Lifestyle and culture

The City of Sydney is home to around 210,000 people, including 25,000 international students. If you’re joining us in this buzzing, diverse city, keep reading.

Is Sydney a good place to live?

We think it’s one of the best cities in the world. And we’re not the only ones - Sydney's ranked the 9th best student city in the world, according to the QS Best Student City Rankings 2023.

Sydney has a vibrant creative community, and you can find art galleries, museums, live music and performance venues - such as the iconic Sydney Opera House - around the city. There are also events and festivals throughout the year, many of them free!

Sydney's famous for its beaches like Manly and Bondi. Go swimming, surfing, snorkelling or kayaking - or enjoy the view. And if walks in nature are what you're looking for, there are plenty of parks, coastal walks and hiking trails a short walk or train ride from UTS.

Our diverse population means you can find many international cuisines. You’ll be able to try something new and find food that fits your religious and cultural needs. 

Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Sydney City at sunset.

Sydney's top 10 things to do

  1. Cruise on Sydney Harbour – catch a ferry to Manly for fish and chips.
  2. Visit the Sydney Opera House for a show - or just enjoy the view.
  3. Enjoy the restaurants, activities and fireworks displays at Darling Harbour. 
  4. Explore the buzzing markets in and around Sydney – find everything from gourmet food to vintage clothes.
  5. Wander through the Royal Botanic Gardens and marvel at the view from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.
  6. Go surfing at the famous Bondi Beach or walk along the coastal track from Bondi to Coogee.
  7. Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and admire the breathtaking view. For a fee, you can walk on top of the bridge (if you dare)!
  8. Encounter unique Australian animals and enjoy the views at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo.
  9. Watch a game of cricket or tennis, rugby league, AFL (Australian Football League) or soccer. For the best experience, go with a fan.
  10. Venture to the Blue Mountains for hiking and spectacular scenery.

Religion in Australia

In Australia, everyone can practise and follow their own beliefs and religion. The most common religion in Australia is Christianity, followed by Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism.

At UTS, there is a multi-faith chaplaincy team who offer emotional and spiritual support. There are multi-faith rooms on campus for groups and individuals from various religions to use. You can also join a club on campus to meet others who share your religious interests. 

Connect with your new community

At UTS there are a range of community and leadership programs, such as UTS BUILD and UTS SOUL, where you can meet people and get involved in the local community.

The City of Sydney (opens an external site) also offers a number of services and resources to connect you with your new community.

Take a tour of Sydney’s neighbourhoods with Time Out Sydney’s Neighbourhood Guide (opens external link).

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.