Some truly cool things about UNSW that you might not know include:
There is a secret pathway through our campus.
Apparently there is a secret underground tunnel at UNSW that is used only in circumstances that resemble an emergency. As a student reporter on the case, I have endeavoured to find out the truth. I first sussed out the forums online, where one sneaky individual posted:
I can confirm this one (been down there myself)…it starts up near Scientia Lawn. There’s a tight passageway up near the IT centre, on the Scientia lawn side (l was squeezing sideways).
I asked Facilities Management and while they DID confirm the existence of the tunnel, they were unable to disclose the location…hmmmm!
Disclaimer: this may or may not be the actual tunnel.
We are building the world’s first quantum computer
The race to build the world’s first Quantum Computer has been deemed the ‘space race of the computing era’ and we are leading that race by a mile. We are currently years ahead of our competitors when it comes to building the world’s first quantum computer in silicon, and it’s all happening right here on campus at our Centre for Quantum Computation and Communications Technology (aka, that groovy green glass area in the big Physics building).
Official opening of the new high-tech quantum computing lab by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, with Prof Michelle Simmons. Photograph by Quentin Jones 22 April, 2016.
Rebel Wilson studied law here
Yep, before she became super famous, Rebel Wilson completed a Bachelor of Arts and Law at UNSW! She graduated in 2009. Sitting in the back of the class where she wasn’t known, she followed her passion for the arts and has become a worldwide movie star – so it seems there is hope for us all yet!
The Foucault pendulum in the Physics building has been stolen three times.
p.s. Why??
We have our own campus cats!
Cats understand prime real estate. So, the UNSW campus is home to a large group of cats who hang out, eat, sleep and do other cat stuff here. These cats on campus are humanely trapped, vaccinated and rehomed (when possible) or released back onto campus territory, where they are fed and monitored by UNSW Campus Cat Coalition (CCC) volunteers.
For all you cat people out there, you can find out more about the CCC here.
We have a swanky secret mansion campus
It’s called CliffBrook House, it’s heritage listed, and it’s a beach-side SANDSTONE MANSION. Located right on Gordon’s Bay and right next to Clovelly Beach, it looks amazing in every way. What classes do I have to do to study over there? Sign me up.
We own planes!
We have our own flying facilities and planes at Bankstown airport where students studying Aviation get to practice flying planes. We also have a partnership with Qantas Link, so next time you take a QANTAS link flight, you might even know the pilot!
We have our own famous musical ensemble.
The renowned Australia Ensemble live and practice at UNSW and they give FREE CLASSES and concerts all the time!! If you’re looking for something to add some culture to your day, check out their free concert dates here.
Image: Keith Saunders
We have some of the best Vietnamese food in Sydney.
Go check out the Pho House in the Mathews Pavillions. Do it NAO. Pho sho, go and grab yourself some Pho, a Chicken roll (Banh Mi) or Spring roll noodle salad. 10/10 would recommend.
By Camilla Newman
Very interesting, thank you.