Student sitting at a laptop computer

Why the City Centre is the Perfect Place for Uni Students

With so many universities across Sydney, there are no shortage of campuses to choose from. For instance, Western Sydney University alone has campuses from Parramatta, to Penrith, to our favourite, the Sydney City Campus. Each campus brings it’s own lifestyle, but with so much going on in and around the CBD, the city centre really is the place to be for university life.

That’s why at SIBT we’re proud of our location in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, opening up everything Sydney has to offer in events, entertainment, and shopping. Right across from Hyde Park, our state-of-the-art campus puts Sydney’s best nightlife, restaurants, and parklands at your fingertips. So whether you’re looking for a quick study break or a night out with your mates, the city centre has something for everyone, so let’s dive into the ocean of options available to you.

The Highlights

One of the most exciting parts of university is the nightlife, and in this area the city centre delivers in spades. The CBD boasts some of the densest collections of bars in Australia, so you won’t have to walk far to find a good drink. With plenty of nightclubs, live music, and events on all year round, the party’s on in downtown Sydney.

For those who love spending time shopping, there’s no better place to be. Swing by after class and treat yourself in Sydney’s fashion capital, Pitt Street Mall, home to retailers big and small with over 600 specialty stores. With major shopping centres like the Westfield’s Pitt Street, World Square, and the QVB all within a 10-minute walk, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to spoiling yourself.

If you’re a foodie, we’ve got good news for you; there are over 30 cafes, pubs, and restaurants within 500 metres of our front door. Being in the heart of Sydney means you have access to all the vibrant and distinct cultures that find their home here, with plenty of offerings from Italian to Thai that’ll make for a great break between classes. So, whether you’re looking for a coffee or a cocktail, spaghetti or som tam, the perfect meal is just a few minutes away.

Fancy a picnic instead, or just looking for a quick study break before exams? Well luckily for you Australia’s oldest parkland, Hyde Park, lies just across the street from SIBT. Why not have lunch by the iconic ANZAC Memorial, or historic Archibald Fountain? If you’ve got some time to spare, you could always stop in for a few laps at the Cook + Phillip Park Pool, an indoor pool heated all year round. They also have an indoor stadium that runs competitions in Futsal, Basketball, Volleyball, and Netball, so don’t forget your sports gear!

Home to the biggest Lunar New Year celebrations outside of Asia, Chinatown has become one of the most vibrant places in all of Sydney. Just a few blocks from SIBT you’ll find spectacular scenes with dance and music from a variety of Asian cultures, all under a sea of lanterns. Of course, we can’t forget the mouth-watering foods you’ll find all over Chinatown. Even when the celebration concludes, there’s still plenty to discover in this fabulous part of the city centre.

Final thoughts…

With so many sights to see and things to do, the city centre has everything you need to make the most of your time at university before, between, and after classes. Public transport is just a stone’s throw from SIBT, so you can be anywhere in the city in a heartbeat with easy access to both greater Sydney and the excitement of the CBD.

If you’re looking for a Uni experience in the heart of Sydney, then guaranteed progression into the second year of your degree at Western Sydney University, Sydney City Campus through an SIBT Diploma is the perfect way to start. 

Study in the Heart of Sydney

We’re here for you with our flexible study options and first-class student support, so you can stop worrying about your studies and focus on enjoying everything the city centre has to offer.