Welcome to all 2015 Flinders University students
Flinders University is a hive of activity this year, and there are a number of major changes afoot.
Flinders prides itself on its commitment to students, both academically and socially. Our courses constantly evolve to match the needs of an ever-changing world, and our facilities are evolving to suit our vibrant community.
Keep reading for a quick update on the changes you might see underway when you commence classes this week, and be sure to follow Flinders University on social media for regular updates on campus life.
New Plaza and Student Hub
Due for completion in Semester 1, 2016, this major development will create a new heart for the University’s Bedford Park campus. With a focus on student interaction, engagement, services and community events, the new plaza will be a vibrant place in which to learn, connect and socialise.
Designed on sustainable principles by award-winning global architects Woods Bagot, the redevelopment will also include:
- a terraced amphitheatre for outdoor concerts and night cinema screenings
- a rooftop terrace
- a new food court providing a range of healthy and affordable food options
- free, secure and reliable access to a super-fast wi-fi network
- improved access to the Central Library
- quiet study spaces and group study lounges
- student kitchen facilities
- campus bar with stunning views
- Student Association facilities
- a centralised location for student services
- a range of function venues.
Check in regularly for construction updates and watch the fly through of the new Hub and Plaza online.
Access and navigation around the construction site
For guidance around campus please refer to the access map and use the coloured way-finding lines on paths to find the quickest route to your destination. During the first two weeks of Semester One there will also be a number of ‘Ask Me’ Ambassadors around campus to help answer your queries.
Food and retail
During construction of the Plaza and Student Hub, the new pop-up Flinders Laneway will be home to a variety of food vans – including Burger Theory, Big Blue Food Truck, Toly Gourmet Vietnamese Street Food, Myrtle and Mae Travelling Refreshment and Café Bon Voyage. Located just outside the Central Library, Flinders Laneway has plenty of space to sit and relax between lectures.
The Retail Precinct (Wholefoods, STA Travel, Pharmacy, the Post Office and the Campus Store) is open in a convenient new location on the ground floor of the Humanities Building. McHugh’s on the South Ridge and One Byte Café in the Central Library are also open throughout construction and offer a range of food and beverage options and other products and services. Unibooks remains open in its usual location at the base of the Central Library stairs.
Flinders at Tonsley
Designed by award-winning architects HASSELL, Flinders at Tonsley will be home to our School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics, the Flinders Medical Device Research Institute and the Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology, alongside some of Adelaide’s biggest businesses and industries.
Housing more than 150 staff and 2,000 students, Flinders at Tonsley promotes collaboration – creating an environment where students and researchers can interact with businesses in areas such as engineering, medical devices and nanoscale technologies, to make the new products and processes of the 21st century. Flinders at Tonsley is also a hub for entrepreneurs and next-generation start-ups through the New Venture Institute (NVI). The NVI – the centre of innovation and entrepreneurship at the University – runs programs and mentors to enable the next generation of ideas to become reality.
Located between Flinders University’s Bedford Park campus and Adelaide city, with access to the precinct’s shops, cafes, facilities and services, Tonsley is connected to the city by a train-line, offering convenient access 15 minutes from the heart of the CBD. It is a short five-minute car ride, a 15-minute ride on the Flinders loop bus, or a 30-minute walk from our Bedford Park campus.
For students at Tonsley, an App is now available with all the info you need to know – including how to get there, parking and public transport.
Flinders University Student Association
While new student facilities are being built in the Student Hub, the Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is temporarily located on level 4 of the Engineering Building, at the top of South Ridge.
FUSA represents the views and interests of students enrolled at Flinders University, building a support network and culture for an enjoyable student experience. FUSA provides important services including the student council, academic advocacy, financial counselling, welfare services and student representation across Flinders. FUSA also coordinates regular social events and a large range of clubs and societies. You can sign up at FUSA for free online and keep track of things happening around Flinders on FUSA’s Facebook page.
Wishing you all the best for the 2015 academic year.
Professor Colin Stirling
Vice-Chancellor
Flinders University
