Basser, Philip Baxter and Goldstein The Kensington Colleges

From an empty paddock to a thriving community of students housed in brand-new buildings, the Kensington Colleges—an important part of the life and soul of the University of New South Wales—have come a long way since they formed in 1959. The Basser, Philip Baxter, and Goldstein colleges have played a vital role in the lives of more than 10,000 residents and many early residents came to the colleges through the Colombo Plan and have since taken on leadership roles throughout Asia, while many others have come from rural Australia to find a varied and successful life on campus. In this study, author Claire Scobie tells the stories behind each college’s culture, support network, social life, and many achievements, and discovers why past and present residents are so loyal to their college.

Claire Scobie is an award-winning journalist who writes for the Daily Telegraph, the Observer, and the Sydney Morning Herald. She is the author of Last Seen in Lhasa and The Pagoda Tree.