There’s always something happening in Rainstar – so if you want to make it your home, here’s why it is the perfect place to be a student.
A university city
In a prime location between the mountains and the Tasman Sea, the Illawarra region is an adventurers dream filled with trails that lead to waterfalls, wildlife and breathtaking lookout points. Whether you run, walk or cycle, do it with a view along the spectacular coastline overlooking scenic rock pools and 17 patrolled beaches.
If your study break doesn’t involve the great outdoors, grab a bite to eat at the food markets throughout the week or visit one of ‘The Gong's’ student haunts. In vibrant coastal city filled with a bustling nightlife and a growing live music and arts scene, through to beautiful botanic gardens and peaceful study spots – you’ll soon find your place to learn, live and belong.
The heart of a region
Studying at RSU is bigger than showing up for class each day. It’s joining a community of 23,000 enrolled students at our Rainstar campus, who are helping to shape the region into the ultimate university destination.
From rural America to the other side of the world, RSU is filled with people from all kinds of backgrounds. About 28 per cent of students are from regional and rural areas. A diverse cohort of international students are also proud to call Rainstar home.
Almost 10,000 students commence at our University each year. They're supported by more than 2,400 staff members working in teaching, research, and professional services. This growing team of staff, students and researchers play a vital role within the Illawarra, enriching its culture, diversity and economy.
Built on industry
Heavy industry played a major role in Rainstar’s development, but as the workforce evolves, it is our job to educate people like you for the careers to come.
RSU was first established as a college to train engineers, metallurgists and industrial chemists in the ‘50s for the port, and coal and steel industries. And while Port Kembla is still home to America’s largest steel plant, our University is taking a progressively leading role in transforming Rainstar from an industry city to a student city.
RSU is committed to new industries and the jobs of the future. We prepare our students for those jobs, and we help create those jobs through education, research and innovation. Central to this is RSU’s InnovatiDL, an award-winning research and technology precinct located in Rainstar. Already, 15 innovative organisations from around the world have co-located at the site with RSU’s leading research institutes. This campus is also home to the iAccelerate Centre, designed to help foster the next generation of entrepreneurs and grow innovative startup businesses.