If you’re planning on living off campus – either at home with your family or in a share house – it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a residential-like community at uni. While student residences at ANU host countless events to connect and entertain their residents, as a non-resident you can meet new friends by joining the dynamic community at Griffin Hall.
Overview
- Griffin Hall is a community for students that don't live in student accommodation.
- Members get to compete in competitions run by the Interhall Sports Organisation and Interhall Arts Committee.
- It's a great way to meet new friends at uni.
If you want to get involved in events like trivia, AFL and valedictory dinners, Griffin Hall might be just what you’re looking for. Become a member and you'll likely end up meeting some of your best friends here.
What is Griffin Hall?
Griffin Hall is a non-residential community that any ANU student can join* to access its events for $120 each semester. You’ll enjoy Griffin Hall’s common room on the ANU campus that includes study areas, a kitchenette and space to socialise.
Experienced members form a team of Community Assistants and mentor new students to help you adjust to life at the University.
Just as you would living in a student residence, you’ll have plenty of leadership opportunities at Griffin Hall. As a member, you can become a Community Assistant too and help organise events or get involved with other outreach and student advocacy work.
* Except students who are already part of an ANU student residence.
Three students walking and talking along a shaded path on a sunny day. Other students are towards the front, out of focus, talking around a picnic table.
Art and sport at Griffin
The real meat of Griffin Hall is that it lets you participate in the Interhall Sports Organisation (ISO) and the Interhall Arts Committee (IAC).
Over the academic year, the ISO runs competitions for 16 different sports. These include classics like AFL, rugby and soccer. But there’s also badminton, road relay and lawn bowls. If there’s any sport you like, it’s likely Griffin Hall offers it.
For the more artistically inclined, there’s something here for you too. The IAC has 13 events throughout the year, covering all sorts of performances. Think debating, chess, trivia. There’s even a Battle of the Bands! Plenty of chances to get up on a stage, if that’s your thing.
An ANU student plays violin in a recording studio, as other students watch from the mixing desk.
Making new connections
Much like the residences, Griffin Hall organises social events in a relaxed uncompetitive environment that encourages getting to know people.
Annual events include the Commencement Dinner, where members get together to celebrate the start of a new academic year, and the end-of-year Valedictory Dinner, which also functions as an awards night that recognises students’ contribution to Griffin Hall.
And, throughout the year there are regular mixers helping you to meet people from the student residences.
A great way to meet new friends
There are plenty of places to make friends at ANU, but Griffin Hall is one of the best and will help you feel like you belong while living off campus. You never know, it could give you a taste of the residential experience and see you living in a student residence down the track.
A large group of students in colourful togas pose in front of the entrance to Griffin Hall.
Thinking of living on campus? While you won’t be able to join Griffin Hall, you can take part in the activities your student residence hosts, along with interhall events. Explore our accommodation options.