New student accommodation to open in 2023
The newest residence at The Australian National University will be open for students for the start of first semester next year.
Construction is complete on the 731-bed student accommodation, which will be the University's largest residence to date and bring the total number of on-campus beds at the ANU Acton campus to just over 6,400.
The new accommodation will be named Yukeembruk and the adjoining laneway, Maliyan Lane. These names were gifted following consultation with Ngambri/Ngurmal (Walgalu), Wallaballooa (Ngunnawal), Wiradyuri (Erambie) custodian, Paul Girrawah House, and Professor Aunty Anne Martin, Director of the ANU Tjabal Indigenous Higher Education Centre.
Yibaay-maliyan Yukeembruk (Eaglehawk and Crow) are the two main totems and totemic class system of the Canberra (Ngambri) region. The members of the Walgalu (Ngambri/Ngurmal) and Ngarigu (Currawang/Moolinggoolah) nations belongs within the nation to one of two classes or sections, which were inherited through the mother. The story behind these gifted names will be celebrated in the identity of the new residence.
ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt said Yukeembruk will be a welcome addition to the Acton campus.
"We want our students to have the chance to live on campus and these fantastic new buildings mean 731 more opportunities to experience living and studying on our beautiful campus," Professor Schmidt said.
"Yukeembruk is a great outcome for outcome for community shaped by input from our students."
The new accommodation will provide an additional 731 beds across four buildings for undergraduate and postgraduate students, with 536 beds with shared bathrooms, 195 en-suite rooms and 'masterchef' style kitchens in all buildings. A large village hall is also part of this new development, with the ability to host events for around 280 people at sit-down dinners.
The four residential buildings are built around a large common green amphitheatre, creating a village community with views of Sullivans Creek (first recorded as Canberry/Kamberri Creek), Black Mountain and the lake. Additional offerings include secure bike storage, multiple common rooms and flexible study spaces, outdoor exercise equipment including a half basketball court and a small pop-up retail outlet for groceries and coffee.
Following student feedback, the University included juliette balconies to the design and more common rooms and study spaces, adding an open feel to the rooms and an opportunity for students to enjoy the bushland setting of the rooms along Sullivans Creek. The decision to include multiple indoor and outdoor communal spaces will help to foster a strong sense of community, something students requested during consultation.
Applications are currently open for Semester 1, 2023.
More information on accommodation options at ANU.
