Ursula Hall

Ursula Hall is an established and well-regarded student housing center located within The Australian National University (ANU) at 50 Daley Road in Acton, Australian Capital Territory. As one of ANU's oldest Halls of Residence, having opened in 1968, Ursula Hall provides a distinctive, fully catered residential experience for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The hall is situated on a picturesque campus setting, directly opposite Sullivan's Creek at the corner of Dickson Road and Daley Road, offering a serene environment that still keeps residents connected to the broader academic community.

Ursula Hall Main Wing accommodates up to 208 undergraduate students in a close-knit, community-focused environment. The Main Wing is centered around a bright and sunny courtyard, which serves as the social and communal heart of the hall. Residents eat all their meals together in the Brian Francis Dining Hall, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and shared experience. The hall's self-managed catering function is often noted for its exceptional quality, a detail frequently highlighted by residents.

A separate wing, known as Laurus Wing, houses an additional 188 postgraduate students, creating a diverse, multi-level academic community. Ursula Hall prides itself on a vibrant, resident-driven culture built on the core values of inclusiveness, respect, and academic curiosity. The hall actively cultivates a relationship-rich environment, designed to facilitate personal growth and create meaningful opportunities for learning beyond the classroom.

Student Life and Community at Ursula Hall

The community life at Ursula Hall is a defining feature of the residence. With only 208 residents in Main Wing, the environment is consistently described by students as 'small' and 'homely,' allowing for genuine connections to form easily. Google Maps reviews repeatedly emphasize the strong sense of community, noting frequent social events and a welcoming atmosphere. One resident review on Google Maps stated they felt completely at home within their first month, praising the excellent community life and food. The hall's structure is designed to promote interaction, from shared meals in the dining hall to casual gatherings in the central courtyard.

Conversely, the close-quarters living can present challenges. Some reviews on Google Maps mention that the social atmosphere can lead to noise issues, with accounts of neighbors gathering in corridors late at night. This feedback suggests that while the community is vibrant and supportive, it requires a degree of mutual respect and a tolerance for a lively shared living environment.

Dining and Catering Services at Ursula Hall

As a fully catered residence, Ursula Hall Main Wing provides 21 meals per week to its undergraduate residents. The dining experience is managed directly by the hall, which the university emphasizes leads to an exceptional standard of food. The Brian Francis Dining Hall can seat all 208 residents and features designated 'quiet tables' for those who prefer a calmer meal environment. Residents also regularly enjoy eating in the adjacent courtyard and under quiet tables on the eastern end of the dining hall, especially during favorable weather.

The on-site management of the catering function allows for a more personalized and responsive dining service compared to outsourced options. While specific menus are not detailed in public sources, the quality of the food is a consistent positive theme in resident feedback, complementing the overall community experience.

Facilities, Rooms, and Amenities at Ursula Hall Main Wing

Ursula Hall Main Wing provides a standard room configuration with a shared bathroom, designed to suit undergraduate students. The weekly indicative tariff for a Standard Studio for the 2026 academic year is $484.00 on a 44-week contract. This tariff is inclusive of phone and internet connection, laundry facilities, and all utilities. Additional mandatory fees include a registration fee of $350 for new students, a refundable deposit of $1,000, and a Resident Committee Fee of $240. Initial upfront costs include a 2-week rent payment of $968.

The hall's amenities are extensive and designed to support both academic and social life. Key features include high-speed internet, dedicated study spaces, and a computer lab. Common areas include a canteen, a games room, and a main wing common room with an automatic sliding door for easy access and several quiet study rooms available 24 hours a day. Practical facilities include a laundry room, secured access, and limited paid resident permit parking at the Dickson parking station. The hall also offers academic and wellbeing support services. For accessibility, the ground level hosts all common spaces, while resident rooms are on levels 1 and 2, accessible via stairs.

Ursula Hall in Acton, ACT: Your Campus Home

Ursula Hall's physical address is The Australian National University, 50 Daley Rd, Acton ACT 2601. The hall is deeply integrated into the ANU campus, placing residents steps away from academic buildings, libraries, and the Di Riddell Student Centre. Its location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience; Sullivan's Creek runs opposite the hall, providing a scenic backdrop, while the Canberra city center is easily accessible.

The residence's opening hours for administrative inquiries are typically 08:00–16:00 on weekdays. The building itself has secured access for residents. The site is wheelchair-accessible on the ground floor, with accessible features in the common room. Interested applicants or their families can contact the ANU accommodation team directly for detailed information on specific accessible features within Main Wing.

Common Questions About Ursula Hall

Is Ursula Hall a catered residence?

Yes, Ursula Hall Main Wing is a fully catered hall, providing 21 meals per week to all undergraduate residents in the Brian Francis Dining Hall.

What living support does Ursula Hall offer?

Ursula Hall provides a range of support services focused on resident wellbeing and academic success, including formal wellbeing care and academic support structures integrated into the hall's community.

What are the lease terms for Ursula Hall Main Wing?

The standard contract term for Ursula Hall Main Wing is 44 weeks. The weekly tariff, inclusive of utilities, internet, and laundry, is listed as $484.00 for 2026.

Does Ursula Hall provide parking for residents?

Limited paid resident permit parking is available at the nearby Dickson parking station, though this is noted as limited and not guaranteed for all residents.

Is Ursula Hall accessible for students with mobility needs?

All communal spaces, including the common room with an automatic sliding door, are on the ground level. Resident rooms on upper levels are reached via stairs. Prospective residents with specific accessibility requirements are encouraged to contact the hall directly.

What is the community atmosphere like at Ursula Hall?

According to resident reviews on Google Maps, the hall fosters a vibrant, tight-knit community with regular social events and a strong emphasis on inclusivity. While the social atmosphere is a major draw, it is an active community, and noise during social gatherings can be a factor.

For students seeking a balanced campus life with provided meals, strong peer networks, and a supportive environment, Ursula Hall presents a compelling option. Compare this residence with other ANU accommodations and housing choices on Ilistify to make an informed decision about your university life.