Living in Canberra

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Living in Canberra

Australia's standout city

Introduction

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Surrounded by iconic Australian bushland with a bustling city centre, Canberra has all the benefits of both big city and small-town living. 

Canberra is rich in opportunity. Not only is the city famous for museums and galleries, world-class dining and entertainment, Canberra is known for its inclusive community and diversity, with a quarter of the city鈥檚 population born overseas. Everyone is welcome, and everyone is encouraged to succeed.  

People in Canberra value education, creativity and progressive thinking. Graduates in Canberra have strong job prospects, with Canberra recording the lowest unemployment rate in the country. 

Close to Sydney, snow fields, national parks and beaches, it鈥檚 easy to see why the nation鈥檚 capital has repeatedly earned the title of Australia鈥檚 Most Liveable City. Study in Canberra and join a vibrant, welcoming community that will make you feel at home.  

Liveability

Liveability

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It鈥檚 not hard to see how Canberra has repeatedly earned the title of . We鈥檙e home to the ,  and some of its best infrastructure and services. Our community has a national reputation for being friendly, welcoming and accepting of other cultures, and our low crime rate allows for a permanent feeling of safety and security.

Canberra is a truly green city, with 100% renewable energy and a goal of net zero emission by 2045. What does that mean in everyday life? That you鈥檒l see the highest number of electric vehicles in the country per capita, a big battery on the outskirts of town  and a unified attitude of the community to ensure sustainability at the highest levels.

Canberra is also one of the most affordable cities for students, with reasonably priced accommodation and a low cost of living, making it easier to live a modest lifestyle.

Image provided by VisitCanberra
Image provided by VisitCanberra
Image provided by VisitCanberra

Sights

Sights

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From galleries and museums, to the scenic shores of Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra is blessed with abundant sights to see. Whether you鈥檙e an art buff or prefer science or history instead, there are interesting exhibitions and attractions for you to enjoy all throughout the year.

There are too many places to list here but let鈥檚 highlights some of the amazing institutions and locations Canberra offers: The National Gallery of Australia, The National Portrait Gallery, The National Library. The Australian War Memorial, The National Museum, The Museum of Australian Democracy, and of course Parliament House. That鈥檚 definitely enough to get you started!

You can explore the city鈥檚 best attractions using the modern light rail service or via the Culture Loop shuttle bus 鈥� a free hop-on, hop-off service connecting Canberra鈥檚 city centre (Civic) with nearby surrounding cultural institutions.

Image provided by VisitCanberra
Image provided by VisitCanberra
Image provided by VisitCanberra

Restaurants, cafes and nightlife

Restaurants, cafes and nightlife

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The cosmopolitan lifestyle is alive and thriving in Canberra. From Braddon and New Acton to Kingston, Manuka and Civic, our suburbs are brimming with international eateries and award-winning cafes, including ONA Coffee 鈥� home to Canberra鈥檚 very own World Barista Champion and several Australian Barista Champions too. Whether you鈥檙e after a casual breakfast, a fine-dining experience or an all-day food and wine festival, Canberra has cuisines to suit every preference and occasion.

Enjoy nights of live music at The Basement in Belconnen and Smith鈥檚 Alternative in Civic, or see Australia鈥檚 best artists and international acts at music festivals like Spilt Milk, Groovin the Moo and UC鈥檚 own Stonefest. A variety of nightlife venues span the inner suburbs, making for a good night out with friends, whether it鈥檚 beer gardens and cocktail bars, or pubs and clubs you鈥檙e after.

Image provided by VisitCanberra
Image provided by VisitCanberra
Image provided by VisitCanberra

Outdoors and nature

Outdoors and nature

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Over half the ACT is made up of protected nature reserves, and we are the bush capital. What does that mean? Well, that you are surrounded by nature and get to enjoy the changes that come with four distinctive seasons. From stunning spring to the spectacle of autumn you get to live in nature as you study, relax and work.

And if you love native animals then it鈥檚 easy to meet a kangaroo or koala. Just take a trip to the great outdoors and keep your eyes open to meet them. Walking trails will take you to the summits of Mount Ainslie and Mount Majura, while easy access to Lake Burley Griffin, Lake Ginninderra and Lake Tuggeranong means there are plenty of options for sailing, kayaking and rowing too. Also make sure you check out the Botanic Gardens and Tidbinbilla for some amazing sights and 黑料网 Stromlo Park for world class mountain biking trails.

Extensive campgrounds, cycle lanes, playgrounds, parks and picnic spots in Canberra and the surrounding region mean you鈥檒l never be stuck for something to do if you love the native bush.

Within easy driving distance of the shores of the South Coast, the snowfields of the Snowy Mountains and the peaks of the Blue Mountains, Canberra is also in a prime position for weekends away too.

Image provided by VisitCanberra
Image provided by Thredbo via VisitCanberra
Image provided by VisitCanberra

Shopping and markets

Shopping and markets

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From niche boutiques selling local creations to large department stores and malls, Canberra boasts a thriving shopping scene.

There are just so many choices at shopping centres such as the Canberra Centre, to boutique shops of Manuka that you will never be lost for choice no matter what your style is. You can also make the most of an amazing variety of markets that feature local produce, including the Old Bus Depot Markets held each Sunday in Kingston and several farmers markets held at various locations and times across Canberra every weekend.

Since Canberra is a truly multicultural city there is also no shortage of stores stocking Asian food from around the world. Head over to Dickson to experience a taste of home but away from home!

 

Image provided by VisitCanberra
Image provided by VisitCanberra
Image provided by VisitCanberra

Events

Events

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Canberra is a city of festivals. There is year round activity to enjoy such as  the laughter at the Canberra Comedy Festival,  the illuminations of Enlighten, the aerial views at the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, and the worldwide food and cultural shows at The National Multicultural Festival. In spring, over a million flower bulbs create a spectacular show of colour across Commonwealth Park during Canberra鈥檚 iconic Floriade event, attracting almost half a million visitors annually. And who can forget Summernats 鈥� Australia鈥檚 largest (and loudest) car festival held in January each year.

For those who love sport, there鈥檚 always an opportunity to catch your favourite teams in action. Within walking distance to UC, GIO Stadium regularly hosts local heroes the Canberra Raiders (rugby league) and the Brumbies (rugby union), while visiting international and Big Bash League cricket sides often play at Manuka Oval. The University of Canberra Capitals, eight-time championship winning Women鈥檚 National Basketball League team, also play several of their local games just down the road from our Bruce campus at the AIS Arena.

Image provided by VisitCanberra
Image provided by VisitCanberra
Images provided by VisitCanberra

Hear from our Alumni

UC recent graduate, Greene, provides a glimpse of her life in Canberra while Kevin shares his story of studying in Canberra and the transition to employment.

Canberra is an 'Advanced Welcoming City'

We are only the second city in Australia to be accredited out of 38 locations globally and proves Canberra鈥檚 success in fostering economic, social and cultural inclusion.

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