directly to The University of Adelaide Village, or accommodation within the Greater Adelaide area, hourly from 5:30 p.m. on weekdays. Prior registration must be done at the Security Office at least 15 minutes beforehand.

There is also a free bus that goes in a loop for Adelaide and Greater Adelaide area every 30 minutes on weekdays!

For more information: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/infrastructure/on-campus/transport/

 

Student Life

A typical student at Adelaide university would enjoy a very laid back lifestyle. Adelaide is one of the cheapest places to live and study in Australia, with very friendly locals as well. Further, there is a wide diversity of students from different backgrounds, so you will get to meet people from different cultures! Given its small size, you will not have to travel long distances to get to the next class. The university is also close to everything in the city and is an easy commute from town.

If you are interested in music, you can check out the popular Lunchtime Concert Series in the city. It is a Friday tradition in Adelaide. Admission prices have been kept to a minimum (just $12) to ensure that everyone can enjoy these concerts.  

Orientation program:

At the start of each semester, the International Student Support runs several programmes:

  • The Orientation Program is held prior to the University-wide O'Week. It includes compulsory briefings (Arrival Briefing Session & Staying Safe) and workshops & information presentations such as Aussie Cultures, Visa Options Following Study and Looking for Work, designed to help all new international students make a smooth transition to life and study in Adelaide. The ISC also holds field trips to Victor Harbour, giving you a glimpse of one of many South Australian attractions!
  • The Vice Chancellor Host Programme is where you will get to meet a good mix of both international and domestic students entering your faculty. Orientation hosts will contact you and the other new students prior to orientation week. You will then be treated to a campus tour and faculty tour with your student group on day one of O’Week, you will be.

Subsequently, on a pre-arranged O’Week faculty day, you will get a chance to learn more about your faculty through faculty events followed by lunch. Orientation hosts will meet with you and your student group again in week 2 of semester to catch up on how you are doing and ensure that you have had a smooth transition into university. Individual faculties may have their own peer mentoring programme as well. 

Buddy program:

  • International Student Support Peer Mentors Programme is where current students volunteer their time to provide you with a student’s perspective of university life by sharing their experiences, challenges and insights to help new students like you settle into life in Adelaide and the University of Adelaide.
  • Experience Adelaide Programme offers international students a unique opportunity to meet and connect with a local University community member, either a domestic student, a graduate or a staff member, giving you the chance to experience the real Adelaide and discover South Australia. For more information: http://international.adelaide.edu.au/life/experience-adelaide/international/program/

Student clubs:

At University of Adelaide, there are more than 150 student clubs for you to join, ranging from faculty and religious, to hobbies and sports such as Kendo and Ultimate Frisbee.

For more information: https://www.auu.org.au/Common/ContentWM.aspx?CID=107

University events:

Adelaide has many university events that you can participate in during your time of study there! Here are a select few which will interest you:

  • O’ Week: Mass orientation for both domestic and international students!
  • Open Day: An annual showcase of all the University of Adelaide has to offer! Join in the fun as students, alumni and staff across different faculties showcase the courses they offer as well as their research, outstanding work and relevant achievements in their respective fields.
  • Vice Chancellor Cup: Open to teams from each of the five University faculties, the Vice Chancellor’s Cup requires four (two students and two staff) to run an 800m journey in a race like no other around the iconic University of Adelaide grounds. There will also be free activities and a BBQ on the Barr Smith Lawns on the day.
  • Stress Less Week:  Encourages and helps students de-stress prior to University exams. Booths are setup with free food like cotton candy and popcorn, henna tattoos, manicures as well as free massages are given. In the Hub Central, you may also find arcade games set up. Daytona anyone?
  • Pub Crawls: Faculties host pub crawls from time to time and this is when people visit as many pubs as possible in one night and having a set number of alcoholic beverages in each. Buying the pub crawl t-shirt will give you free entry to all the pubs and clubs on the list as well as be entitled to mad specials, fantastic meal deals and great vibes across the board.
  • Career & Employment Expos
Surrounding Environment

The University’s main campus is situated at North Terrace, which is at the northern end of Adelaide city centre. The main shopping district as well as many restaurants and bars are located within Adelaide city centre. Rundle Mall, the main shopping district, is located just opposite the University. Student accommodations (UniLodge and Urbanest), shopping, transport and food are all easily accessible via a maximum 15 minutes’ walk.

North of the campus is the Torrens river, surrounded by parklands. For more, see recommended leisure attractions near the university.

There are external campuses as well:

For food:

There is a diverse range of food options in Adelaide. You can find all sorts of cuisines: Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Malaysian/Singaporean, European, Moroccan, Mexican, Fusion - we have it all!

Flying Chalks’ recommendations:

  • Singapore/Malaysia: Warong, Oo’s Recipes, Nanyang Cafe, Chef Lai, Laksa House, Kopi Tim, PappaRich, K Noodle
  • Indonesian: Pondok Daun Restaurant
  • Indian: Chapati House, Beyond India
  • Italian: Godi La Vita (Cheese Wheel Restaurant!)
  • Thai: Golden Boy (Restaurant), Star of Siam, Lemongrass Thai Bistro
  • Japanese: Wasai, Katsumoto
  • Western: JF & C (Fish & Chips) @ Victor Harbor, Burger Republic @ King William (must order: Nutella + Oreo milkshake!)
  • Vietnamese: Pho Linh, Pho Minh, Phonatic, Adelaide Pho, Pho SA, Yen Linh
  • Desserts: Chocolate Taperia, Eggless, St. Louis Ice Cream, Pancake House, Bakery on O’Connell
  • Hong Kong: Gong Cha
  • Cafes: 50SIXONE, Flinders Street Project, Argo on the Parade, The Loose Caboose, Pantry on Egmont, Nano Ready 2 Go, Two Bit Villains
  • Fast Food: Hungry Jacks

Flying Chalks’ tip: For Muslim students, we highly recommend checking with your university’s Islamic student association or the international student advisers for their recommendations on halal food. The Malaysian Students Council of Australia also has a handy guidebook listing all halal butchers and food in Adelaide City!

Flying Chalks’ recommendation: A trip to Café Regatta located by the western harbor of Helsinki is almost a must! Be sure to order a freshly baked cinnamon and a cup of coffee (refillable). In the winter, you can hide inside this small and cozy hut after a walk along the Sibelius Park. In summer, you can sit at the spacious outdoor terrace to slowly sip your cup of coffee and enjoy the sea view. You can also grill a sausage on open fire at the outdoor terrace and experience something that normally only takes place in the countryside. One note of caution for sitting outside is to be careful of the seagulls snatching your food!

For nightlife and entertainment:

Most bars can be found along Hindley Street, or Rundle Street. Plenty of bars have their own craft beer, and it is an experience to try different local ones. On certain weekday nights, some bars may also have cheap tacos or pizzas so keep an eye out for that!

Flying Chalks’ recommendations:

  • Palace Nova Cinemas on Rundle Street - Mondays offer great value for students as you can a ticket with a drink (which can be beer, wine or soft drink) for just $10! Remember to bring your student ID card along!
  • Bowling Alleys & Laser Tag @ Norwood
  • Adelaide Casino
  • Gaol Ghost Tour - http://www.adelaidehauntedhorizons.com.au/adelaidegaolghosttour.html
  • Clubs: London/Casablabla/Dog & Duck/Zhivago, mostly located along Hindley street.
  • Fancy some desserts? How about a 24/7 Pancake House on Hindley or Eggless at Goodwood which serves seasonal, homemade vegan cakes and tarts made without eggs, served in an arty little dessert bar. Trust me, you wouldn’t even know they were vegan desserts to begin with!

For daily necessities and groceries

The chain supermarkets Woolsworth, Coles and Aldi offer frequent discounts and weekly promotions. There are also 2 other supermarkets, IGA and Foodland. Do note the opening hours of these supermarkets as they do change during public holidays.

Flying Chalks’ recommendation:

  • Do sign up for the supermarkets’ rewards cards! These cards let you collect points to gain rewards. You will also be able to receive shopping coupons from time to time. For more information, visit: https://www.flybuys.com.au/about/#/how-it-works

Flying Chalks’ tips:

  • For fresh produce, head over to the Adelaide Central Market! Do note that groceries may be pricier than those in the supermarkets, unless you’re buying the goods on a Saturday afternoon. The central market is closed on Monday and Sunday, and has extended opening hours on Fridays.
  • If you are looking for Asian goods, head over to Chinatown.
  • Chemist Warehouse or Priceline are where you can get daily necessities such as toiletries.
  • Do visit Kmart or Target if you’re looking for kitchenware and furniture. If you have more time, you can also take a trip to IKEA, which is located out of the city. 

For shopping:

Rundle Mall has sales periodically. There are sales at the end of each season, Black Friday, Boxing Day and Easter, to name a few. At any other time of the year, Harbourtown would be a good place to go. There, you can get easily get discounts of up to 70%.

Westfield Marion is the largest shopping complex in Adelaide, located down south in Oaklands Park. It boasts many tenants including David Jones, Myer, Harris Scarfe, Target, Kmart, BIG W, Woolworths, Coles, Event Cinemas, and Aldi. Like Rundle Mall, sales only occur at specific times of the year. Alternatively, visit Burnside Village. It is an upscale shopping centre located in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide and is home to over 100 premium lifestyle and fashion stores.

For Leisure:

The University of Adelaide is just a 10 minute walk away from the Adelaide Zoo, Botanical Gardens, SA Museum, Art Gallery,National Wine Museum and 15 minutes from the Adelaide Festival Centre and Casino. Other attractions close to the city are the Torrens River, Migration Museum, State Library, National War Memorial and the Adelaide Oval.

 
Accessibility

The transport system of Adelaide is fully integrated into Google maps, so just pop in your destination and follow the detailed public transport/taxi/driving options.

Getting from Adelaide Airport to University:

By taxi

If you are carrying tons of baggage, a taxi is recommended. Uber is available in Australia and has a decent-sized fleet of drivers giving rides at a very competitive price. Normal Taxi services are also available with relatively reasonable prices, calculated according to distance travelled. A trip from the airport to Adelaide city centre would cost about 25 AUD with a normal taxi.

By bus

Dedicated airport to city buses are also available (eg. J1X, J1, J2). The bus stop to the city is a few minutes’ walk out of the airport. Tickets can be bought at the bus stop or on the bus (Up to 2.70 AUD for tickets during peak hours)

Airport pickup service

For new students, you can sign up for University of Adelaide’s pick up services upon your first-time arrival to Adelaide. You can sign up whilst accepting the offer from the university. The friendly chauffeurs will ensure your safety in a foreign land and providing you a warm welcome to Adelaide.