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Celebrating 50 years of student accommodation at Deakin

  • Blog
  • 4 min read
  • Posted December 2022

Student residents enjoying life at Deakin's Waurn Ponds campus (1970s)
Student residents enjoying life at Deakin's Waurn Ponds campus (1970s)

Did you know that student accommodation at Deakin's Waurn Ponds campus pre-dates the University's opening? Our first student accommodation opened at Waurn Ponds in 1973 on what was then the site of The Gordon.

In the lead-up to Deakin University celebrating 50 years since opening in 1974, Deakin Residential Services is delighted to celebrate 50 years of student accommodation throughout 2023.

We are sharing stories of alumni who have lived and studied with us over the last 50 years, and brought past ressies together at alumni reunion events in Geelong, Burwood and Warranmbool.

These events were a great chance for ex-ressies and staff to connect with the University and with the student residences, to re-connect with old friends and strengthen ongoing friendships. Attendees also had the chance to come and see what's changed and re-visit your favourite parts of campus.

You can view some of the alumni stories we've shared this year below, and please ensure you update your contact details with our alumni database to receive invitations to the events.

Lastly, for any ex-residents who would like to share your story since graduating to be part of our collection of alumni profile stories, please complete our short online form.

Written by

Profile photo of author Sam Johnstone
Sam Johnstone Manager, Experience and Engagement

Sam Johnstone is Manager, Experience and Engagement at Deakin Residential Services. With a background in engagement and student experience roles across Deakin and the wider Higher Education sector, Sam is passionate about supporting students to reach their full potential.

Deakin Residential Services

Our purpose is to sustainably deliver an innovative and outstanding student accommodation experience.

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