For students in the Barossa, Gawler, Light, and Adelaide Plains areas, there used to be a challenging decision to make: stay local with limited resources or move to urban areas for more educational options. The Barossa Regional University Campus (BRUC) is changing that narrative.
BRUC, a part of a broader national network of study hubs funded by the federal Department of Education, provides local students with amenities commonly found in larger cities without the need to relocate.
Under the leadership of Campus Manager Nathan Little, who took the reins from Angie Kruger earlier in July, the institution is carving a niche for itself.
The campus, situated in Nuriootpa, boasts state-of-the-art 24-hour facilities: ergonomic standing desks for flexible study environments, high-speed Wi-Fi, modern computer systems, video conferencing tools, and even virtual reality tech. These tools are designed to aid and enhance the student’s learning experience, irrespective of where their peers or educators might be located.
The facility also houses diverse meeting spaces tailored to different needs: from solo study rooms to larger collaborative areas. A significant feature is the presence of large-screen TVs, now more than just entertainment devices, they are used to stream educational content.
An intriguing addition is a soundproof podcast studio, reflecting the changing digital landscape and catering to the rising popularity of podcasting among students.
While BRUC’s facilities are undoubtedly a boon, its location is strategic. Situated in the heart of Nuriootpa across the road from Barossa Public Library, students can easily access town amenities, further enhancing their campus experience.
The introduction of BRUC signals a shift. Previously, the lure of better facilities might have taken promising students away, often to bigger cities. Now, with world-class amenities in their backyard, there’s a potential to retain more talent locally.
BRUC stands as a beacon of educational evolution in the region. It operates from Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 4.45pm at 30/38 Barossa Valley Way, Nuriootpa.
Students seeking more information or looking to register free online can visit barossacampus.com.au
The event space at Barossa Regional University Campus
The podcasting studio at Barossa Regional University Campus
A large meeting room at Barossa Regional University Campus
