In just a matter of weeks, there will be a student walking the corridors of one of Australia’s most prestigious universities who is not quite like the other 70,000.
Last month, it was announced that The University of Sydney (USYD for short) will have a
royal enrollment starting from August this year.
That’s right – Norway’s future queen 21-year-old Princess Ingrid Alexandra, will relocate to Australia soon to attend the university currently ranked 18th in the world.
She will study a social sciences degree full-time and live on campus in student housing.
So, what can the royal expect?
Well, we asked three students* (two currently studying and one graduate) to share the ins and outs of what it’s like to attend the same university that boasts former Australian Prime Ministers among its alumni.
Read on for a behind-the-scenes look at what the Princess’ next few years will look like.
So, what will the Princess actually study?
The princess is enrolled to study a three-year Bachelor of Arts, majoring in international relations and political economy.
The degree comes under the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
According to student one, who is studying in the social sciences as well, the diverse degree is “underpinned by the critical investigation into the nature of human political and social structures.”
As for student three who is studying a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts, their third-year course load typically means going to the university campus twice a week.
Spending your days on a 175-year-old campus
The University of Sydney has been around since 1850.
Set in the heart of Sydney CBD, the main Camperdown/Darlington campus looks like something straight out of a Harry Potter movie thanks to the grand architecture.
“I didn’t realize how huge the campus itself was!” admits student one.
Covering approximately 72 hectares, classes are spread all over the campus.
“A personal surprise was finding out your classes could be halfway across campus, which can be quite far when you have four journeys to make back and forth,” adds student two, who started their degree during the pandemic.
Among the many libraries and lecture halls are the occasional green spaces.
“I really like how the USYD campus feels like an oasis in the middle of Sydney and the mix of heritage and modern architecture is interesting too,” says student three.
In particular, the main Quadrangle and around it is a go-to spot.
“It is such a gorgeous building to lie outside of in the sun, and it is close to Fischer Library!” says student one, noting that the library is “a great place to study”.
For those on campus all day, the uni has lots of food options – from sushi to Boba and cafés scattered all around for those wanting to grab a quick snack between classes.
And you’re right in the city!
“Personally, I’d say being so central to the city is great,” student two says it’s a highlight.
“You’re so close to tons of great bars and restaurants. It’s close to just about anywhere.”
The campus is also roughly 10 minutes by bus to get to Newtown, where there are lots of shops, cafes, and restaurants for students to hang out at.
“After attending lectures and tutorials I grab lunch with my friends and sometimes we head to Newtown afterwards for a drink before heading home,” says student one.
Student two points out that Victoria Park, which is located just on the corner near the university, is “a nice place to be on a sunny day.”
What it’s really like to live on campus
USYD has six residential colleges, and the students have nothing but praise for the living situations the royal will soon encounter.
Student three said one of their favorite parts of living at Sancta Sophia College – the uni’s all-female college – in first year was a joy, in particular due to “being surrounded by friends every day”.
“Your friends quickly feel like family when you’re eating every meal together and exploring new parts of Sydney together on the weekends,” they said.
For college-goers, it’s within walking distance to classes and places like Glebe and Newtown.
The colleges also offer social events and formals throughout the semester.
The student adds that there are lots of opportunities to meet people from other colleges, with weekly parties at college bars and extracurricular sports and dance competitions.
Meeting new people: From classes to clubs
Aside from the “academically rigorous culture,” student three reveals their favorite part of university life is “definitely all the friends I’ve met during my degree.”
As with most universities, USYD holds an orientation – or ‘welcome’ – week for new students at the start of the year (semester one).
This is a chance for students to see the more than 200 clubs and societies on offer.
Across the three students who spoke to Zap News, they joined the Economics and business clubs as well as a USYD college netball team.
“I would recommend embracing every opportunity to meet new people by getting involved in different social and extra-curricular activities,” student three suggests.
Classes are also a chance to meet like-minded students from all over the place.
“I would encourage people to go out of their way to meet up and study with others,” student two recommends, noting that friendships at university don’t come as naturally as they do in high school.
How will students react to a royal on campus?
It’s no secret by now to students that there will soon be a royal in their midst.
So, how are the current students feeling about it?
“I think initially there will be some excitement,” says student one, with student three adding it’s “definitely exciting and intriguing” to have a princess on campus.
At the end of the day, both say people will recognise she’s just like any other student.
“I think most people will respect the fact that she is just a normal young woman starting university for the first time and navigating life in a new city without her family,” remarks student three.