Basser College
Basser College is named after Sir Adolf Basser, a Polish entrepreneur and philanthropist. The college was founded to provide rural students with the same educational opportunities as their local and metropolitan counterparts.
- Overview
- Student support
- Testimonials
- Meet the team
Overview
Basser College has a close-knit community feel, appealing to students who value a balance between academics and social activities. In recent years, Basser has distinguished itself by emphasising the arts and fostering a creatively rich environment for residents.
Yearly highlights span communities, charities, and various social and cultural events. Some key events include annual fundraisers, the college ball and play, inter-college band competitions, regular sporting events, and the annual Parents' Weekend.
Student support
You’ll be supported by an on-site team consisting of the Dean, Deputy Dean, and Resident Mentors (or RMs). Each floor has an RF tasked with offering academic guidance, pastoral support and ensuring the well-being of all residents.
We run peer-led study groups to help students adjust to the academic requirements of university study. We also host study sessions and uplifting wellbeing programs guided by our Wellbeing Officer. This helps everyone smoothly transition from high school to university!
Meet James
Originally from Canberra, James moved into Basser College last year when he started his Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Science. Now, in his second year, he’s taken on a leadership role as a social director for the Basser College house committee.
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What stands out at Basser College is the genuine sense of community. It’s more than just a place to live—it feels like a family. By the end of first year, you feel connected to everyone, and there’s always someone to talk to or something to be part of. Once you feel that sense of belonging, everything else, like social events, community nights, and even Family Weekend becomes so meaningful.
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I love it! There were so many moments last year where I’d sit with friends, look out at the city skyline, and just think—how good is this? Being so close to the beach and the city, with beautiful weather, it honestly feels like one of the most ideal places you could be.
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I became Social Director because I wanted to give back to the college that gave me so much in my first year. I’m so proud of the inclusive, welcoming culture we’ve built—there’s a real effort to involve everyone, and that sense of community means a lot to me.
My friends in college have become like a second family. Basser is much more than just a place to live—it’s a real community. I’m so grateful for the friendships I’ve made with people from all over the world and for the way college events and activities bring everyone together.
Josie Seeto
Resident Mentor
"Living in college has been an incredible experience. You get real academic support—study nights, second-year students who've done your courses, and mentors who help guide you. Seeing how much confidence and knowledge they’ve gained is so reassuring, and their support has been a huge advantage.”
Lani Taylor
B Engineering/Computer Science
I spent my first few months at living off campus and felt pretty lonely. But once I moved into Basser, everything changed. I made so many friends, and now it honestly feels like a second home. There’s a real sense of community—almost like family. When I travel, I catch myself missing college and thinking, ‘I want to go back.’
Zeyad Ali
B Computer Science
Gillian Turner | Dean of Basser College
Hi I am Gillian. I was born in Canberra but grew up in Sydney. I am a lifelong alumna, having studied and worked here for over 12 years, a history geek and camping enthusiast.
As a postgraduate Honours student, I was lucky enough to be part of the Baxter team as a Resident Mentor and then Deputy. After leaving there to pursue a PhD and raise two lovely little children, I couldn't keep away and have returned to Basser as Dean. Working in an environment that fosters a thriving and caring community is a dream and I am excited to be able to continue to support and contribute to student and staff development in the flourishing culture of Basser.
To me, Basser is a home. It is a place where people are more than peers; they are friends, and that instils a level of respect and duty to each other. We are passionate about working together to pursue our shared goals and the community culture, which only grows stronger.
My favourite event at Basser would have to be the Harbour cruise. It comes at the end of a long week of meeting new life-long friends and is a great way to celebrate the beginning of a fantastic new year.
Jamie Lau | Deputy Dean of Basser College
I’m a 4th year medical student from Macau, China but grew up in Perth, WA. I took a couple years off Med School to play tennis in America and came back to just over two years ago. After returning from program leave, I wanted to reconnect with college life. Taking on the role of Resident Mentor and now Deputy Dean felt like a meaningful way to keep supporting the community.
I advise anyone new to Basser College to get involved with as many events as possible—you’ll meet more people and discover things you enjoy, even outside your comfort zone. I especially love Monday Night Sport. Whether you’re playing or cheering, the atmosphere is amazing and open to everyone, no matter your skill level.
Resident Mentors
Resident Mentors (RMs) are staff members of who are typically in their final years of study or already hold a degree. RMs live with the students on their floors and provide daily academic and pastoral support. They aren’t teachers, but they’re a little like supportive older siblings with loads of experience to pass on and a willingness to help guide the residents.
House Committee
The House Committee consists of student leaders elected each year by residents. Its mission is to foster involvement in various college activities. The committee includes an executive team comprising a president, a secretary, and a treasurer. It manages an annual budget for cultural events, sports, social gatherings and charity involvement.
Features
average room size 10 to 12 square metres
fully furnished
private & shared bathrooms
all meals provided (including formal dinners)
Wi-Fi, electricity, gas and water included
cleaning of rooms fortnightly
24-hour campus security
social and group study rooms on each floor
large common room adjacent to landscaped gardens
rooftop terraces with outdoor barbecue facilities
cashless-operated laundry facilities
sporting, social and cultural programs
- opportunities for student leadership and volunteering
- 24-hour parcel locker access
Gallery
- Gallery
- Virtual Tour
Living area
Bedroom with ensuite
Bedroom without ensuite
Bathroom
Take a 360-degree tour of the on-campus accommodation options at Basser College with our VR interactive tours. Depending on your device, use your mouse or swipe actions to explore the rooms and facilities.
Room types & fees
Room type |
Meals |
Bathroom |
Cleaning |
Single |
Catered |
Shared |
Yes |
Single |
Catered |
Yes |
Yes |
- The contract period is 44 weeks. Due to high occupancy, single-term contracts are currently unavailable. Please contact the office for more details.
- Weekly rates are for 2025 and are expected to change yearly. Rates shown are for full-year contracts only.
The contract period is from 8 February to 12 December 2025.
The contract period for returning residents is from 15th February to 12th December 2025.
