Life at Swinburne
Life at Swinburne is more than going to classes, writing assignments and studying for exams.
You'll get to experience the social side of things, which could be living on-campus or joining one of our many clubs and societies.
Don't forget the learning experience. It's about getting prepared for your first 'professional' job and the beginning of your working career. We make sure that your time spent at Swinburne covers all this!
Learning experience
Students are at the centre of everything we do, from the environment in the classroom to providing you with career planning skills to kick-start your career.
We want to make sure you have all the benefits of a university, but with smaller class sizes and individual attention in a welcoming and progressive environment.
Teaching quality
Swinburne has been consistently rated as one of the best universities in Melbourne for Teaching Quality in The Good Universities Guide.
You can be sure to benefit from the quality and individual attention offered by our teachers and academics, who come from industry and have worked directly in their area of expertise.
Individual attention
We're able to provide you with personal attention when you need it.
You'll be able to get in contact with your teachers and lecturers at a time that suits you, and get the help and support you need with your assignments and projects.
You'll also notice smaller class sizes where you can really get to know your fellow peers and teachers, and vice versa!
Career planning
All university students will complete our Careers in the Curriculum subject which helps you develop your career-planning skills.
Normally taken in the second year of your degree, the subject will give you a clear idea of your career direction and the job options available to you in your chosen field.
You'll develop a personal career plan and explore your job options, while also getting advice on job applications, resumé preparation and interviews - and best of all, the subject is free.
International exchange
Swinburne has student exchange agreements with over 90 international institutions.
You could find yourself studying business in the USA, design in Korea, mechanical engineering in France or biotechnology in Sweden – the options are almost endless!
Projects with industry
Our close ties with industry are about providing you with opportunities for invaluable business and workplace experiences during your studies.
Industry representatives inform, shape and challenge our curriculum, but more importantly, industry provides guest speakers, final-year cross-discipline team projects matched to actual business needs, or six-month or year-long paid work placement in our Industry-based Learning program.
All these experiences aim to provide you with a greater chance of employment – even before you graduate.
Industry-Based Learning (IBL)
Swinburne's Industry-Based Learning (IBL) program gives you real-world experience during your undergraduate degree.
It's a six or 12-month paid work placement in the industry you're interested in pursuing as a career path – and an opportunity to gain real-life experience in the workplace.
IBL is known by many names, including Cooperative Education, the Sandwich Year and a Work Integrated Learning placement.
Swinburne has offered IBL since 1963 and we've developed a strong reputation for producing work ready graduates and placing students across a range of prominent organisations within industry.
Internships
Internships are a great opportunity to gain experience in a workplace without taking time away from your studies.
You'll be placed with an employer to work on a research project or undertake work experience under the guidance of industry and academic supervision, generally for two or three days a week throughout the semester.
Capstone Projects
Capstone Projects are professionally focused, real-world team projects normally completed in your final year of study.
You'll work in a team to develop solutions for a real issue, giving you the chance to identify your personal strengths and develop the skills you need once you graduate and enter the work place.
You could find yourself working with real-world employers, opening up networking and employment opportunities after your studies.
Find out more:
Accommodation
Accommodation is an important part of your study experience, and can often influence your decision on where to study.
We can also help you find off-campus accommodation, such as a private rental with friends. We have housing advisers who can help you in your search and provide assistance when it comes to lease agreements and dealing with real estate agents.
Residential College and Apartments
The 84-bed student Residential College is right in the heart of the Hawthorn campus, and provides a safe and supportive environment for first-year students.
Costs include gas, water, electricity and a daily continental breakfast.
There are also 151 beds in the two- and three-bedroom on-campus apartments, providing independent living for senior students or those who have previously lived away from home.
UniLodge @ Swinburne Place
The 125 UniLodge designer apartments at Swinburne Place are fully furnished with lockable bedrooms, remote TV and modern kitchens with crockery and cutlery.
There's a common room with a pool table and plasma TV screens, a laundry and outdoor BBQ area.
The apartments have electronic key card access and security camera CCTV surveillance.
UniLodge Vivida
This brand new complex comprises 194 tastefully appointed, fully furnished studio apartments.
They feature en suite bathrooms, security key card access and CCTV surveillance, flat-screen televisions and DVD players in each room, private balconies and air-conditioning and dishwashers (selected apartments only).
Common facilities include a rooftop garden and BBQ area and laundry facilities.
More information:
Campus life
Swinburne offers first-rate facilities in top inner-urban or local locations, near excellent transport, food, shopping and entertainment options.
Our campuses aren't just places on a map, they're vibrant communities with someone on offer for everyone – whether that's clubs and societies, state-of-the art facilities, or great places to grab a bite between classes.
Clubs and societies
Swinburne clubs and societies are active on every campus and cover every social, religious, sporting, regional, political and cultural interest you can think of!
Swinburne Student Amenities Association
The Swinburne Student Amenities Association (SSAA) is an independent student group dedicated to providing you with the best student experience possible.
Check out their website to view a full list of Swinburne clubs and societies.
Swinburne Student Union
The Swinburne Student Union is an independent, student-run representation, welfare and events service. They run fun and interesting events throughout the year and campaigns which represent and protect student's interests and rights.
Become a fan of the Swinburne Student Union on Facebook.
Campus events and activities
Each campus has a calendar packed of events and cultural activities. From free barbecues and lunchtime gigs to theme parties, balls and getaways, there's always a chance to create a balance between life and study while on campus.
Swinburne's Facebook page has albums of photos from campus events, be sure to take a look.
View a full calendar of events for all campuses on the Swinburne Student Amenities Association (SSAA) website.
Facilities
All of our campuses feature up-to-the-minute technology in a contemporary environment, helping you to get the most out of your study experience.
Wireless networking and computer labs
Wireless network access at Swinburne means you can turn on your laptop or mobile at any time within the coverage areas and have access to the internet and university network.
Swinburne also offers a number of PC labs to assist you in completing your assignments. The Hawthorn campus library provides a Late Lab which offers 24-hour, seven-day access.
Sport and recreation
The Hawthorn campus offers welcoming gym facilities and personal training (at student-friendly rates). There's also a range of sporting clubs for you to join.
Libraries
As a Swinburne student you'll have access to the extensive collection of resource material in any of our campus libraries.
The libraries also have workstations, computers, printers, scanners and photocopiers for student use. Come assignment deadlines, the library may well be your second home!
Around Swinburne
Find out about the places students love on and around our campuses.
Discover the best places to shop, recommended coffee spots and where to find fellow students on a night out.
Connect with Swinburne
Join one of our many social networks and keep up with the latest news and events at Swinburne.
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Facebook
Keep up to date with Swinburne news, events on Swinburne's largest social network.
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Flickr
Photos of Swinburne events and campuses.
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Foursquare
A location-based social network encouraging wider engagement with the community and local businesses around our campuses.
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Google +
A place to connect with people to share stories, photos and videos about Swinburne.
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LinkedIn
Connect with with colleagues, classmates and potential business contacts.
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Tumblr
A blog promoting student work, achievements and highlighting our campuses and facilities.
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Twitter
Keep up to date with what's going on at Swinburne.
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YouTube
An extensive video suite from all corners of the university.
