A recent Sydney Morning Herald article (17 May 2025) by Education Reporter Christopher Harris has shone a spotlight on the vibrant and evolving experience of residential college life at the University of Sydney. Featuring St Paul’s alongside St Andrew’s, St John’s, Sancta Sophia, and Wesley Colleges, the piece highlights a renewed enthusiasm for the traditional college experience.
Harris describes an “early autumn evening at St Paul’s” where “dinner is more Downton Abbey or Harry Potter,” capturing the unique blend of tradition, community, and academic focus that defines college life. Since the pandemic, applications to residential colleges have surged—with St Paul’s seeing a five-fold increase.
This resurgence reflects a broader trend: as the vitality of campus life has declined in recent decades, students are increasingly seeking the connection, support, and enrichment that college communities provide. At St Paul’s, students benefit from shared learning, lifelong friendships, and a strong sense of belonging—key ingredients for both academic success and personal growth.
Importantly, the college community is becoming more diverse. Students from public schools, regional and remote areas, interstate, and overseas are finding a welcoming and inclusive environment where they can thrive. Many describe the experience as transformative, grounded, and deeply human.
While college fees are often discussed in the context of affordability, the value offered by St Paul’s is significant—especially in today’s challenging rental market. Students enjoy high-quality accommodation, meals, study spaces, music, sport, and a vibrant social life. Thanks to the generosity of alumni and philanthropic partners, scholarships and financial support are available to ensure that cost is not a barrier to opportunity.
As interest in college life continues to grow, so too does the need for support. The St Paul’s College Foundation is currently running its mid-year appeal to expand scholarship opportunities and ensure that more students can access the transformative experience of college life.
🔗 Learn more about the Foundation and how to support the appeal: CLICK HERE
See SMH (17 May 2025) CLICK HERE
