Philip Baxter College
Established in 1966, the largest of the Kensington colleges is named after the first Vice-Chancellor of UNSW, Philip Baxter.
Philip Baxter College is renowned for its vibrant, energetic atmosphere. It is a lively and welcoming place perfect for outgoing students who love to immerse themselves in social events, take on leadership roles, and participate in sports.
- Overview
- Student support
- Testimonials
- Meet the team
Overview
Baxter College is often regarded as the most socially active of the three colleges and has consistently topped the leader board for sports over the last few years.
With the Baxter play and variety show, a tour of Hunter Valley wineries, numerous non-competitive activities, and the yearly Baxter Ball, there's never a dull moment!
Student support
You’ll be supported by an on-site team comprising of the Dean, Deputy Dean and a team of Resident Fellows (or RFs). Every floor has an RF, and their job is to provide academic guidance and pastoral support and ensure each resident is looked after.
Academically, we run peer-led study groups to support students adjust to the academic requirements of university study – in addition, we also run shared study sessions along with wellbeing programs coordinated by our Wellbeing Officer, helping to make the transition from high school to university a smooth one.
Testimonials
To stay at college you must be organised and understand that this is a home for all people of any background.
Living on campus at UNSW, is a great opportunity to meet friends and get involved outside of class. I came to UNSW knowing no one who lived in Sydney and within my first week had made friends with lots of new people.
Lauren Ryznar | Dean of Philip Baxter College
I have come a weird and wonderful route to become Dean here at Philip Baxter! Believe it or not I started out my career as a self-employed Dance teacher in Scotland, having studied a Masters of Science in Dance Science and Education from Edinburgh University, and was involved with both the Royal Academy of Dance and the Scottish Qualifications Authority.Â
From there I moved to South Korea to teach in an International School on the beautiful island of Jeju, where I fell into the role of Housemistress and fell in love with how rewarding I found building relationships rather than delivering subject specific knowledge. This change of direction is what led me to my role here as Dean of Baxter where I have the pleasure of creating a College culture which is inclusive and engaging.Â
Nicholas Curry | Deputy Dean of Philip Baxter College
As the Deputy Dean, Nick is responsible for assisting Dean Lauren in the daily management of the college, as well as fulfilling the role of Resident Fellow in terms of providing academic and pastoral support to a group of students.
Resident and Student Fellows
Resident Fellows (RFs) are staff members of UNSW and typically in their final years of study or already holding a degree. RFs live with the students on their floors and provide daily academic and pastoral support. RFs aren’t teachers, but they’re a little like a supportive older sibling with loads of experience to pass on and a willingness to help guide the residents.
Student Fellow (SF) is assigned every year. They’re a volunteer senior student whose role who works closely with the RF's, Deputy Dean and Dean, ensuring the wellbeing of all residents is top of mind.
House Committee
The House Committee is composed of student leaders elected annually by residents in various portfolios aimed at offering residents opportunities to be involved in extra-curricular activities. The House Committee includes an executive group of a president, secretary and treasurer and administers a budget each year across areas such as cultural, sport, social, charities and communications.
Features
- average room size 10 to 12 square metres
fully furnished
private and shared bathrooms
all meals provided (including formal dinners)Â
Wi-Fi, electricity, gas and water included
- cleaning of rooms fortnightly
- opportunities for student leadership and volunteering
24-hour campus security
social and group study rooms on each floor
large common room adjacent to landscaped gardens
rooftop terraces with outdoor barbecue facilitiesÂ
QR operated and cashless operated laundry facilities
sporting, social and cultural programs.
Gallery
Baxter ensuite
Room types & fees
Room type |
Meals |
Bathroom |
Cleaning |
Single |
Catered |
Shared |
Yes |
Single |
Catered |
Yes |
Yes |
- The contract period is 44 weeks. Single-term contracts are currently unavailable due to high occupancy numbers; please contact the office for more details.
- Weekly rates are for 2025 and are expected to change yearly. Rates shown are for full-year contracts only.
The contract period is from 8 February to 12 December 2025.
