A battle of the campuses

A battle of the campuses … Geelong Waurn Ponds or Geelong Waterfront.  

Love the beach and think you should live at Waurn Ponds because it’s closer?  Or don’t have a car so think your only option is our Waterfront Campus?  
 
We get it. You’re confused. Weighing up which Geelong Campus to apply for and live at can seem daunting so let us break it down for you, but before we go on, we’ll let you in on a little secret … it doesn’t matter which campus you choose because each can feel like home and the choice really is yours.  
 
Of course, our Geelong Campuses are different. One is an eleven-story high rise building and the other is a myriad of smaller buildings, but in essence they are more alike than they are different. Let us explain.  

Love nature?

Perfect. Both are home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes Victoria has to offer, so whether you prefer the large open spaces of the Waurn Ponds campus or the esplanade walks at our Waterfront Campus, you will feel right at home in the surrounds of your natural environment.  

Don’t have a car?

Short answer … No worries. But this is without doubt a major conversation starter for those deciding on the right campus for them … so hear us out.   
Living at Waterfront affords you the luxury of walking to all major supermarkets within minutes along with a plethora of other specialty stores and eateries. You will also have access to a dynamic web of public transport offerings. But don’t worry, our Waurn Ponds Campus also boasts easy access to bus services that take you to the closest shopping centre, or if you’re keen to get the step count up, it’s just a cheeky 20 minute walk. Good for the body and good for the budget – it’s a win win!  

But what if I do have a car?

Both campuses offer long term parking permits so if you do have a car (lucky duck!) it will have a home. And if you don’t want to part with the cost for a parking permit, there is a free car park at the Waurn Ponds Campus which you can utilise or, hunt down a free car park in the CBD if you choose Waterfront.  

Studying at one Campus but want to live at the other?

What a great idea! Our stats show us that an equal number of our Resi’s live at one campus but study at the other.  It is super common, so you won’t be alone!  Let us give you an example. You might be dreaming of studying architecture (a course only offered at our Waterfront Campus) but love to hit the surf every morning so want to live at the Waurn Ponds Campus to be closer to the beach. GREAT! Or vice versa, you may be desperate to study Sports and Exercise Science (a course only offered at our Waurn Ponds Campus) but know that you’ll need to jump on a train pretty frequently to travel home so want to live at our Waterfront Campus. GREAT! Whatever your reasoning, it’s no skin off our nose … you need to do what’s best for you!  
 
Oh and the best part? The University offers a free inter-campus shuttle bus for all students, that runs door to door of either campus, every 30 minutes. How good! So, no car? No worries.  

Want to experience city living?

We would be lying if we said there weren’t geographical benefits of living at our Waterfront Campus, though. I mean come on, you’re within minutes of amazing coffee, incredible water views, public transport, eateries and did we mention coffee? For many of our Waterfront Resi’s, they say that living in the heart of Geelong is likeeee living in Melbourne…. But not. It’s got the appeal of Melbourne, but it’s smaller, and cozier. It’s a mini-Melbourne. So, if city life is your dream, but don’t want to take the plunge into the big smoke, then our Waterfront campus is for you!)   

Style of Accommodation?

We cannot encourage you enough to jump onto our website and take a virtual tour as this will tell you heaps more than we ever could. Especially if you’re a visual leaner! If you have any questions after your take your tour, our Reception Team would be more than happy to answer them, so don’t be afraid to reach out and give us a bell! 
 
And finally, when it comes to the bells and whistles of what our campuses offer, they are like for like. Here at Deakin Res, we not only pride ourselves on the physical environments we offer (eg rec rooms, study rooms, theatre rooms, wellness rooms, etc etc etc etc etc) but also on the wrap around supports we provide such as our Campus Life Team, 24/7 welfare support, and Maintenance and Reception supports! So it doesn’t matter which campus you choose, your experience as a resi will be very similar.  
 
So … we’re not sure if we have eased your concerns or not … but if we had to narrow it down, the easiest way to say it is … you need to choose the campus that feels right for you. And the best part is that we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.