Living in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½

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Living in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½

Australia's standout city

Introduction

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Surrounded by iconic Australian bushland with a bustling city centre, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has all the benefits of both big city and small-town living. 

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ is rich in opportunity. Not only is the city famous for museums and galleries, world-class dining and entertainment, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ is known for its inclusive community and diversity, with a quarter of the city’s population born overseas. Everyone is welcome, and everyone is encouraged to succeed.  

People in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ value education, creativity and progressive thinking. Graduates in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ have strong job prospects, with ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ recording the lowest unemployment rate in the country. 

Close to Sydney, snow fields, national parks and beaches, it’s easy to see why the nation’s capital has repeatedly earned the title of Australia’s Most Liveable City. Study in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and join a vibrant, welcoming community that will make you feel at home.  

Liveability

Liveability

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It’s not hard to see how ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has repeatedly earned the title of . We’re 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.

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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’ll 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.

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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 VisitÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
Image provided by VisitÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
Image provided by VisitÀÖ²¥´«Ã½

Sights

Sights

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From galleries and museums, to the scenic shores of Lake Burley Griffin, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ is blessed with abundant sights to see. Whether you’re 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’s highlights some of the amazing institutions and locations ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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’s definitely enough to get you started!

You can explore the city’s best attractions using the modern light rail service or via the Culture Loop shuttle bus – a free hop-on, hop-off service connecting ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™s city centre (Civic) with nearby surrounding cultural institutions.

Image provided by VisitÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
Image provided by VisitÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
Image provided by VisitÀÖ²¥´«Ã½

Restaurants, cafes and nightlife

Restaurants, cafes and nightlife

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The cosmopolitan lifestyle is alive and thriving in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. From Braddon and New Acton to Kingston, Manuka and Civic, our suburbs are brimming with international eateries and award-winning cafes, including ONA Coffee â€“ home to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™s very own World Barista Champion and several Australian Barista Champions too. Whether you’re after a casual breakfast, a fine-dining experience or an all-day food and wine festival, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has cuisines to suit every preference and occasion.

Enjoy nights of live music at The Basement in Belconnen and Smith’s Alternative in Civic, or see Australia’s best artists and international acts at music festivals like Spilt Milk, Groovin the Moo and ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™s own Stonefest. A variety of nightlife venues span the inner suburbs, making for a good night out with friends, whether it’s beer gardens and cocktail bars, or pubs and clubs you’re after.

Image provided by VisitÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
Image provided by VisitÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
Image provided by VisitÀÖ²¥´«Ã½

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’s 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 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Stromlo Park for world class mountain biking trails.

Extensive campgrounds, cycle lanes, playgrounds, parks and picnic spots in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and the surrounding region mean you’ll 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, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ is also in a prime position for weekends away too.

Image provided by VisitÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
Image provided by Thredbo via VisitÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
Image provided by VisitÀÖ²¥´«Ã½

Shopping and markets

Shopping and markets

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From niche boutiques selling local creations to large department stores and malls, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ boasts a thriving shopping scene.

There are just so many choices at shopping centres such as the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ every weekend.

Since ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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 VisitÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
Image provided by VisitÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
Image provided by VisitÀÖ²¥´«Ã½

Events

Events

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ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ is a city of festivals. There is year round activity to enjoy such as  the laughter at the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Comedy Festival,  the illuminations of Enlighten, the aerial views at the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™s iconic Floriade event, attracting almost half a million visitors annually. And who can forget Summernats – Australia’s largest (and loudest) car festival held in January each year.

For those who love sport, there’s always an opportunity to catch your favourite teams in action. Within walking distance to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, GIO Stadium regularly hosts local heroes the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Capitals, eight-time championship winning Women’s 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 VisitÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
Image provided by VisitÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
Images provided by VisitÀÖ²¥´«Ã½

Hear from our Alumni

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ recent graduate, Greene, provides a glimpse of her life in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ while Kevin shares his story of studying in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and the transition to employment.

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ is an 'Advanced Welcoming City'

We are only the second city in Australia to be accredited out of 38 locations globally and proves ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™s success in fostering economic, social and cultural inclusion.

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