Basser, Philip Baxter and Goldstein: The Kensington Colleges

by Claire Scobie

From an empty paddock to a thriving community of students housed in brand-new buildings, the Kensington Colleges—an important part of the life and soul of the University of New South Wales—have come a long way since they formed in 1959. The Basser, Philip Baxter, and Goldstein colleges have played a vital role in the lives of more than 10,000 residents and many early residents came to the colleges through the Colombo Plan and have since taken on leadership roles throughout Asia, while many others have come from rural Australia to find a varied and successful life on campus. In this study, author Claire Scobie tells the stories behind each college’s culture, support network, social life, and many achievements, and discovers why past and present residents are so loyal to their college.

128 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2014

About the author

Claire Scobie is an award-winning journalist who has lived and worked in the UK, India and now Sydney. Her first book, Last Seen in Lhasa, is a memoir based on her friendship with a Tibetan nun, and won the Dolman Best Travel Book Award in 2007. Claire teaches writing workshops across Australia. Penguin published her first novel, The Pagoda Tree, in mid-2013.