The University of Adelaide (est. 1874) is the 3^rd oldest university in Australia, and provides its students with all the traditional academic options (faculties in Engineering, Computer & Mathematical Sciences, Health Sciences, etc.) in a charming city that’s not quite big, but isn’t suffocatingly small, either. Aside from its permanent Central Market and charismatic collection of pubs, cafés, and restaurants, the city itself hosts—every two years—the Festival of the Arts, the Fringe Festival, and the Festival of Ideas.

The University of Adelaide exercises an adept hand when it comes to managing its over 4,500 international students’ transitions abroad, providing a number of residential colleges (dorms, more or less) within close walking distance of the university. There’s also an entire department (which, students attest, is well-organized and more-than-helpful) dedicated to helping those who wish to live off-campus pair up with other international students and find accommodation within their budgetary constraints. Many exchange students choose the residential colleges for their social benefits, but those that choose shared apartments often end up paying less and taking in more of the local culture. While the club/pub scene is vibrant in Adelaide, many have found the house party scene more preferable.

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